Dr. Cephas L. Bard

Dr. Cephas L. Bard, a pioneer of San Buenaventura, of 1868, deserves special mention in this work. Previous to the Revolution the progenitors of the family to which he belongs came to America and settled in Franklin County, Pennsylvania, when the colony was in its infancy. The men were men of character and ability, active in the affairs of the time. The Doctor's father, Robert M. Bard, was a native of Chambersburg, Pennsylvania, born in 1810, and for many years practiced law in that county, being at the head of the bar; was a man of talent, a prominent leader, and a candidate for Congress at time of his death. He married Elizabeth Little, a native of Mercersburg, same State, who was born in 1816, the daughter of Doctor P. W. Little. Their family consisted of two sons and two daughters, the Doctor being the third child. He completed his education in a classical course at Chambersburg Academy, and his medical education at the Jefferson Medical College of Philadelphia. His ancestors on the maternal side were nearly all physicians, and on the paternal side Drs. John and Samuel Bard were founders of the College of Physicians and Surgeons of New York. It is but natural thereford that the subject of this sketch should inherit a taste for this profession. He began his medical studies by entering the office of Dr. A. H. Senseny, a talent physician of Pennsylvania; and while he was pursuing his studies there, he enlisted as private in Company A, One Hundred and Twenty-sixty Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, participated in the battles of the Second Bull Run, Antietam, Fredericksburg and Chancellorsville.  After his term of service had expired he attended lectures at the Jefferson Medical College; and later he passed a satisfactory examination before an army medical board, and was appointed assistant surgeon in the army.  Going to the front with his regiment, the Two Hundred and Tenth Regiment, Pennsylvania Volunteers, he participated in all its successes and reverses, in the Army of the Potomac, until the close of the war. This regiment was a crack one, composed of remnants of several veteran regiments, and was commanded by Colonel William Sergeant, brother-in-law of General Meade, Commander of the Army of the Potomac, and its history shows that it ever was in the front when the battle raged most fiercely, and its casualties were enormous. Its greatest losses occurred at Hatcher's Run, Dabney's Mills, the fights before Petersburg, Gravelly Run and Five Forks. One flag of truce sent in by Lee at Appomattox passed through a portion of this regiment deployed as skirmishers. By an official order one assistant surgeon was always with his regiment in order to give instant aid, and Bard was ever with his command, and on several occasions, when meeting with reverses, he remained behind exposed to the volleys of his friends as well as those of his foes.

    Returning home he continued his practice until 1868, when he came to Ventura County, California, where for twenty-two years, with exception of two years devoted to study in Eastern cities, he has been identified with all the interests of the place of his adoption. He was the first American physician with a diploma to locate in this county. By devotion to his calling and ambition for excellence he has justly attained an enviable reputation.

    His professional character has been shaped by his army experience and residence in a frontier country. Debarred association with the professional brethren and remote surgical supplies, he is bold, self-reliant and full of expedients. An accomplished rider and well versed in the language and ways of the native Californians, he seems to be "to the manner born." A description of his long rides; his varied adventures in mountains and swollen streams; his contact with characters not met with now, and his reminiscences of men and things, would make a most interesting book. He has not allowed himself to become an old fogy, but by close study, and by attendance at the Eastern medical schools, he has kept fully abreast of the times. He is at present a member of the Board of Pension Examiners, President of the County Medical Society, and Surgeon to the County Hospital.

    He is a member of the Military Order of the Loyal Legion, Grand Army of the Republic, and Knights Templar, and is a Republican in his political sympathies and a Presbyterian in his religious opinions. His residence is one that in all its features and appointments exhibits refinement and taste.

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