During this time he married Elizabeth Burnham, the daughter of his surveying employer Zaccheus Burnham, and had four children with her. Birdsall established a farmstead with her in Asphodel Township, where Elizabeth died as a result of an accident in 1827. Birdsall continued surveying despite his new civic duties, albeit with less intensity. In 1830 he completed the survey of Smith Township, which had only been partially done in 1818. He also worked with fellow surveyor William Hawkins on establishing the northern boundary of the Huron Tract. By 1830 Birdsall had also become an agent for the Canada Company, tasked with inspecting settlers on company land throughout the colony for compliance with the developmental terms of settlement. In order to keep their land settlers were required to clear it, establish proper housing on it, and turn it into a viable farm within a period of a few years. These inspections occupied most of Birdsall's attention for the remainder of his life. Birdsall's rank of captain in the local militia put him in charge of the Asphodel contingent when the militia was activated in response to the Upper Canada Rebellion in 1837, though it appears his contingent was not involved in any notable incidents. Immediately following the end of the rebellion Birdsall paid to raise and equip a new militia battalion based in Peterborough. The summer before the rebellion, Birdsall married for a second time, to Charlotte Jane Everett of Belleville, and this union produced four children. As a judicial officer, Birdsall was extensively involved with the litigation that followed the 1838 construction of a dam on the Trent River near Hastings, Ontario. The dam caused the water levels in Rice Lake to rise, damaging many waterfront properties in the area. His exposure to many of the inhabitants of the District in his roles as justice and land agent formed the basis for his transition into politics. Upon the creation of Colborne District in 1841, Birdsall became the representative for Asphodel Township on the District Council for two years. This was followed by an attempt to join the Parliament of the newly created Province of Canada. While Birdsall chose not to run in the election in 1844 to represent Peterborough, he did campaign in the election of 1848. This saw a splitting of the vote with another Conservative candidate, resulting in a victory for the Reform candidate. In 1850, the Districts in Canada were replaced by Counties, and political offices for the municipalities were created. Birdsall became the first Reeve of Asphodel Township, while representing Asphodel on the council of the new Peterborough County.