Born June 16, 1839, on the farm at Pleasant Valley, Scott Co., Iowa, in a log cabin, such as the pioneers erected for their first homes in the county. He was the son of Jabez A. Birchard, who settled in Pleasant Valley in 1836. The family is of the good old Puritan stock which emigrated from New England over a hundred years ago. Eugene Birchard was reared in Scott County, and never had a home anywhere else. He received his education at Lombard University, Galesburg, Ill., and after he returned home from that institution he settled down to his father's calling, that of a farmer. In his young manhood he was married to Miss Kittie Donaldson, daughter of James Donaldson. He filled the office of township clerk and township trustee several years. He took active interest in other local matters of importance. He became attached to the Democratic party on reaching his majority, and had great influence in its councils in the county; and when that party united with the Liberal Republicans and came into power in 1873, Mr. Birchard was elected member of the 15th General Assembly; he served his constituents so well and honorably in that body, that two years later he was re-elected, becoming a member of the 16th General Assembly.

Born June 16, 1839, on the farm at Pleasant Valley, Scott Co., Iowa, in a log cabin, such as the pioneers erected for their first homes in the county. He was the son of Jabez A. Birchard, who settled in Pleasant Valley in 1836. The family is of the good old Puritan stock which emigrated from New England over a hundred years ago. Eugene Birchard was reared in Scott County, and never had a home anywhere else. He received his education at Lombard University, Galesburg, Ill., and after he returned home from that institution he settled down to his father's calling, that of a farmer. In his young manhood he was married to Miss Kittie Donaldson, daughter of James Donaldson. He filled the office of township clerk and township trustee several years. He took active interest in other local matters of importance. He became attached to the Democratic party on reaching his majority, and had great influence in its councils in the county; and when that party united with the Liberal Republicans and came into power in 1873, Mr. Birchard was elected member of the 15th General Assembly; he served his constituents so well and honorably in that body, that two years later he was re-elected, becoming a member of the 16th General Assembly.