Whence the "A." in Wm. A. Ashley? (from Dennis Smith)

...  I think the middle initial of "A" for William Ashley is
a mistake.  I'm pretty sure that on one document, probably
his will, he signed with the letter "A" for his mark.  "X"
was not the only letter used to sign by mark.  I wish I had
it with me so that I could scan a copy for you and will do
that when I get home if no one takes care of it before then.