Putnam patriot., 1925-02-27
SUDDEN DEATH
 OF JOHN ASH
Widely Known Pomfret Man Stricken While On Way
 Home From Putnam
Funeral This Morning at Chriss Church Largely Attended


 No death in some time has so shocked this end of Windham county as that of John Ash of Pomfret, who died about midnight, Tuesday, fol- lowing a cerebral shock sustained while he was driving home m his automobile from Putnam to Pomfret between twelve and one o'clock Tues day afternoon. News that Mir. Ash had been stricken reached Putnam soon after he reached home but it was not believed possible by those who had seen him during the morn ing that his condition was critical. None were prepared to hear of his death Wednesday morning.
 Mir. Ash had been in consultation regarding a case in Pomfret in which he was acting as grand juror. It concerned boys who had broken into Pomfret station and those associated with him felt that he was very much concerned in the case and consider ably worried over the affair.
 Passed His Son
 After he had finished his business he left for home in his automobile. He passed his son, Fred Ash, on the way home and the son waved to him but got no salute in return.
 Mir. Ash managed to make the turn into his yard in Pomfret but here the engine stalled and he was unable to start it. Those who went to his assistance found him conscious but not able to articulate plainly. He remained conscious for an hour. He said that he felt numb and dizzy and that his hands were cold on the way home but twas able to make it. he said. He apparently fell asleep soon afterward and did not again regain consciousness.
 Funeral This Morning
 There was large attendance at the funeral service at Christ church, Pomfret. this morning at ll30 O. clock. Rev. Frank II. Bigelow oihciat- ing. Burial was in pomfret Mir. Ash had been heard to say years ago that if anything happened to him he would like to have members of the masonic fraternity for bearers This request was carried out, the bearers being; George Brousseau. Ray Bosworth, A. ". Marcy. George Minor, all of Put nam. and Carl Gilbert and Dr. James Hutehins of pomfret, all 32nd degree Masons.
 Born In England
 Mr. Ash WAS born in Waterhonse, England. sixty-two years ago. He at tended school and was married before coming to the United States. For some years he lived in Massachusetts and Rhode Island. He came to Pom fret thirty-five years ago and was landscape gardener on the beautiful estate of the late Eleanor J. Clark.
 Mir. Ash took an interest in public affairs and was active in all move ments for the advancement of his adopted town. In 1915 he was elect ed to represent the town in the House of the General Assembly, and in 1928 was elected senator from the 29th dis trict. serving on the committees of cities and burroughs, and fish and game.
 Mr. Ash was vice president of the Putnam Rotary Club, was trustee of the Putnam Savings Bank, was treas urer of Christ church, Pomfret, and was a grand juror of the town.
 Was 32nd Degree Mason
 Fraternally he was member of Masonic bodies. He joined Putnam Lodge of Masons of Woodstock; Put nam Chapter, Putnam; Montgomery Council. Danielson; Columbian Com mandery, Norwich, and Sphinx Fem pie, Order of the Mystic Shrine, Hart ford.
 No man was better known or more highly esteemed and respected in east ern Windham county than was MT. Ash. He had a pleasing personality, was genial and always gentlemanly. No citizen was more widely known than he; none was held in higher re- gard. He had not suffered physically, and was apparently in the best of health when suddenly stricken and taken away.
 Mir. Ash is survived by his wife and seven children, three sons and four daughters. All live in Pomfret ex- cept one married daughter who lives in California.