William Ashley & Nancy Ashley
	Here lies William Ashley and Nancy Ashley Master and Servant Faithful to each other in that relation in life, in death they are not separated. Stranger, consider and be wiser In the grave all human distinction, of race or cast, mingle together in one common dust. To commemorate their fidelity to each other this stone was erected by their executor. John Jackson 1878

William was the first city clerk. John Jackson, the surveyor, named one of the downtown streets after him, Ashley Street. Nancy was William's slave and, evidently, his lover.

Oaklawn Cemetery, Tampa FL       Cemeteries of Florida - © 1998 - 2003 Cheryl Alexander.