The Ashton Tract

Robert Ashton and his brother-in-law Isaac DeCou arrived in Delaware in 1686 and settled on a 300 acre tract of land they purchased called Chelsey Georges Creek. Ashton purchased DeCou’s portion upon his death in 1686. Through later purchases, Ashton consolidated 900 acres. The oldest house on the tract was constructed by Ashton c. 1700 and is located on the St. George Marsh. By 1706 his sons, John and Joseph, had both constructed large brick homes on the land. John’s home still stands on a nearby hill and Joseph’s home, similar to John’s but on the south side of the road, was destroyed by fire in the 1980s.