Background
His father Henry was a justice of the peace in Lancashire. His mother was one of the Bradshaws of Bradshaw, near Bolton.
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Henry Ashurst
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Henry Ashurst the son was apprenticed at the age of fifteen to a London draper. His prospects were advanced by a loan from the Review James Hiet, of Croston, Lancashire, and by his marriage with Judith Reresby.
Career
Of the sons of this marriage William engaged in politics, becoming Member of Parliament A daughter, Mary, became the wife of Doctor Theophilus Howorth, of Manchester. He became a successful merchant, entered the common council, and, though ejected in 1662, subsequently became an alderman. In 1667 he was living at Lauderdale House, but at the time of his death, which occurred in November 1680, he is called of Hackney.
His charities to his Lancashire countrymen were extensive: he allowed needy ejected ministers in that county £100 per annum, and relieved the widows of ministers.
He was interested in John Eliot"s missionary efforts in North America, and Eliot termed him his worthy and true friend. Ashurst acted as treasurer for the Society for the Propagation of the Gospel, was a trustee of Boyle"s Lectures, and was a patron of religious literature.
Baxter describes him as "the most exemplary person for eminent sobriety, self-denial, piety, and charity that London could glory of, as far as public observation, and fame, and his most intimate friends could testify."
The second son, William, was knighted in 1689, and was Lord Mayor of London in 1693. Each brother received £20 by bequest of Robert Boyle.
