Birchard, Virgil G.

VIRGIL G. BIRCHARD, farmer, P.O. Guy’s Mills, was born in Venango (now Cambridge) Township, this county, October 27, 1821, son of Virgil and Jemima (Marcy) Birchard natives of Massachusetts and early settlers of Crawford County, parents of four children, of whom Virgil G. is the eldest. The early life of our subject was spent on the farm and in attending school in the neighboring schoolhouse. His first farm was situated in Rockdale Township, this county, where he remained several years. In 1865 he purchased the farm on which he now resides, consisting of 106 acres of choice land, located in the northeast pare of the township. Ten years previous to removing here Mr. Birchard lived in the Brawley neighborhood, and while there was twice elected Justice of the Peace; has also served in other township offices. Was formerly a member of the State Police. During the Rebellion he was drafted, but hired a substitute. On December 3, 1844, he was married to Miss Mary H. Hall, born in Randolph Township, this county, February 15, 1826, daughter of Ansel and Clarissa (Spring) Hall. To this union were born three children: Celestia, wife of James Everett; Virgil A., landlord of the Commercial Hotel at Guy’s Mills, and Mary, wife of Jerry M. Burroughs, also of the Commercial Hotel. Our subject has been a consistent member of the Congregational Church of Guy’s Mills for several years. In politics he is a stanch Republican.