“ABRAHAM J. ASH
Rabbi Abraham Joseph Ash, one of the earliest
Settlers of Polish Jews in this country, and one of
the most prominent in American-Jewish history, died
yesterday at his residence, No. 54 1/2 Ludlow street
aged sixty-six years. He was born in Senjatisch,
Poland, came to this country thirty-six years ago,
and became one of the most remarkable Jews the
century has produced in this country, being esteemed
and authority upon ritualistic and dietary
laws both here and in Europe. Coming to this country
thirty-six years ago with no capital or friends.
he was compelled in order to gain a living to
shoulder a box filled with glass panes, which
he fitted. Into broken windows. Being always
studious he diligently applied himself after his
wearying day’s work of walking the streets In search
of jobs to the Talmud and other religious books
within his reach. When he came to this country he
did not forget the early teaching he had received at
the old synagogue in his native land, and almost his
first act after his arrival was to gather a
few of his countrymen and form a congregation
to keep alive the ancient Jewish
faith. Through the Kindness of a friend
who donated $2000 they incorporated themselves
under the name of Beth Bamedrash, locating their
place of worship la Elm street, where Rabbi Ash
gave his services without reward. Increasing members
compelled them to move from place to place,
until they at last secured the Episcopal church at the
corner of Norfolk and Broome streets, where now a
large and wealthy congregation worships. For
many years no one could kill animals for food for
the Jews in the country without a certificate from
Rabhi Ash.
The funeral will take place to-day at two o’clock.
The Rev. H. P. Mendes, of the Nineteenth Street
Synagogue, will officiate.”

http://www.ivelt.com/forum/download/file.php?id=36852&t=1

http://www.ivelt.com/forum/download/file.php?id=36853&t=1

“Rabbi Ash, who died in New York
on Sunday, was the recognized
(authority on the Talmud and genor- I
ally regarded as the foremost Hebrew j
theologian in this country.”

http://news2.nnyln.net/brockport-republic/brockport-republic-1883-october-1888-december/brockport-republic-1883-october-1888-december%20-%200781.pdf#xml=http://news2.nnyln.net/rrlc-all/dtSearch/dtisapi6.dll?cmd=getpdfhits&u=5cee1951&DocId=136844&Index=F%3a%5cdtSearch%20Developer%5cUserData%5crrlc%2dall&HitCount=3&hits=4fa+b74+165a+&SearchForm=F%3a%5crrlc%2dall%5cdtSearch%5fform%2ehtml&.pdf

P.S. are you related to the david-davidson family?