The First Asher's in Platte County

Here are some interesting tidbits that I pulled from a book written in 1885, called History of Clay and Platte Counties, Missouri. If you had ancestors here back then it is a really good resource. Robert D. is my Great, Great, Great Grandfather. William is his dad.

Since 1823 there was a settlement on the Clay County side near Barry, a trading post. William and his son Robert Asher and their families had houses on the Platte side, called Second Creek, along with 18 others. In 1836 Government authorities issued a peremptory order for them to move out—abandon their claims, farms, houses, everything; troops from Ft. Leavenworth followed up the order by expelling those who were not prompt to go. Robert’s house was one of three houses burned by the soldiers. Less than a year later the land was opened for settlement. (541-2 Hist. Clay & Platte)

Robert D. Asher

(Farmer and Stock-raiser, Post-office, Smithville)

The subject of this sketch is a man well known to the people of this portion of Missouri, for his whole life has been passed within the boundaries of this and Clay counties. He was born in the latter county September 14, 1831, and in early youth worked upon the home farm. His father, William Asher, a Virginian by birth, was born in Culpepper county, October 17, 1771, and in 1815 moved to Madison county, Ky., where he followed the cooperage business. Coming to Clay county, Mo., in 1828, he remained there until 1836, when Platte county became his home. At the time of his death, in 1845, he was farming. His wife, Lucinda Clayton, to whom he was married in 1813, was born in Spottsylvania county, Va., in 1772. The father was a gallant soldier in the War of 1812, and in his farming operations met with average success. His wife was a member of the Christian Church. Robert D. Asher was one of three children, the others being Eliza, who died in infancy, and William C., born December 16, 1816. He went to California in 1849, and engaged in the hotel business. Robert D. grew to manhood here, and on January 18, 1857, was married to Miss Mary E. Russell, a native of Henry county, Ky., born April 15, 1836. He was a member of the Christian Church. Mrs. Asher’s parents are connected with the M. E. Church. She died June 25, 1881, leaving six children living and four deceased. Those living are: William C., in Clay county; James R., in Platte; John R., in Clay; Nan P., born November 7, 1868; Anna V., born April 20, 1872, and Thomas J., born May 15, 1875. Mr. Asher’s second marriage occurred December 15, 1882, to Lydia A. Hinton, of this county, born May 15, 1848. They have two children Willie and Louis E. Mrs. Asher’s father, John Hinton, originally from Fleming county, Ky., moved to Platte county, Mo., in 1844. Shortly before leaving his native place he had been married to Miss Eliza Cox, of that locality. The former was in the Mexican War, and also in the late civil strife on the side of the Union. Mr. Asher is a member of the Christian Church. He commenced in life for himself in 1859, and since that time has been actively and successfully engaged in tilling the soil. He own 120 acres of land, well improved and stocked, and is in a comfortable condition, notwithstanding he has met with reverses. He and his wife are members of the Christian Church. Mrs. Asher’s parent are connected with the M. E. Church. (923 Hist. Platte & Clay)