Tanner Ashdown was the founder of the Ashdown family. The Mousefolk, and Ratfolk we're often in contention with one another before the alliance was formed. Tanner, despite his true intentions, garnered attention among the Mousefolk nobility due to connections within the Underbelly. If there was dirty work to be completed, everyone knew Ashdown would be willing to participate... for a price.
The Ashfolk Family are known to be greedy, but fair in their agreements, and deals. If there's an issue that needs to be dealt with quietly, Ashdown was the one to be called forth, usually in secret.
