After running a failed newspaper, and a moderately successful pharmaceutical store, Ashley’s interest turned toward politics. During his time in Toledo, Ashley was heavily involved in Republican politics and his devotion to the anti-slavery cause led to his election to the House of Representatives in 1858. It is here where Ashley actively fought to amend the U.S. constitution to ban slavery, and was instrumental in getting the 13th amendment passed in 1865. 

 

After the war, he served as Governor of the Montana Territory and President of the Ann Arbor Railroad.