Brother Gash was born in Macon County, Missouri, February 11, 1861. He received his education in the public schools of his native county. On February 1, 1878, he went to La Plata, twelve miles from his parents` home, to accept a position in a drug store. He was connected with the firm at this place, first as a clerk, then as a partner, until March, 1890, when he sold his interests and came to Provo City, Utah, where he became interested in the Smoot Drug company and its business manager. He filled the latter position until the 1st day of June, 1891, when he quit the drug business entirely.

Brother Gash had studied law for a number of years during his spare moments, and opened a law office at Provo at once after retiring from the drug business, and was admitted to the bar September 22 of that year. He continued in the practice of his profession at that place until August 31, 1898, when he moved from there to Chicago, Illinois, and opened an office in the Oxford Building, at 84 and 86 La Salle street, where he now enjoys a lucrative practice. He was married at La Plata, Mo., October 1, 1885, and now resides, with his congenial wife and son, Lowell E., at 756 South Kedzie avenue, in that city.

In politics Brother Gash is a Democrat of the Jeffersonian school. His ancestors on both sides have resided in Virginia, Kentucky and Missouri since before the days of the Revolution, all of whom have been firm believers in the principles of that party. Brother Gash was a member of the State organization committee of his party from the First Congressional district of Missouri at the time of his removal to Utah. He was on the State and County committee continuously, after division on party line in Utah, until he left the State; and was chairman of the Central Committee in Utah County at the time of his removal to Chicago. He filled the office of Deputy Circuit Clerk of Macon County, Mo., at La Plata, from January, 1885, to January, 1888, when he resigned on account of his private business requiring all of his attention. He was elected Prosecuting Attorney of Utah county two terms, and filled the position from January 1, 1893, to January 1, 1887. He was the first Gentile elected to a County office in Utah County. He was connected with the National Guard of Utah, being Judge Advocate General, rank of Colonel, on Governor West’s staff, from February, 1894, to January, 1886. He was appointed a member of the Trans-Mississippi Congress which met at San Francisco, California, February 13, 1894. He was freely mentioned as a prospective candidate for Congress of the Democratic ticket at the time he moved to Chicago, but left two weeks before the convention convened.

He has also a literary turn of mind, and has written some things for publication, the most conspicuous of which is “The False Star,” an historical novel, with the scene laid in Utah.
The Masonic life of Brother Gash began in 1883. He petitioned La Plata Lodge, No. 237, Mo., June 29, initiated July 18, passed August 18, and raised September 12, of that year. Was appointed J. D., June 24, 1885, reappointed June 16, 1886, and S. D., December 4, 1889. Dimitted September 24, 1890.

He affiliated with Story Lodge No. 4, at Provo, December 10, 1890. Was appointed Senior Deacon December 19, 1891, elected S. W., December 19, 1892, re-elected December 20, 1893, and W. M., December 22, 1894. Dimitted from Story Lodge March 19, 1901. Affiliated with Columbian Lodge, No. 819, Chicago, Ills.
Brother Gash made his first appearance in the Grand Lodge of Utah as a member, January 17,1893. He was appointed Grand Orator by M W Bro. Emery at this meeting. He was Junior Grand Warden, 1894, Senior Grand Warden, 1895, Deputy Grand Master, 1896, and Grand Master, 1897. He was Grand Representative of North Dakota from March 2, 1894 to December 28, 1898.

The Chapter degrees were conferred upon Bro. Gash in Utah Chapter No. 1, R. A. M., in the year 1896, as follows: Mark Master and Past Master, March 7; Most Excellent Master, April 25; and Royal Arch April 25. He is now a member of Lafayette Chapter No. 2, at Chicago. He was Knighted in Utah Commandery No. 1, K. T., June 25, 1896, and is now a member of Appolo Commandery No. 1, at Chicago.