Cephas Little Bard, born April 7, 1843 in Chambersburg, Pennsylvania, was a well-known physician and prominent citizen of Ventura County in the late 19th century. Bard co-founded Ventura’s first hospital and was also a prominent medical researcher. His collection of curios was also the foundation of what would later become the Museum of Ventura County. Many of Bards family members were doctors on his maternal side, and on his paternal side he had relatives who were founders of the College of Physicians and Surgeons of New York. In addition, his paternal relative, Dr. Samuel Bard, was General George Washington’s physician and, his maternal great-grandfather, Colonel Robert Parker, was a colonel under Washington and received special recognition for gallant services.

He completed a course of classical studies at the Chambersburgh Academy before becoming a student doctor in the office of Dr. A. H. Senseny. During the Civil War, he enlisted as a private in Company A, 126th Regiment of the Pennsylvania Volunteers. Within that regiment he fought in the second battle of Bull Run and Antietam, Fredericksburg and Chancellorsville. After his term of service, he attended lectures at the Jefferson Medical College and was appointed assistant surgeon of the Pennsylvania volunteers and again went to serve on the front. He remained with his regiment until the surrender of Lee.

After the war, Bard returned to his home in Pennsylvania, where he practiced medicine until 1865, at which time he moved west to join his brother Thomas Bard. He was the first American physician to practice in what is now Ventura County. Following the establishment of the county in the early 1870s, Dr. Bard was nominated and elected coroner on both tickets. He was later re-elected, serving terms adding up to 20 years as county physician and surgeon. Bard was also president of the Ventura County Pioneer Society from the time it was organized and president of the Ventura County Medical Society. He also served as county health officer, was an active participant in the California State Medical Society, and was president of the state medical association.

Dr. Bard was a prominent member of the Grand Army of the Republic, the Military Order of the Loyal Legion, of the Knights Templar and other fraternal orders. He had an exceedingly large medical practice. His carriage and pet white horse Kit were often noted as he made house calls throughout the county. Bard was instrumental in the development of medical practice and infrastructure in Ventura County. On January 1, 1902, the Elizabeth Bard Memorial Hospital was opened to the public. Dr. Bard and his brother, Senator Thomas R. Bard, erected this institution as a memorial to their mother. The building is now known as the Elizabeth Bard Memorial Building and is located at 121 N. Fir Street.

Dr. Bard passed away on April 20, 1902 due to complications from a surgery. His obituary notes that he was thought of as “a valuable citizen and one beloved by everyone. He was known to every person in this section and all regarded him as a personal friend.”