Prior to becoming a general authority, Ashton was a prominent local leader of the LDS Church in Salt Lake City, Utah.

Ashton was born in Salt Lake City, Utah Territory to Mormon parents.

He married Rachel Grace Jeremy in 1906 and in 1907 went to England as a missionary for the LDS Church.

In 1938, Ashton was called as first counselor to LeGrand Richards in the church's presiding bishopric.

Ashton served in the presiding bishopric and as a general authority until his death from coronary occlusion in Salt Lake City.