My Genealogy Hound

BIRD, WM. J., farmer, Sec. 5; P. O. Wever; son of John and Rebecca Bird, nee Bird, natives of County Dublin, Ireland; they married, and, in 1839, emigrated to America, settling in the Red River country, Louisiana, and, in 1842, came to Lee Co., settling in West Point Tp., where they remained until their death, which occurred, the father, in August, 1877; the mother, July, 1878, leaving four children — Wm. J., the eldest, and born in Louisiana, 1841, consequently 1 year of age on coming to Lee Co. His father being a carpenter, he learned that trade, which he followed during the summer season, teaching in winter, and remained a bachelor until February, 1877, when he married Emma, daughter of Patrick and Susan Donnaly. Her father, a native of Dublin, Ireland, emigrated to America in 1853; her mother, of Ohio. They settled in Illinois, where the daughter, Emma, was born, August, 1861. Democrat; has held the office of Township Assessor, President of School Board, Justice of the Peace, and various township and school offices.