I have a stand of mature black ash and am wondering if it would make suitable timbers for a home. I have read several books on timber framing and can't find any mention of black ash suitability. My neighbors tell me that several of the large dairy barns in this area of Wisconsin contain black ash timbers which have held up well for over 50 years. I expect that it might have a tendency to split easily. Has anyone used black ash successfully or have any opinions on it? I would welcome any references to pertinent literature.

I know that ash is used as a framing timber in New England. Not sure if it is the same species of black ash. There is a tendency for the eastern ash to split and check while drying, but I have been in several houses successfully built from eastern ash.
The NDS book does not list strength values for ash. Using values for white pine should provide an adequate margin of safety. Also. the local agricultural extension of Forrestry Service folks in your area may have some information on the local timber.