P a s t,   P r e s e n t,   F u t u r e
In 1917, Beverly D. Ashlin opened an office in the First National Bank Building for the practice of public accounting. Mr. Ashlin’s practice increased rapidly and his reputation as a competent and highly ethical accountant became widely recognized.

In 1933, Philip W. Hutchings, Sr., CPA, became associated with Mr. Ashlin and this association continued until Mr. Ashlin’s death on December 10, 1940.

In December of 1945, Arthur W. Knight joined the staff of Ashlin and Hutchings after returning from overseas service with the U.S. Armed Forces in Europe. Following the death of Mr. Hutchings, the partnership of Norwood A. Thomas and Arthur W. Knight was formed on October 26, 1948 under the name of Ashlin, Thomas & Knight.

James W. Trent had joined Ashlin and Hutchings on August 1, 1947 and had continued on the staff of Ashlin, Thomas & Knight. The Roxboro office was opened on November 19, 1949 in the Kirby Building, and on January 1, 1950 he became a partner.

On September 13, 1972, the Professional Association of Thomas, Knight, Trent, King and Company was formed with the partners of the former partnership as stockholders, plus the addition of Elbert C. Yarborough who had joined the firm in 1958.

Daniel H. Craig, CPA, CFP^®, PFS joined the firm in 1984 and became a shareholder in 1988. At the time of Mr. Trent’s retirement, Mr. Craig assumed the role of Shareholder-in-Charge of the Roxboro office. A position he still holds today.