Asa Baird

Asa Baird, the owner of the Elm Park Farm, on section 3, Urbana township, Monroe county, was born on the old homestead, September 5, 1859. His father, Asa S. Baird, was a prominent and influential early settler of the county, who located in Urbana, later moving to Mantua township. He married Sarah Tharp and they became the parents of nine children, of whom the subject of this review is the fifth. Upon his father’s farm Asa Baird spent the days of his childhood and youth, and as his age and strength increased he became more and more actively engaged in the work of the fields. His education was obtained in the district schools, and throughout his entire life he has followed farming, finding it a profitable source of income because of the methods he has followed and the thrift and enterprise which characterize his work.

In 1892, in Troy township, Monroe county, Mr. Baird was united in marriage to Miss Eva Barnhill, a lady of intelligence and good family, who has been a faithful companion and helpmate to her husband during the ten years of their married life. She was born, reared and educated in this county, a daughter of William Harvey Barnhill, who died June 26, 1899, his wife having preceded him on the 4^th of April, 1889. About fifteen years ago they became residents of Iowa. Both were natives of Kentucky and the father was a gallant soldier of the Civil war, serving in Company C, Thirtieth Regiment, Iowa Volunteer Infantry. During an engagement he was wounded in the left hand. In politics he was an earnest Republican and both he and his wife enjoyed the warm regard of many friends. In their family were nine children: Mary Alice, Josephine, Virginia, Anna, William, Rosa, Charles W., Ralph and Mrs. Baird. The home of Mr. and Mrs. Baird has been blessed with four children: Charles Edgar, Harvey S., Clara Grace and Frank Orville.

The Elm Park Farm comprises two hundred and thirty-three acres of valuable land, rich and productive. In addition to waving fields of grain there are rich meadow lands of bluegrass, large barns and feed lots, and an orchard of fine fruits. The house is a pleasant one, and neatness and thrift characterize the place and indicate to the passer-by the enterprising and progressive spirit of the owner. Mr. Baird gives his political allegiance to the Republican party, believing firmly in its principles and doing all in his power to secure its success and the election of his friends who become candidates for office. He has frequently served as a delegate to county conventions. His wife is a member of the Christian church, and he contributes to its support, for he is found as a friend of temperance, morality and education, and he believes in progress along all lines that will add to the welfare of the county.