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William Ashton (1803-1870)

Miscellaneous uncataloged materials

The items listed here are from the collection of William Adolphus Ashton (1903-1870), who emigrated with a group from Manchester, England, to establish a co-operative community in Franklin County, Indiana, in 1834. When this community failed in 1836, Ashton turned first to the manufacture of oilcloth, then to the study and practice of medicine, and last to farming, for his livelihood. This collection contains materials related to his commercial, agricultural, and medical ventures. It also reflects the variety of interests - political, religious, and economic - which would have been of great concern to such an advocate of social reform as was Ashton. Ashton's papers and other materials concerning him are located in the Lilly Manuscript Division.

To request these materials for use, complete a Lilly Library charge card indicating the collection and specific box and item number. Example:

   HX 519 
   Box 1, no. 6

BOX 1:
- MISCELLANEOUS PAPERS MANIFESTOES
- ADDRESSES
- SERMONS, ETC. RELATED TO ASHTON'S INTEREST IN SOCIAL REFORM.
- CONTAINS MATERIAL ON OWEN'S NEW MORAL WORLD AND AN ITEM ON FOURIERISM.
BOX 1 (continued):
- PAPERS RELATING TO VARIOUS KINDS OF CO-OPERATIVE SOCIAL AND COMMERICAL VENTURES.
BOX 1 (continued):
- PAPERS CONCERNING ASHTON'S INTERST IN MECHANICS' INSTITUTES AND THEIR LIBRARIES.
BOX 1 (continued):
- MATERIALS RELATING TO ASHTON'S CONCERN WITH THE TRADE UNION MOVEMENT.
BOX 2:
- MATERIALS CONCERNING COMMERCE AND CURRENCY REFORM.
BOX 2 (continued):
- PAPERS RELATIVE TO ASHTON'S INTEREST IN FRATERNAL ORGANIZATIONS
BOX 2 (continued):
- MATERIALS CONCERNING ASHTON'S MEDICAL CAREER
BOX 2 (continued):
- MISCELLANEOUS PERIODICALS AND NEWSPAPERS FROM THE ASHTON COLLECTION (FUGITIVE ISSUES ONLY)
BOX 2 (continued):
- MISCELLANEOUS MATERIALS FROM THE ASHTON COLLECTION
BOX 2 (continued):
- ITEMS OF CONTEMPORARY ADVERTISING MATERIAL FROM THE ASHTON COLLECTION

BOX 1 MISCELLANEOUS PAPERS MANIFESTOES, ADDRESSES, SERMONS, ETC. RELATED TO ASHTON'S INTEREST IN SOCIAL REFORM. CONTAINS MATERIAL ON OWEN'S NEW MORAL WORLD AND AN ITEM ON FOURIERISM.

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1. An address delivered at the commencement of the Association of All Classes of All Nations, May 1, 1935. Extracted by permission from the New Moral World. London, printed by C. Baker, 1835. 23p.
2. Association of All Classes of All Nations. (Circular stating the goals of the Association.) London, printed by R. Hunter (n.d.) 1 sheet.
3. Haslam, C.J. A defence of the social principles, delivered in the Social Institution, Salford,...being an answer to a lecture delivered by the Rev. J.R. Beard, Unitarian minister, on Sunday, April the 30th, 1837. 15p
4. Jones, Lloyd. A reply to Mr. R. Carlile's objections to the five fundamental facts as laid down by Mr. Owen. Manchester, A. Heywood, 1837. 15p.
5. MacConnell, Thomas. A lecture on the signs of the times. London, Eamonson, 1832. 14p.
6. M'Diarmond, William. Rare news for laborers. (Cincinnati, 1842). 8 p. A pamphlet on Fourierism, with a short account of that system, signed A.B.
7. Manchester and Salford District Provident Society. Sketch of the design of the ....Society. (Manchester, printed by Harrison and Crossfield, 1833). 3p.
8. Manchester Reform Association (Circular describing the objects, rules and regulations of the Association.) Manchester, printed by Alexander Wilkinson (1832) 1 sheet.
9. On competition. (London, Bovingdon, n.d.) 3p.
10. Wade, Arthur S. A voice from the church; or, a sermon... on church reform, pledges, cheap government, cheap justice, cheap food, cheap knowledge, and on a cheap and efficient medium of exchange; also, on the duties which the electors and elected will owe to the represented and unrepresented people of Great Britain and Ireland, especially to the working classes. London, James Ridgway, 1832. 36p.
10a. Rational system of society: what human nature is. (n.p., n.d.) 2p. A leaflet calling for the organization of society on the basis of the laws governing man's nature.
10b. 2 English broadsides relating to the Reform Bill, dated 1831 and 1832.
11. (Collection of religious poems.) 10 p. Pamphlet lacking title page.
12. American Tract Society. One honest effort; or, the college student. (n.p.,) American Tract Society, n.d.) 4p
13. Conway, M.C. The natural history of the devil. (Tracts for the times, no. 5). Albany, Ladies' Religious Publication Society, 1859. 12p.
14. Difference between religion and morality, with sketches of Padre O'Wagtail & Co., wafer god manufacturers. (n.p., printed for the author, 1836) 7p.
15. Francis, Samuel. Watson refuted; being an answer to the "Apology for the Bible," in a series of letters to the Bishop of Llandaff. Glasgow, H. Robinson, 1836. 76 .
16. Haslam, C.J. A letter to the clergy of all denominations, being the first of a series, showing the errors, absurdities, & irrationalities of their doctrines. Manchester, A. Heywood (1838) 11p.
17. ----. Letter VIII to the clergy of all denominations . . . Manchester, A Heywood, 1838. 12p.
18. ----. Letter VIII to the clergy of all denominations . . . Manchester, A. Heywood, 1838. 12p.
19. Helvetius. The true meaning of the system of nature. Translated from the French of Helvetius. With notes, added by the translator. London, R. Carlile (n.d.) 55p.
20. Kenworthy, Charles. A peep into the temple; or, The Pharisee and Publican, Illustrated in a few poetical remarks on these characters in the present day Manchester, printed by M. Wardle (n.d.) 48p.
21. A letter to a theological student, by a student of the sciences. (London , printed by R. Carlile, n.d.). 8p.
22. Mandley, G.F. A letter in reply to certain observations made by J.S. Buckingham, Esq., M.P.,....on the causes, consequences, and remedy of intemperance. Manchester, printed by W. Jackson, 1834. 8p.
23. Religious Tract Society. The substance of Leslie's "Short and easy method with the deists"; and "The Truth of Christianity demonstrated." (London) Religious Tract Society (n.d.) 24p.
24. A serious appeal to a man who disbelieves the Bible. London , J. Kershaw (n.d.). 8p.
25. Twenty-Second homily of the United Church of England and Ireland. London, J. Kershaw (n.d.) 16p.
26. Voney, C.F. The law of nature; or, Principles of morality, deduced from the physical constitution of mankind and the universe. Translated from the French. C.F Volney. London, James Watson, 1833. 40p.
27. Wesley, John. Salvation by faith; a sermon. London, J. Kershaw, 1823. 12p.
28. Western Tract Society. Punishment and forgiveness. (n.p., Western Tract Society, n.d.) pp. 69-72 of a larger work.
29. Wright, R. An essay on the humanity of Christ; intended to show the consistency and utility of maintaining that our Lord Jesus Christ is one of the human race. Liverpool, printed by F.B. Wright, 1808. 36p. Bound with the following:
- Newcastle Unitarian Tract Society. On the character of God. (n.p.,) Newcastle Unitarian Tract Society, 1815) 12p.
- An appeal to the serious and candid professors of Christianity. (Leeds, 1772; rpt. Newcastle, K. Anderson, 1814) 24p.
- Philoteknos. A short treatise on baptism, showing that infants, together with adults, are proper subjects of baptism, and wherein the objections of Anabaptists are answered according to the word of God. Huddersfield, printed by J. Lancashire, 1810.
30. Christian Association for commencing, and preparing for commencing, through the Divine Grace of God, the promised Millenium on Earth. (Circular announcing a public meeting in which the Association's plans for emigrating and establishing a totally Christian community are to be explained.) (Glasgow, printed by W. and W. Miller, n.d.) 1 sheet.
30a. The Congress. (A leaflet announcing that "the Grant Congress" is fast Approaching, when 'we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ.'") London, printed by William Clowes (n.d.) 1p.
31. Exercises in analytical observation: adapted to the capacities of children and intended to develop their reasoning powers, to guard them against the blighting influence of common errors, and to render them familiar with those great and important truths which should form the basis of their education. Book I. (n.p.) Jan., 1831. 8p.
32. Prentice, Archibald. Remarks on instruction in schools for infants. Manchester, Archibald Prentice, 1830. 47p.
33. Salford Co-Operative School. [Printed letter from the teachers of the school "To the friends of education and morality," appealing for funds.] (n.p.n.d.) 1p.
34. Society for Promoting Christian Knowledge. The Saturday Magazine. Issues for Jan. 1833 (v. 2, no. 35), and 31 Oct. 1835 (v.7, no. 213).
35. Society for the Diffusion of Useful Knowledge. The Penny Magazine. Issue For Sept. 1832. (v. 1, no. 30).
36. ----[Prospectus for a new weekly penny newspaper to be published by the Society, to be entitled the Salford patriot; first issue announced for 16 Feb. 1833.] [n.p.,] [n.d.] On verso, a pencil note by Ashton stating that he will open a school for the diffusion of useful knowledge on Monday, 17, Nov. 1934.
37. ---[Announcement of the opening of the Rational Institution, for the Diffusion of Useful Knowledge, Newton.] [n.p., printed by Leigh & Wooley, n.d.] 1 sheet. Ashton's signature at foot.
37a. ----[Subscriber's Ticket for the Rational Institution, for the Diffusion of Useful Knowledge.] Signed by Wm. Ashton, President.

BOX 1 (continued) PAPERS RELATING TO VARIOUS KINDS OF CO-OPERATIVE SOCIAL AND COMMERICAL VENTURES.

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38. An Essay, in answer to the question, whether does the principle of competition with separate individual interests; or, the principle of united exertions,
39. First London Social Community. Co-operative catechism. London, First London Social Community, 1832. 8p.
40. Friendly Co-operative Society. Rules, orders and regulations, to be observed by the members belonging to the Friendly Co-operative Society, Cheetham Street, Rochdale, Rochdale, printed by J. Walker, 1830. 12p.
41. Friendship Community. The Communist. Issue for Jan., 1873 (v. 3, no. 2). The newspaper of the community, located near Buffalo, Dallas County, Mo.
42. Fry, Charles. [Printed letter, signed, on the best methods for financing co-operatives.] Bears neither heading nor date. 2p.
43. Leavitt, Samuel. Circular of the Unitary Home, Cincinnati, O., conducted on same plan as that in New York. [n.p., n.d.] 1p.
44. London Co-operative Society. Articles of agreement (drawn up and recommended by the London Co-operative Society) for the formation of a community within fifty miles of London, on principles of mutual co-operation. [London, London Co-operative Society] 1826. 12p.
45. ----. The Co-operative Magazine. Issue for Feb., 1828 (v. 2, no. 3).
46. The Progressive Union; a society for mutual protection in right. New York, Central Bureau, 1855. 23p.
47. Protective Union Store No. 2, of Cincinnati. [Constitution of the store.] Clippings pasted into 5 pages of small notebook.
47a. Invitation to attend Second Quarterly Meeting of Shareholders in the Social Community Company, Salford, June 29, 1833.
47b. Two admission tickets for an Excursion by water...[for] scholars and friends of the First Salford Co-operative Society's School, Whit-Thursday, 1832. (Cf. Item 33 above)

BOX 1 (continued) PAPERS CONCERNING ASHTON'S INTERST IN MECHANICS' INSTITUTES AND THEIR LIBRARIES.

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48. Detrosier, R. An address delivered at the New Mechanic's Institution, Pool Street, Manchester, on Wednesday evening, December 30, 1829. Manchester, printed by T. Forrest [n.d.] 20p.
49. Hume, Joseph. [Printed letter to Mr. Rowland Detrosier, President of the Manchester New Mechanics Institution, dated 6 Nov. 1831, agreeing to "allow my name as patron of that establishment."] Manchester, printed by Archibald Prentice. 1p. On verso are notes, probably by Ashton, on poverty and education.
50. M'Cormac, Henry. On the best means of improving the moral and physical condition of the working classes: being an address, delivered at the opening of the first monthly scientific meetings, of the Belfast Mechanics' Institute. London, Longman, Rees, Orme, Browne, and Greene, 1830. 24p.
51. Manchester Mechanics' Institution. Sketch of the objects & advantages of the Manchester Mechanics' Institution, Cooper Street. Established April, 1824. [n.p.,] printed by Leigh & Wooley, [n.d.] 3p.
52. New mechanics' Institution, Manchester. Catalogue of the library belonging to the New mechanics' Institution, Pool-Street, Manchester; together with the rules and regulations of the institution. Manchester, printed by Thos. Forrest, 1831. 18p.
53. Stayley-Bridge Mechanic's Institution. Rules and orders of the Stayley-Bridge Mechanic's Institution, for the promotion of useful knowledge among the working classes. Established September 7th, 1825. Stayley-Bridge, J. Brierley, 1825. 10p.
53a. Circular announcing a series of lectures to be given by Mr. Detrosier on the Present Moral and Political State of Society. (Cf. Item 48 above)

BOX 1 (continued) MATERIALS RELATING TO ASHTON'S CONCERN WITH THE TRADE UNION MOVEMENT

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54. An address to the members of trade unions, and to the working classes generally; being an exposition of the relative situation, condition, and future prospects of working people in England, Scotland, and Ireland, together with a suggestion and outline of a plan by which they may gradually and indefinitely improve their condition. By a journeyman bootmaker. London, Watson, 1838. 48p.
55. National Association for the Protection of Labour. Addresses of the National Association for the Protection of Labour, to the workmen of the United Kingdom. [Manchester, printed by Alex. Wilkinson, n.d.] 4p. Bound with National Association Tracts, nos. 1-5. [Manchester, printed by C. Wallis, n.d.] 4p. each.
56. ----. The General laws of the National Association for the Protection of Labour. [Manchester, printed by C. Wallis, n.d.] 4p.
57. National regeneration: 1. Letter from Mr. Fitton to Mr. Fielden; 2. Letter from Mr. Fielden to Mr. Fitton; 3. Letter from Mr. Holt to Mr. Fielden; which letters contain a development of all the principles and all the views connected with this important contemplated change in the manufacturing affairs of the country. London [printed by William Cobbett] 1834. 39p.
58. National Union of the Working Classes and Others. The object and laws of the National Union of the Working Classes and Others. [n.p., n.d.] 8p.
59. Society for Promoting National Regeneration. The herald of the rights of industry. Issue for 5 Apr. 1834 (no. 9).
60. ----. Rights of industry: catechism of the Society for Promoting National Regeneration. Manchester, printed by W. Foster [n.d.] 12p.
61. ----. Rights of industry. [Manchester, printed by W. Foster, n.d.] 3p. Report of a meeting at the Prince's Tavern, Manchester, 25 Nov. 1833, at which the Society was formed.
61a. Two copies of circular To the Disciples and Friends of the Social System residing in Great Britain, Ireland, France and America. London, July 21, 1833. [n.p.]
61b. Circular announcing publication of A weekly newspaper to be called The Voice the People. [Manchester, printed by Alex Wilkinson, n.d.]
61c. Unspecified emblem presumably associated with labor unions.

BOX 2 MATERIALS CONCERNING COMMERCE AND CURRENCY REFORM

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1. The circulating medium, and the present mode of exchange, the cause of increasing distress amongst the productive classes; and an effectual measure for their immediate and permanent relief, pointed out ion the universal establishment of equitable exchange banks, in which all the business of life may be transacted without money. By a co-operator, London, Strange, 1832. 8p.
2. First Western co-operative Union. Information to the public and co-operators upon the subject of exchange of labour for labour by means of exchange notes. [n.d., printed by S. Bovington, n.d.] Bears pen note by Ashton on p. 4. "Sir. You will be kind enough to announce that a Tea Party for the benefit of the school will be held on Shrove Tuesday - Admittance 1/ each person."
3. Manchester and Salford Bank for Savings. Thirteenth annual report, 4 Mar. 1831 [n.p.] printed by Henry Smith [n.d.] 1 sheet, folded.
4. Social Missionary and Tract Society for Promotion Human Happiness. Labour Banks. [Leeds, printed by Edward Baines and son, n.d.] 2p.
5. Warren, Josiah. Reformation of the currency upon the principle of labor for labor; a new principle of foreign and domestic commerce which is now being introduced in practice, and which deeply affects the immediate interests of both sexes, and all classes of society. [Cincinnati, printed by Josiah Warren, Dec., 1840] 8p.

BOX 2 (continued) PAPERS RELATIVE TO ASHTON'S INTEREST IN FRATERNAL ORGANIZATIONS

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6. Patrons of Husbandry. Constitution of the Patrons of Husbandry, issued by the National Grange, Washington, D.C. Washington, printed by Cunningham, Lane, & McIntosh, 1868. 13p.
7. -----. [Circular, headed "National Grange, Washington, D.C., Sept. 1868," setting forth the organization and objectives of the order.] 1p.
8. Order of Patriarchs. Experience of Mrs. H.F.M. Brown with the psychocosmon; furnished by request, and read before the Patriarchal Order, To which is appended notes of explanation, by Daniel Gano, W. C. Cincinnati, printed by authority, 1856. 8p.
9. ----. [Ritual of the First Degree, or Family of the Patriarchs.] [n.p., n.d.] 7p.
10. ----. [Ritual of the Second Degree, or Assembly of Sires and Matrons,] [n.p.,] [n.d.] 15p.
11. ----. Complaint of Eliza J. Kenny against John M. Spear. Printed sheet, dated Cincinnati, 1 Aug. 1858. Report of a Session of the Cincinnati Branch of the High Degree of Judge, of the Order of Patriarchs, at which various charges were brought against Spear by Kenny, both members of the Order.
12. Williams, J. Shoebridge. The Patriarchal Order, or True Brotherhood; the time, place and manner of its marvelous commencement, its rapid progress, its rare beauties, and its exalted usefulness. With an account of an abortive attempt to degrade and expel the writer, in which the would-be expellers became the expelled. Also, a proposition to re-establish the Order upon a better basis, and upon more purely patriarchal principles. By J. Shoebridge Williams, messenger of the Order, Cincinnati, printed by Longley Bros., 1855. 48p.

BOX 2 (continued) MATERIALS CONCERNING ASHTON'S MEDICAL CAREER

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13. American Medical Association. Code of ethics adopted by the American Medical Association; revised to date. New York, William Wood & Co., 1867. 39p.
14. Caldwell, John. A toxicological chart, of the principal poisons of commerce, arranged according to the different primary operations, by which they produce their effects upon the human system; together with a short definition of their properties, characteristics, and antidotes. Cincinnati printed by John D. Thorpe [n.d.] 1 sheet.
15. Eclectic College of Medicine, Cincinnati. Announcement, 1857-58. [n.p., n.d.] 4p. Announcement of course offerings, fees and faculty. Also contains the school's articles of association. Ashton's name is listed as a signer of the articles and as a trustee and treasurer of the institution.
16. ----. Programme of commencement exercises, 28 Jan. 1858. Cincinnati, printed by Longley Bros., [n.d.] 2p.
17. Eclectic Medical Institute of Cincinnati. Programme of commencement, 11 June, 1853. Cincinnati, Ben Franklin Print. [n.d.] 6p.
18. Johnson, W.B. [Announcement that Dr. Johnson, specialist "in the treatment of all diseases peculiar to the female, including obstetrics," is establishing an office in Cincinnati. Includes a list of references and a series of difficult cases the doctor has treated successfully. [n.p., n.d.] 8p.
19. William S. Merrell & Co. [Price list of various medicines, medical supplies, and textbooks available from the firm.] [n.p., n.d.] 16p.
20. Phonographic Magazine. [Issue for Oct., 1860. Contains an advertisement for Dr. C.H. Cleveland's The physician's pocket memorandum for 1861.
21. School of Veterinary medicine and Surgery of Cincinnati, Ohio. [Circular announcing courses, fees, and textbooks.] [n.p., n.d.] 1p.
22. Wright, J.F. [Circular dated Cincinnati, 10 Dec. 1861, advertising Dr. Wright's remedies for various female disorders.] 1p.
23. Advertisement for Dr. John King's Women: their diseases and treatment, to be published by Longley Bros., Cincinnati. [n.p., n.d.] 2p.
24. Two pages of illustrations, probably from an anatomy text.
25. A phrenology chart.
25a. 51 newspaper clippings and pamphlets relating to Ashton's interest and career in medicine.

BOX 2 (continued) MISCELLANEOUS PERIODICALS AND NEWSPAPERS FROM THE ASHTON COLLECTION (FUGITIVE ISSUES ONLY)

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26. Allegheny Valley Echo (Emlenton, Pa.). Issue for 29 Jan. 1860
27. The Anti-Bread-Tax Circular (Manchester). 17 Nov. 1842.
28. The Birmingham (England) Advertiser. 12 Jan. 1843.
29. The "Destructive" and Poor Man's conservative. (Newcastle-upon-Tyne). 30 Nov. 1833.
30. Evening News (Cincinnati). 11 Apr. 1845.
31. The Indiana State Journal (Indianapolis). 3 Nov. 1880.
32. The Lancashire Omnibus, or Weekly Entertaining Instructor. 2 Aug. 1832.
33. The Mute and the Blind (Trenton, N.J.). 8 Mar. 1862.
34. The National Trades' Union (New York). 7 Nov. 1835.
35. The Newton-Heath Squib; an Occasional Satirical Publication. Nov., 1832.
36. The Northern Star, and Leeds General Advertiser. 24 Dec. 1841.
37. The Oeconomist, or Englishman's Magazine (Newcastle-upon-Tyne). Nov., 1798.
38. The Pennsylvanian. 5 Sept. 1840. One leaf only.
39. The Penny Satirist (London). 21 May 1842.
40. Pictorial Yankee Doodle (New York). 1 Jan. 1848.
41. The Times (London). 20 Dec. 1842. Pp. 3-6 only.
42. The Western Journal and Cincinnati Democrat. 15 Sept. 1838.
43. The Real Lapsus Linguae, or College Mirror (published every Tuesday and Friday by T. Hill & Son, South Bridge Street, opposite the College...). 4 Jan. 1825.
43. A printed list of names, headed "8th Ward. Union Delegation." Ashton's name appears as a member of the delegation. Bears pencil notes, probably in Ashton's hand, and the date Sept. 20th, 1861.

BOX 2 (continued) MISCELLANEOUS MATERIALS FROM THE ASHTON COLLECTION

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44. A printed list of names, "8th Ward. Union Delegation." Ashton's name appears as a member of the delegation. Bears pencil notes, probably in Ashton's hand, and the date Sept. 20th, 1861.
45. Wright, Frances. Course of popular lectures as delivered by Frances Wright...., With three addresses on various public occasions, and a reply to the charges against the French reformers of 1789. London, J. Watson [n.d.] 16.
46. A dialogue & song between Joan and Margaret. [n.p.] printed by Barnes [n.d.] 1p.
47. A parody on the celebrated song called The Woodpecker. Manchester, printed by Barnes [n.d.] 1p.
48. O what a shocking bonnet and Chapter of cheats [2 songs]. [n.p.] printed by Wheeler [n.d.] 1p.
49. Sheet listing events for the Blackley Wakes for 1 Aug. 1828. Manchester, printed by Wilkinson [n.d.] 1p.
50. A portrait of Robert Owen.
50a. 15 poems clipped from newspapers.

BOX 2 (continued) ITEMS OF CONTEMPORARY ADVERTISING MATERIAL FROM THE ASHTON COLLECTION

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51. 18 pieces of advertising for various medicinal products. These may be related to Ashton's medical practice.
52. 6 items advertising saws, mowers, reapers, and other agricultural implements. Possibly connected with Ashton's farming enterprise.
53. 9 items advertising window shades. From 1848-1856, Ashton was a partner in a Cincinnati firm which manufactured window shades; these pieces may relate to that venture.
54. 5 pieces of advertisement for soap and other cosmetics manufactured by John W. Ashton, Pawtucket, R.I. This individual may be Ashton's brother, John Whiteley Ashton.
55. 42 pieces of miscellaneous advertising.
56. A design, bearing Ashton's signature, which he may have used for commercial purposes.