Prev
Incident
Chief Ashby was shot and killed while attempting to arrest two brothers who had attempted to rob a group of children on South Scott Street. As he approached the men one of the produced a pistol. Despite having the pistol pointed at him, Chief Ashby did not draw his weapon and proceeded to subdue one of the brothers. As he handcuffed the man the other brother shot him in the back, killing him.
Both brothers fled the scene. One of them was shot and killed by a posse. The other was apprehended a short time later. He was convicted of Chief Ashby's murder and executed in the electric chair on April 29, 1932.
Chief Ashby had served with the Madisonville Police Department for 3 years. He had previously served with the Earlington Police Department.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
neuraspine_01krbxtpzt4xm81x13791w50k7- Stewardship
- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
- Added to badge.nw
- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
Are you family? This record can be claimed and maintained by those who knew John. Claim this record.
This page is permanent and free. No fee to view it, no advertising, no tracking, and no account required. It will not be taken down.
Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Chief of Police Ashby gave the Madisonville Police Department 3 years.
Thank you for your service to the Madisonville community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Chief of Police Ashby.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Madisonville Police Department has lost 2 officers; 2 of them killed feloniously.
John is one of 756 officers killed feloniously in KY, 76.8% of the 984 remembered there.
John is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
John is one of 17,631 officers killed feloniously worldwide, 51.7% of the 34,117 remembered here.
34,117 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1929, 18 officers in KY were killed feloniously, the 6th heaviest of 147 years on record. The heaviest was 1926, with 22.
In 1929, 205 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 12th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1929, 206 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 14th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
John was 61. Of the 669 killed feloniously in KY whose age is recorded, half were between 33 and 49; the middle age was 41. John had served 3 years; the middle length of service was 4 years.
John was 61. Of the 14,220 killed feloniously in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 47; the middle age was 38. John had served 3 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
John was 61. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. John had served 3 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
November holds 10.1% of these deaths in KY; December holds the most, 11.5%. Sundays: 18.7%.
November holds 8.1% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Sundays: 15.2%.
November holds 8.2% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Sundays: 15.2%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 2 deaths at Madisonville Police Department. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 100% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 76.8% of all 984 deaths in KY, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 22.8% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 57.1% of all 27,551 deaths in the United States, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 23.4% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 51.7% of all 34,117 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 20.9% of these deaths.
His people
Madisonville Police Department has 2 officers remembered here, John among them.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 61-E
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
1 officer from Madisonville Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
