John B. Ashcraft was born in Union County and resided there as a teacher prior to enlisting at the age of 27. He was elected Captain of Company D on September 1, 1861, and Major on July 1, 1862. He was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel in November, 1862, He was wounded at Chancellorsville on May 1-4, 1863, and resigned May 15, 1863, due to his wound and the deterioration of his health. His resignation was accepted on July 30, 1862. Lieutenant Colonel Ashecraft is buried in the Bethel Baptist Church Cemetery in Union County, North Carolina.