Michael Hoole Ashwell

ASHWELL, Michael Hoole (1825-91), medical officer of health, Stoke upon Trent.

Michael Hoole Ashwell, eldest son of John Ashwell, farmer, of Great Fenton, was born at Coddington Manor, near Newark, on 24 November 1825. After graduating from University College Hospital, London, he was appointed house surgeon at Newark Infirmary. His degrees were MRCS(Eng) and LSA. 

He came to the Potteries in 1852 and entered into partnership with Dr. Robert Garner  until 1879, and afterwards with Dr. Alexander McAldowie. 

On the incorporation of the borough of Stoke upon Trent in 1874 he was appointed medical officer of health. He was surgeon to the local militia and after this body was replaced by the volunteers in 1859 he served the latter until his death. He also acted as medical officer to the Stoke upon Trent Board of Guardians  and was honorary physician to the North Staffordshire Infirmary. 

Soon after his arrival in Stoke he married Catherine Lydia, daughter of John Clover  of Longton, and had two sons, John Blow Ashwell and Albert Henry, later vicar of St. Mark's church, Jersey.

Up to 1874 Michael Hoole Ashwell was a member of the board of improvement commissioners, and for some time was a member of the Stoke upon Trent school board. He died on 13 July 1891 at Stoke Lodge, Oakhill, and is buried in a family vault in Hartshill cemetery. Along with Colin Minton Campbell and other notables in a  prominent site immediately adjacent to the main entrance. 

 

 

 The area directly in front of the main entrance 
of Hartshill Cemetery 

 

Rear left William Kirkham JP Pottery Manufacturer Mayor of Stoke 1890-3	Rear centre Colin Minton Campbell Colin Herbert Campbell Pottery Manufacturers	Rear right Michael Hoole Ashwell Medical officer of health for S-o-T
Front centre Henry Charles Faram Ironmonger Mayor of Stoke 1893-4

 

SOURCES: Staffs. Advertiser 18 July 1891; People of the Potteries headstone in Hartshill cemetery.