Asahel Bisard

Asahel Bisard

Asahel Bisard, farmer, section 26, Ashland Township, was born in Medina Co., Ohio, April 5, 1825, and is a son of Philip and Betsey (Rush) Bisard. The parents were natives of Pennsylvania, of Dutch extraction.

Mr. Bisard was chiefly employed upon his father's farm until he was 16 years old. On arriving at that age he went to Greene Co., Pa., and apprenticed himself to his uncle, Daniel Rush, to learn the mason's trade. On the completion of his time of service he returned to his native county, where he found plenty of occupation in the various departments of his trade. He was married Oct. 10, 1845, to Emily, daughter of Joseph and Mary (Jones) Salisbury, born Sept. 15, 1825, in Orange Co., Vt. Her parents removed in 1833, to Winstead, Cuyahoga Co., Ohio, and later to Medina Co., Ohio, where she grew to womanhood.

After his marriage Mr. Bisard engaged a year in a cabinet shop, after which he went to Erie County in the Buckeye State, and engaged in farming until the summer of 1851, when they located in Grand Rapids. Mr. Bisard there pursued the business of mason for four years. In the spring of 1855 he settled on 80 acres in Ashland Township. It was in its original condition, and he has now placed it in a very fine state of cultivation, with a substantial farm residence in process of construction. The other farm buildings are proportionately good, and among other improvements he takes a just pride in his orchard of 200 trees of choice selection of fruit.

Mr. Bisard is a radical Democrat, and both himself and wife belong to the M.E. Church. Their six children were born as follows: Samantha (see sketch), Nov. 6, 1846; Franklin, Dec. 25, 1847; Polly, July 22, 1850; Charles L., Jan. 14, 1855; Orson, Aug. 27, 1862; and John, Jan. 27, 1864.

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