An abolitionist.  Elected to congress, he wrote the 13th amendment.  Fought Lincoln to get it passed. 

Accompanied Mrs. Brown to John Brown's hanging and wrote a full page account of it which was published in the Toledo Blade.

Not at all like his portrayal in the recent Lincoln movie. 

Sources

Guide to the James M. Ashley Papers, 1860-1960. Ward M. Canaday Center for Special Collections, The University of Toledo