June 4, 2008: Kaptur Guides Passage of Resolution to Rename Federal Courthouse in Toledo After 'Lud' and James Ashley
June 4, 2008
“This resolution by the House recognizes two well-known lawmakers, two favorite sons of our community,” Congresswoman Kaptur said. “These visionary Americans advanced America’s promise and made immeasurable public service contributions to both define and direct the course of our nation—James Ashley in the abolitionist fight of the Nineteenth Century and Lud Ashley in the binding up of America’s wounds in the civil rights struggle in the Twentieth Century.”
James Ashley served in the U.S. House of Representatives during the Civil War era (1859-1969). His lasting accomplishment was to co-author legislation in 1864 that resulted in the constitutional amendment to abolish slavery in the United States. Congress passed the legislation in 1865; the requisite number of states ratified the Thirteenth Amendment to the Constitution in December of that year. James Ashley later served as chairman of the Committee on Territories and was appointed governor of Montana.
“These extraordinarily brave actions illustrate James Ashley’s courageous leadership,” Congresswoman Kaptur said. “They reflect the Ashley family’s place in history on the scales of justice and equality for all people.”
His great-grandson, Thomas Ludlow Ashley, served 13 terms in the U.S. House (1955-1981), including a stint as chairman of the Select Committee on Energy, to which he was appointed by Speaker Thomas “Tip” O’Neill to prepare comprehensive legislative proposals to promote energy independence. He also served as Chairman of the Committee on Merchant Marines and Fisheries and as Assistant Majority Whip.
“Lud” Ashley was also a leader in community development. “His efforts led to better housing for the less fortunate across our nation,” Kaptur said. “As chairman of the Housing and Community Development subcommittee for the Banking Committee, he, like his great-grandfather, championed social justice. He wrote and gained passage of the Housing and Community Development Acts of 1974 and 1977 to rebuild America’s cities and communities.”
Kaptur, described Ashley as “a banker’s banker,” said he also gained passage of the Bank Merger Act of 1966, the Export Development Administration Act of 1969 and the Export Expansion Finance Act of 1971 as well as the Energy Conservation Act of 1976.
Lud Ashley, an Army veteran of World War II, founded a legal and consulting firm in Washington, D.C. after leaving the House.
James Ashley served in the U.S. House of Representatives during the Civil War era (1859-1969). His lasting accomplishment was to co-author legislation in 1864 that resulted in the constitutional amendment to abolish slavery in the United States. Congress passed the legislation in 1865; the requisite number of states ratified the Thirteenth Amendment to the Constitution in December of that year. James Ashley later served as chairman of the Committee on Territories and was appointed governor of Montana.
“These extraordinarily brave actions illustrate James Ashley’s courageous leadership,” Congresswoman Kaptur said. “They reflect the Ashley family’s place in history on the scales of justice and equality for all people.”
His great-grandson, Thomas Ludlow Ashley, served 13 terms in the U.S. House (1955-1981), including a stint as chairman of the Select Committee on Energy, to which he was appointed by Speaker Thomas “Tip” O’Neill to prepare comprehensive legislative proposals to promote energy independence. He also served as Chairman of the Committee on Merchant Marines and Fisheries and as Assistant Majority Whip.
“Lud” Ashley was also a leader in community development. “His efforts led to better housing for the less fortunate across our nation,” Kaptur said. “As chairman of the Housing and Community Development subcommittee for the Banking Committee, he, like his great-grandfather, championed social justice. He wrote and gained passage of the Housing and Community Development Acts of 1974 and 1977 to rebuild America’s cities and communities.”
Kaptur, described Ashley as “a banker’s banker,” said he also gained passage of the Bank Merger Act of 1966, the Export Development Administration Act of 1969 and the Export Expansion Finance Act of 1971 as well as the Energy Conservation Act of 1976.
Lud Ashley, an Army veteran of World War II, founded a legal and consulting firm in Washington, D.C. after leaving the House.