Biographical Sketch of

Asa Bunce

Transcribed by Sandra Boudrou for the Marquette Co WI Pages


Source: Portrait and Biographical Album of Green Lake, Marquette and Waushara Counties, Wisconsin, 
published 1890 by Acme Publishing Co., Chicago, Pages 713 - 714 


Asa Bunce, deceased, was born in Windham, Conn., May 26, 1803, and died at his home on section 21, Berlin Township, 
Green Lake County, July 2, 1884, a respected and honored citizen.  His father was Aaron Bunce, of English descent, 
who followed farming throughout the greater part of his life.  For a number of years he engaged in that occupation 
in Connecticut, and then removed to Genesee County, N.Y., where he resumed the same line of business, which he 
continued until his death.  He was survived by his wife for some years, that excellent lady dying at the home of 
her son John, in Berlin Township.  They were the parents of ten children, but all have now passed away.
 
We know that this sketch of Asa Bunce will be received with pleasure by his many friends in this vicinity, as he was 
widely known and was respected by all with whom he came in contact.  He is numbered among the pioneers both of Rock 
and Green Lake Counties, the date of his arrival in Wisconsin being 1841, and he settled in the former county, there 
continuing to reside for four years, when he came to Green Lake County, locating on a farm in Berlin Township.  There 
his wife still resides, amid the scenes where she passed so many happy years of her wedded life.  The land which our 
subject purchased was in a wild uncultivated state and entirely destitute of improvement.  With characteristic energy, 
however, he built a log cabin, and began transforming the virgin soil into a rich and cultivated farm.  He lived alone 
for a number of years, but on July 22, 1861, chose for himself a helpmate, and in that year was united in marriage with 
Elizabeth Kinrade.  They became parents of two children, who share with their mother the great loss occasioned by the 
death of Mr. Bunce.  Both are still at home.  Nettie, the daughter, is the elder,  F. Grant, the son now has charge of 
the home farm, which he manages with much ability.  He was married Nov. 27, 1888, Miss Elsie Brown becoming his wife.
 
William and Elizabeth (Kennel) Kinrade, parents of Mrs. Bunce, are natives of England, the former born in Liverpool, in 
1808, the latter near the birth place of her husband, in 1820.  They were married in 1835, and in 1856 emigrated to America,
and settled on a farm in Berlin Township, on which they lived until age compelled an abandonment of the active duties of 
life.  To them were born eight children, viz:  William, Elizabeth, Edward, Catherine, John, Henry, Joseph, Daniel.
 
Mr. Bunce continued the work of improving and developing his land until he had one of the finest farms in the county.  He 
also extended its boundaries by subsequent purchase, until it comprised 267 acres, and the many and beautiful improvements 
there seen attract the attention of all passers-by.  There are seen two fine residences, one of which Grant occupies, 
commodious barns and outbuildings, and all improvements necessary to a well-regulated farm.  By his own efforts Mr. Bunce 
acquired his possessions, and at the time of his death had a competency which leaves his family in comfortable circumstances.  
He owned 577 acres of arable land, beside town property in both Berlin and Broadhead.  He was a man who cared little for 
political distinction, never seeking for public office, content to devote his leisure to the enjoyment of his home.  He, 
however, served as Assessor for one year, but the election was not through his seeking.  In politics, he was a stanch 
advocate of the Republican party, and felt a deep interest in its success.  In religious belief, he was a Universalist.  
He possessed a broad charity for all men; actuated by benevolence he performed many acts of kindness, and his upright life
commanded the respect and love of all.  He was eighty-one years of age at the time of his death, but though he long outlived 
the Psalmist threescore years and ten, he retained the brightness and much of the vigor of early manhood.  The county lost 
a good citizen, his neighbors a kind friend, and his family a loving husband and father.
 
To judge accurately of human disposition, and to be convinced of the fullest development of the power and strength of the 
affection and gratitude that exists in man, we have only to observe how he treats his servant--the beast.  That all these 
characteristics were uncommonly developed in Mr. and Mrs. Bunce, and by them transmitted to their children is evidenced 
in the care and attention that is bestowed upon a family horse that was foaled the property of Mr. Bunce in 1851.  "Charley" 
(as he is called) was Mr. Bunce's favorite buggy horse, and as such remained until the close of his considerate owner's death; 
since when the faithful old servant has been permitted to pass his declining days in restful repose, the recipient of every 
attention that a grateful family can bestow.
 
Mrs. Bunce, who is a most estimable lady, is still living on the old homestead with her daughter Nettie.  Like her husband 
she delights in doing good, and her many warm friends hold her in the highest esteem.  (See portrait of Mr.and Mrs. Bunce on 
page 712.) 






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