DEADLY CONSEQUENCES

A 10-Day Digital series from Oct. 23 to Nov. 1, 2024, the 100th anniversary of the end of the Ashley Gang

Part 3 of 10

BAD DAD

Joe Ashley
This is one of the few photos of Joe Ashley, on left, known to exist. Next to him is neighbor Albert Miller. SANDRA MARIO PROVENCE ARCHIVE

John Ashley and his brothers followed the criminal example of their father Joe

BY GREGORY ENNS

While the patch-eyed John Ashley is historically acclaimed as the leader of what became known as Florida’s notorious Ashley Gang, it was John’s suave father, Joe Ashley, who forged a path of criminality for John and his four brothers.

Until the 1920s, Joe typically had been portrayed as law-abiding and supporting his son out of paternal loyalty. He seemed slightly apologetic for John’s actions and appeared to have a jocular relationship with both the media and law enforcement.

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