Asa W French was born in the town of Peru, Berkshire county, Mass., April 21, 1817 having just passed his 62nd year. Being left fatherless at an early age, he was afforded but little educational advantages, in the general acceptation of that term, but with a mind ever on the alert to add to his rapidly increasing stores of knowledge, he obtained an education that placed him in the ranks of those whom this land is noted for producing, and who are among her most prominent men in all occupations and professions -- self-educated, self-made men.
The earlier part of his life was spent upon the farm, and at the age of 21 he left his home in Peru and went to Pike, Wyoming county, New York, where in June 1839, he married Abigail C Partridge, who survives him.
Three children were born to them: Merrick and Edwin who are dead, and Lydia, who is the estimable wife of our townsman, Andrew Slutter.
He resided about 18 years in Pike, there, as here, holding frequently places of public trust; coming to the great West in the spring of '55 moving his family here the fall following.
Since that time, though for a short period engaged in farming, he has resided in Charles City; for the most of the 24 years of his residence being in office, and for all of them known to all men as a man of sterling uprightness of character. Few if any men in our State have been so frequently placed in official positions. Elected township clerk twenty times, school secretary every year save one since he became a resident of the county; holding the office of assessor many terms he had ample opportunity, which he well improved, of becoming the best informed man in the county as regards schools, their laws and requirements, and the ever changing valuation of property he had so often assessed.
The earlier part of his life was spent upon the farm, and at the age of 21 he left his home in Peru and went to Pike, Wyoming county, New York, where in June 1839, he married Abigail C Partridge, who survives him.
Three children were born to them: Merrick and Edwin who are dead, and Lydia, who is the estimable wife of our townsman, Andrew Slutter.
He resided about 18 years in Pike, there, as here, holding frequently places of public trust; coming to the great West in the spring of '55 moving his family here the fall following.
Since that time, though for a short period engaged in farming, he has resided in Charles City; for the most of the 24 years of his residence being in office, and for all of them known to all men as a man of sterling uprightness of character. Few if any men in our State have been so frequently placed in official positions. Elected township clerk twenty times, school secretary every year save one since he became a resident of the county; holding the office of assessor many terms he had ample opportunity, which he well improved, of becoming the best informed man in the county as regards schools, their laws and requirements, and the ever changing valuation of property he had so often assessed.
Asa W French was born in the town of Peru, Berkshire county, Mass., April 21, 1817 having just passed his 62nd year. Being left fatherless at an early age, he was afforded but little educational advantages, in the general acceptation of that term, but with a mind ever on the alert to add to his rapidly increasing stores of knowledge, he obtained an education that placed him in the ranks of those whom this land is noted for producing, and who are among her most prominent men in all occupations and professions -- self-educated, self-made men.
The earlier part of his life was spent upon the farm, and at the age of 21 he left his home in Peru and went to Pike, Wyoming county, New York, where in June 1839, he married Abigail C Partridge, who survives him.
Three children were born to them: Merrick and Edwin who are dead, and Lydia, who is the estimable wife of our townsman, Andrew Slutter.
He resided about 18 years in Pike, there, as here, holding frequently places of public trust; coming to the great West in the spring of '55 moving his family here the fall following.
Since that time, though for a short period engaged in farming, he has resided in Charles City; for the most of the 24 years of his residence being in office, and for all of them known to all men as a man of sterling uprightness of character. Few if any men in our State have been so frequently placed in official positions. Elected township clerk twenty times, school secretary every year save one since he became a resident of the county; holding the office of assessor many terms he had ample opportunity, which he well improved, of becoming the best informed man in the county as regards schools, their laws and requirements, and the ever changing valuation of property he had so often assessed.
The earlier part of his life was spent upon the farm, and at the age of 21 he left his home in Peru and went to Pike, Wyoming county, New York, where in June 1839, he married Abigail C Partridge, who survives him.
Three children were born to them: Merrick and Edwin who are dead, and Lydia, who is the estimable wife of our townsman, Andrew Slutter.
He resided about 18 years in Pike, there, as here, holding frequently places of public trust; coming to the great West in the spring of '55 moving his family here the fall following.
Since that time, though for a short period engaged in farming, he has resided in Charles City; for the most of the 24 years of his residence being in office, and for all of them known to all men as a man of sterling uprightness of character. Few if any men in our State have been so frequently placed in official positions. Elected township clerk twenty times, school secretary every year save one since he became a resident of the county; holding the office of assessor many terms he had ample opportunity, which he well improved, of becoming the best informed man in the county as regards schools, their laws and requirements, and the ever changing valuation of property he had so often assessed.
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