John H. Ashley, high sheriff of Coffee County, and a prominent citizen of Manchester, was born in Rutherford County, June 13, 1848. He is the son of W. F. and Lidia a. (Mankin), both natives of Tennessee and of english descent; the former was born near Beech Grove in 1822 and died November 5, 1878; the latter, still living, was born in Rutherford county, in 1822. The elder Ashley was a farmer and a sound Democrat. Our subject was the oldest of seven children; received his academical education at Beech Grove Academy chiefly, and for sixteen years successfully prusued agriculture. In 1884 he was elected high sheriff of coffee County and was honored by re-election two years later by a handsome majority. He has risen, a self-made man, to his present successful position. December 18, 1868, he was married to Mattie E. Hightower, born in Murfreesboro in 1859, and a graduate from the Female Institute in her native city. Two children were born to them: Freelin H. born February 11, 1881, and Mamie, born September 7, 1883. Mr. Ashley is a stanch Democrat and a member of the Separate Baptist Church, while his wife belongs to the Methodist Episcopal Church, and is an influential lady