William Bernard

When the hey-day of life has been spent and old age comes on, it is a blessed privilege to be able to look back upon a life of fruitful effort and to know that not all the opportunities thrown in one’s way have been passed by; and certainly in a country of opportunity, this great United States, no man can offer any excuse for not enjoying this privilege, and it is a pleasure to here record the life of one who has passed a successful career and now reaps the contentment coming to the retired farmer.

Malechia Bernard, who was born in Maryland, came from there to Seneca county, Ohio, when that state was still young, and he remained there till his death. He married Sarah Rayner, a native of Maryland, and she died in Michigan. These were the parents of the subject of this sketch and they had nine children in all, six sons and three daughters: John, deceased; Susan, deceased; Edwin, deceased; Aaron; William; George; Washington, deceased; Ellen, deceased; and Mary. Malechia Bernard was a member of the old Whig party and his religious belief was that of the Methodist Protestant church.

William Bernard is able to claim the beautiful old state of Maryland for his birthplace, being born there in Frederick county, December 17, 1823, and he was reared and educated in that place. At the age of seventeen he came to Ohio, where he remained for eleven years. His arrival in Monroe county is dated in 1855, and he first located in Pleasant township, but afterward bought a farm in Jackson township, which he still owns, although he is now retired from active farming. He belongs to the Republican party and for a number of years was a successful attorney, but he has never aspired to any of the honors that come with political office. His has been a well-rounded and full life, and he is a representative and worthy citizen of the county.

While residing in Seneca county, Ohio, Mr. Bernard was married to Elizabeth Egbert, who was a native of that county. Eight children now make up the happy family, seven sons and one daughter, as follows: Charles W., George M., Warren, Rolla, Jesse, Alta, William Jr., and one who died in infancy. Mrs. Bernard died December 31, 1890, and on October 15, 1902, Mr. Bernard married Miss Sarah Albert, who is a native of Indiana.