William and Nance Ashley's graves, are by far the most celebrated and one of the most curious of the interments at Oaklawn. William Ashley was a prominent white civic leader, serving as City Clerk. Nancy, the African-American servant who bore his surname, was also William's longtime companion and it was presumed also his wife outside the law. Following instructions left to William's executor John Jackson (another prominent white Tampan), the Ashley grave was opened to receive Nancy upon her death and, "to commemorate their fidelity in each other," a headstone was erected.
