Benjamin Bisard

Benjamin Bisard

Benjamin Bisard, blacksmith, section 27, Ashland Township, was born in Madison Co., Ohio, March 28, 1821. He is a son of Philip and Elizabeth (Rush) Bisard, natives of Pennsylvania, where they resided most of their lives, removing to Madison County in 1820. When he was four years old his parents went to Medina Co., Ohio, and there he assisted on the farm until he was within one year of his majority. In 1841 he entered upon an apprenticeship with Frederick Rice, of Lodi, Medina Co., Ohio, to acquire the craft of blacksmith. After concluding his term of contract with Mr. Rice he established his business at Chatham, Ohio, and afterwards at Spencer, where he was associated in blacksmithing with his brother-in-law. Later he went to Penfield, Lorain Co., Ohio, and there followed the same vocation from the spring of 1846 to that of 1853, when he returned to Medina County, and worked as a blacksmith until the fall of 1863. At that date he came to Newaygo County. He settled on section 27, where later he bought 40 acres of land, of which he is still the proprietor. It was all in dense forest, just as nature had adorned it after her own plan and pattern. Mr. Bisard has cleared and otherwise improved 25 acres. In addition to his farm he conducts a good business in his shop, in which he is accounted a skillful and reliable artisan.

Mr. Bisard was married May 31, 1840, to Mary, daughter of Abraham and Elizabeth (Taylor) Oakley, of Chatham, Ohio. Her parents were natives of New Jersey. After marriage they removed to Wayne Co., Ohio, where the daughter was born, June 26, 1823. Her mother died when she was five years old, and she was placed in the care of her grandparents, with whom she remained until her marriage. Six children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Bisard, as follows: Randall D., June 12, 1845; James J., July 16, 1847; Philip, May 16, 1852; Abel W., March 17, 1860; Joseph, born April 9, 1849, died July 22, 1866; John J., May 12, 1856, died April 2, 1859.

Mr. Bisard is a Democrat, and has held various township offices. Mrs. Bisard is an active member of the M.E. Church.

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