James Ash was born in 1749 and died in 1830. During the American Revolution, he served as a Lieutenant under Brigadier General John Cadwalader. James Ash was the High Sheriff of Philadelphia from 1789 to 1791.

James Ash had 24 children with at least two wives (he was married 3 times). His first two wives died in childbirth. His first wife was Sarah Hinchman (married in 1771). His second wife was Rachel Morgan (married in 1803) and his third wife was Margaret Hudson, daughter of Captain James Spark, (married October 19, 1819).

James Ash is buried at the Christ Church Burial Ground at 5^th & Arch Streets in Philadelphia. The inscription on his tombstone reads:

James Ash Esq. departed this life on the 24^th of Jan 1830 in the 82^nd year of his age, “An active patriot and soldier of the Revolution who during life had the happiness to be respected and loved by a numerous body of relatives and friends who now cherish his memory and deplore his death.”