Death of a Bright Boy. – Thomas B. ASHTON, son of the late James H. ASHTON, died at the residence of his mother, Maury county, Tennessee, July 12th, 1869, aged about 18 years.  He was a young man of extraordinary promise.  His mind was of the very first order.  His moral character unexceptionable.  He was, in all respects, one of the most admirable young men whose death we have been called to mourn.  He had been a professor of religion and member of the M.E. Church South, for two years.  He met death calmly and triumphantly, and without a cloud or fear sweetly “fell asleep in Jesus.”  We expect to meet him in the bright world above. – R.G. Irvine, July 20, 1869.

Source: Columbia Herald, 23 July 1869