The Bird Family, Part I

The Birds of Tilney St. Lawrence, Walpole St. Peter, and Terrington St. Clement, Norfolk

Summary of the descent of Alan Blythe

Robert Bird		Susannah Lowden
William Bird		Sarah Harrold
John Flint		Sophia Bird
John Jarratt Blythe		Mildred Mary Flint
Alan Blythe		Jessie Clara McCullough

The search for the origin of the present family (which is ancestral to my adopted mother) has been complicated by the presence in the same vicinity of a larger and wealthier family, of Emneth, which had no demonstrable connection with the present one (see The Bird Family, Part II). These notes have been only slightly revised from those circulated amongst family members in August of 1991. It is not possible at this time to undertake more, and I regret to say I am presently unable to go through my files to answer inquiries concerning this family.

All extracts from parish registers are from originals or photographic copies thereof, unless otherwise stated; some of this material is available on the LDS FamilySearch website.^[1] Unfortunately, both the Norfolk Transcription Archive (formerly at http://www.genealogy.doun.org/transcriptions/) and Alan Gresley’s Wisbech and the Fenlands project (formerly at http://contueor.com/wisbech/index.htm) are now defunct.

The printed indexes to wills proved in the Consistory Court of Norwich, 1751-1857, show no persons named Bird in the area, and several other sources have been searched to no avail.^[2] Various unplaced persons encountered during the course of this search are gathered together at the end of the present set of notes or at the end of PART II, depending on to which family they seemed likelier to belong.

The compiler should like to thank Bird descendant Mrs. Kathleen (Russell) Morton, of Newton, Cambridgeshire, for valuable information. In addition, these notes have greatly benefited from the contribution of Mr. Henry C. Morgan, of Wymondham, Norfolk, who performed extensive searches in parish registers and other sources, and carefully revised several drafts.

Note: The places named in this page are all, unless otherwise stated, in Freebridge Marshland Hundred (now known as Lynn Marshland Hundred), Norfolk, which for administrative purposes was included with Wisbech Union, embracing part of Cambridgeshire.

1. Robert Bird, of Tilney St. Lawrence, born 1751-52, died (intestate) shortly before 5 May 1805, when he was buried in Tilney churchyard, leaving children so young that the last had not yet been baptized. He married (1) by 1782,^[3] Sarah ____, died shortly before 14 January 1798, when she was buried in Tilney churchyard. He married (2) 23 April 1799 in Tilney parish church, Susannah Lowden, born 1776-77, died shortly before 13 October 1808, when she was buried in Tilney churchyard; perhaps a daughter of the Austin Lowden, single man, who married 5 February 1770 in the parish church of Tilney St. Lawrence, by banns, Elizabeth (____) Hallowell, a widow. At the time of his second marriage Robert Bird was of Tilney, and his wife was a single woman, of Walpole St. Peter. Both made marks in the register in lieu of signatures. The witnesses were an Austin Lowden and a William Hackney (the latter of whom who witnessed so many marriages during this period that he must have been the parish clerk). On 3 October 1805, an administration bond was granted to his widow Susannah Bird of Tilney and an Austin Lowden of Tilney, farmer, who both made marks in lieu of signatures.^[4]
    Known issue (all baptisms in Tilney parish church):

(by first wife:)

1. John Bird, baptized 3 April 1782, of whom no further record has been found.
2. Robert Bird, baptized 17 April 1784, buried 11 May 1792 in Tilney churchyard.
3. Elizabeth Bird, baptized 28 July 1785, living 1851. She married 24 November 1803 in the parish church of Tilney St. Lawrence, following publication of banns, Robert Oldfield, born 1785-86 (aged 65 in 1851) at Walpole, Norfolk, living 1851. At the time of their marriage she was single and he a widower, and both were of Tilney. He was able to sign his name in the register but she made a mark instead. The witnesses were James Hallowell and William Hackney (probably the parish clerk). Their household is included in the 1851 census sample extracts, showing them at Tilney St. Lawrence, with no other persons in the household, and giving Robert’s occupation as agricultural laborer. We do not know whether this couple had issue. There were no Oldfield tombstones in the parish churchyard of Tilney St. Lawrence at the time they were recorded in 1980-1981.
4. Susan Bird, baptized 24 June 1788, buried 8 July 1789 in Tilney churchyard.
5. Robert Bird, baptized 12 February 1791; presumably died by 1800, when another son was given the same name.

(by second wife:)

5. Robert Bird, Jr., born 1799-1800 (aged 50 in 1851) at Tilney St. Lawrence, baptized 16 November 1800 in the parish church of Terrington St. John, Norfolk (FreeReg), died 18 June 1869, and buried in Tilney St. Lawrence parish churchyard, his tombstone ascribing him with the exaggerated age at death of 72 years. He married by 1821, Susannah ____, born 1796-97 (aged 54 in 1851, 77 in 1874) at East Brisley, Norfolk, died 14 January 1874, aged 77 years, and buried beside her husband. Although no direct evidence indicating the parentage of this man has been found, the fact that he is called (in the 1861 census) uncle to William Bird’s son Robert (see below) seems to establish his parentage satisfactorily. He is called a laborer, of Tilney, in the baptismal record of his daughter Elizabeth (1822). He and his wife were enumerated at Tilney St. Lawrence in the 1841 census, in which he is called a farmer.^[5] He appears as a landowning farmer at Tilney St. Lawrence in a county directory of 1845.^[6] His household is included in the 1851 census sample extracts, showing him at Tilney with his wife and three Roofe grandchildren, but we have not checked the original record. In 1861 he and his wife were living at Fen Road, Tilney St. Lawrence, where he was a farmer of 500 acres employing 17 laborers. Living with them were a servant, his “nephew” Robert Bird (son of William Bird), and a Esther Stodart, “visitor,” aged 13, a shop-keeper’s daughter, who was born at Margate, Kent.^[7] It seems likely that he is the Robert Bird referred to in the entry “Heirs of Robert Bird, of Terrington St. Clements, 79 acres 5 perches, gross estimated rental £128 [per annum],” in the Return of Owners of Land for 1873.^[8] Only known child:
   1. Elizabeth Bird, baptized 20 August 1821 in the parish church of Tilney St. Lawrence, died 16 July 1852, aged 30 years, and buried beside her parents, her tombstone calling her “daughter of Robert & Susan Bird.” she married 20 June 1842 in Tilney parish church, John Roof(e), Jr., born 1800-01, died 21 September 1886, aged 85 years, and buried with his wife, son of John Roof(e), a farmer.^[9] At the time of their marriage both were single and of Tilney, and her husband was a farmer. Both were able to sign their names in the register. The witnesses were John Sampson and Mary Johnson. We have not found either John Roofe or his wife in the 1871 or 1881 census. Known issue (all born at Tilney St. Lawrence):
      1. Susannah Roofe, born 1842-43 (aged 8 in 1851), living with her maternal grandparents in 1851 but not in 1861.
      2. Sarah Jane Roofe, born 1844-45 (aged 6 in 1851, 16 in 1861, 34 in 1881). She was living with her maternal grandparents in 1851 and 1861. She married in 1871 in the Poplar District, London,^[10] Robert Williams, who died by 1881. The widow Sarah (Roofe) Williams — her maiden surname is actually given in parentheses in the original record — appears with her son Arthur as a visitor in the household of her brother John in the 1881 census.^[11] we have not found her in Ancestry.com’s transcription of the 1891 census. Only known child:
         1. Arthur W. Williams, born 1873-74 (aged 7 in 1881) at London, Middlesex.
      3. John Robert Roofe, born 1846-47 (aged 4 in 1851, 14 in 1861, 32 in 1881, 42 in 1891, 52 in 1901), living 1891. He was living with his maternal grandparents in 1851 and 1861. We have not found him in Ancestry.com’s transcription of the 1871 census. In 1881, by which time he was a “farmer of 250 acres, employing 6 men and 1 boy,” he had his own household at Church Road, Tilney St. Lawrence, which included a housekeeper, and a servant; his widowed sister, Sarah (Roofe) Williams, was visiting him with her son Arthur at the taking of the census.^[12] He married in the latter half of 1881,^[13] Susannah Marchbanks, born probably in 1857-58 (aged 4 in 1861, aged 32 in 1891, 43 in 1901) at Walpole St. Peter, living 1891, daughter of Robert Marchbanks, of Wisbech, by the latter’s wife Sarah Sales.^[14] Susannah Marchbanks was enumerated with her parents at North Church Road, Walpole St. Peter, in the 1861 census.^[15] However, she appears to have been orphaned young, for she and her brother Robert are found as “niece” and “nephew” in the household of William and Charlotte Coe, of Tilney St. Lawrence, in 1871.^[16] By 1891 John and Susannah Roofe were living at “Old Hall Farm,” Middleton, Norfolk, where their household including a widowed “grandmother” (actually Susannah’s grandmother), Mary A. Sales, aged 80, born at Marham, Norfolk, and three servants.^[17] By 1901 he had moved yet again, being enumerated at “Harwick House,” North Runcton, Norfolk, his household including his widowed “grandmother-in-law” Mary A. Sales, aged 89, and 2 servants.^[18] Known issue:^[19]
         1. Robert M. Roofe, born 1883 at Middleton, Norfolk, baptized there in 1883, still living unmarried with his parents in 1901.
         2. Nellie Roofe, born probably in 1885 (aged 6 in 1891, 15 in 1901) at Middleton.
         3. Florence Jane Roofe (twin to Bertha?), born probably in 1888 (aged 3 in 1891, 12 in 1901) at Middleton, baptized there in 1888.
         4. Bertha May Roofe (twin to Florence?), born probably in 1888 (aged 3 in 1891, 12 in 1901) at Middleton, baptized there in 1888.
         5. Albert Victor Roofe, baptized in 1890 at Middleton, but died before the taking of the 1891 census.
         6. Hilda Mary Roofe, born 1891 at Middleton, baptized there the same year.
         7. Ernest Edward Roofe, born 1893 at Middleton, baptized there the same year.
         8. Lilian Grace Roofe, born 1896-97 (aged 4 in 1901) at Middleton.
      4. (probably) Josiah Roofe, born 1849-50, died 27 March 1926, aged 76 years, and buried beside John and Elizabeth (Bird) Roofe. He married ____, Mahala ____, born 1851-52, died 7 August 1941, aged 89 years, and buried with her husband.
6. 2William Bird, born probably in 1804, baptized 12 May 1805, seven days after his father’s burial, the record calling him “son of the late Robert Bird and Susannah his wife.”

2. William Bird, of Tilney St. Lawrence, Walpole St. Andrew, Terrington St. Clement, and Clenchwarton, son of Robert and Susannah (Lowden) Bird above, was born probably in 1804 (aged 47 in 1851) at Tilney St. Lawrence, baptized 12 May 1805 in Tilney parish church, died 9 February 1884 at Clenchwarton, aged probably about 80 years (and not 82 as stated in his death record and on his tombstone) of pneumonia and exhaustion,^[20] and buried near his brother Robert in the parish churchyard of Tilney St. Lawrence. Left an orphan certainly before his seventh birthday, he outlived both his parents by more than 75 years. He married 10 March 1833 in the parish church of Tilney St. Lawrence, following publication of banns, Sarah Harold, born 1810-11 at Tilney St. Lawrence (aged 70 in 1881), baptized there 21 May 1812 in the parish church,^[21] died 20 March 1883 at Clenchwarton, probably aged 71 or 72 years (as stated on her tombstone, and not 73 years as stated in her death record), of bronchitis,^[22] and buried beside her husband, daughter of Henry and Sarah (Wright) Harold, of Tilney St. Lawrence. At the time of their marriage both were single and of Tilney. Both make marks in the register in lieu of signatures. The witnesses were a Robert Bowman and a Harriet Bates. The illiteracy evidenced by this record doubtless accounts to a great extent for the drastic inconsistency with which their ages are reported in various records, and in particular for the exaggerated ages reported for them at their deaths.
    William Bird and his wife were at Tilney from 1833 to 1838, then moved in 1838 or 1839 to Walpole St. Peter. They were enumerated at Walpole St. Peter in the 1841 census, in which he is called an agricultural laborer.^[23] In an 1845 directory of the county William Bird is listed as one of two bailiffs of the New Salt Marsh, adjoining Lincolnshire (but lying parochially in Walpole St. Andrew);^[24] but though Walpole St. Andrew is thus implied to be his address, there is no direct evidence that he had actually moved there from Walpole St. Peter. However, some time between 1844 and 1848 he returned with his family to Tilney, as proven by the baptisms of his children there; and he remained in the parish until at least 1853. Until his return to Tilney he is always called a laborer, but from that point onward he is consistently called a farmer. His household is included in the 1851 census sample extracts, showing him at Tilney with his wife and five of his younger children, but we have not checked the original record. By 1856 he and his family moved to Terrington, and his daughter Sophia was married there that year. In 1861 he was a farmer of 33 acres at Emersgate Green, Perkin Field, Terrington.^[25] His address is also given as Terrington in the burial record of his son Henry (1867). In 1871 he was enumerated at Clenchwarton, Norfolk.^[26] In 1881 he is listed as a “farmer [of] 100 acres, employing three sons” at Low Road, Clenchwarton.^[27] In his death record, which also calls him a farmer, the informant is listed as his son John Bird, of Clenchwarton. In his wife’s death record of the previous year, she is called “wife of William Bird, farmer,” and the informant is listed as her son Henry Bird, of Terrington St. John.
    It will be noticed that their first child was born less than four months after their marriage. In 1851, in the space of one month, they lost four of their children to smallpox, and their tombstone, besides naming “Elizabeth their daughter who died aged 20 years,” mentions, without naming, “five children.”
    Known issue:^[28]

1. Elizabeth Bird, born at Tilney St. Lawrence,^[29] baptized 7 July 1833 in Tilney parish church, died (unmarried) shortly before 10 February 1854, when she was buried in Tilney churchyard; she is mentioned on her parents’ tombstone as “Elizabeth their daughter who died aged 20 years.” In 1851 she was a servant in the house of a William Bellars, farmer, of West New Field, Walpole St. Peter.^[30]
2. Sarah Bird, died (apparently unbaptized) in infancy, shortly before 4 October 1834, when she was buried in Tilney churchyard.^[31]
3. Sophia Bird, born at Tilney St. Lawrence,^[32] baptized 9 August 1835 in Tilney parish church, died 12 March 1886, of multiple illnesses,^[33] and buried in Leverington Road Cemetery, near Wisbech St. Peter, Cambs.^[34] In 1851 Sophia Bird was a servant in the house of a Carol Humphrey, farmer, of East Drove, Walpole St. Peter.^[35] At the time of her marriage in 1856 she was living at Terrington St. Clement, presumably with her parents. She married 28 October 1856 in the parish church of Terrington St. Clement, as his first wife,^[36] John Flint, of Wisbech St. Peter, born 17/18 December 1836 at Holbeach,^[37] died 17 December 1925 (aged almost 89 years) at Walsoken, Norfolk, of old age, and buried beside his first wife,^[38] son of George and Mary (Inkley) Flint, of Wisbech, formerly of Holbeach, Lincolnshire. For further details on her husband, and a record of their descendants, see FLINT.
4. Robert Bird, born probably in 1836 (aged 14 in 1851, 35 in 1871, 44 in 1881), at Tilney St. Lawrence (per 1851 and 1871 censuses), baptized 15 January 1837 in Tilney parish church, living 1871. He was living unmarried with his parents in 1851. In 1856 he served as a witness at the wedding of his sister Sophia. In 1861 he was living with his uncle, Robert Bird, of Tilney (see above). He married in 1862 in the Wisbech registration district,^[39] Elizabeth Caroline Vincent, born probably around 1834 (aged 28 in 1871, 44 in 1881) at West Winch, Norfolk (per 1871 census). He is called a laborer in the baptismal record of his daughter Sarah (1863). In 1871 he was enumerated at Terrington St. Clement.^[40] In 1881 he was enumerated at Perkin Field, Terrington St. Clement (the same field where his father had been enumerated in 1861).^[41] Known issue (all born at Terrington St. Clement; all baptisms in the parish church of that place):
   1. Caroline E. Bird, born 1863-64 (aged 7 in 1871), living with her parents in 1871 but not in 1881.
   2. Sarah Elizabeth Bird, baptized 6 September 1863, died young.
   3. Sarah Jane Bird, baptized 2 July 1865, still living unmarried with her parents in 1881.
   4. Eliza Bird, born probably in 1867 (aged 3 in 1871, 14 in 1881).
   5. John Robert Bird, born 1869-70 (aged 1 in 1871, 12 in 1881).
   6. Leonard Bird, born 1870-71 (aged 10 in 1881).
   7. Easter Bird (twin to William?), born 1874-75 (aged 6 in 1881).
   8. William Bird (twin to Easter?), born 1874-75 (aged 6 in 1881).
   9. Catherine Bird, born 1876-77 (aged 4 in 1881).
   10. Edith Bird, born 1879-80 (aged 1 in 1881).
5. Susan Bird, born 25 March 1837 Walpole St. Peter (per baptismal record) or at Tilney St. Lawrence (per 1851 census), baptized [privately?] 1 April 1838 in Tilney parish church, and baptized again 22 September 1839 in the parish church of Walpole St. Peter, along with her younger sister Sarah. She was living unmarried with her parents in 1851 and 1861, but not in 1871.
6. Sarah Bird, born 25 August 1839 at Walpole [St. Peter?] (per baptismal record and 1881 census) or at Tilney St. Lawrence (per 1851 census) or at Terrington (per 1891 census), baptized 22 September following in the parish church of Walpole St. Peter. Sarah Bird was a witness at the wedding in 1856 of her sister Sophia to John Flint, and at that of the latter’s sister Elizabeth Flint at Wisbech on 1 January 1861.^[42] From the latter record, it is clear that she could barely write her name. She is found living, unmarried, with John and Sophia Flint, of 54 Norfolk Street E., Wisbech, in 1861, when she was a dressmaker.^[43] She married in 1871-72 in the Wisbech registration district,^[44] Henry Odom, born about 1837-38 (aged 34 in 1871, aged 42 in 1881) at Wisbech, died 1881-91, son of William and Mary Odom, of Wisbech. Henry Odom was living unmarried with his parents in 1871.^[45] Henry and Sarah were living at no. 4, Odom Street, Wisbech in 1881, when Henry was a butcher.^[46] The widowed Sarah Odom, a dressmaker, was still at no. 4 Odom Street in 1891, when her nephew, John W. Flint, son of her sister Sophia (Bird) Flint, was lodging in her house.^[47] Known issue:
   1. William H. Odom, born 1873-74 (aged 7 in 1881, 17 in 1891) at Wisbech, still living unmarried with his widowed mother in 1891, when he was a butcher’s apprentice. He married in 1917 in the Wisbech registration district,^[48] Mary E. Warren.
   2. Eliza Odom, born 1875-76 (aged 5 in 1881, 15 in 1891) at Wisbech, living unmarried with her widowed mother in 1891, when he was a domestic nursemaid (i.e. a nanny). She married in 1904 in the Wisbech registration district,^[49] ____ Willson.
   3. Arthur B. Odom, born 1876-77 (aged 4 in 1881, 14 in 1891) at Wisbech, a printer’s errand-boy in 1891.
   4. Sarah A. Odom, born 1878-79 (aged 2 in 1881, 12 in 1891) at Wisbech.
   5. Eleanor (“Nellie”) Odom, born 1879-80 (aged 1 in 1881, 10 in 1891) at Wisbech. She married in the 1904 in the Wisbech registration district,^[50] Alfred Edward Waling. She was known to Kathleen (Russell) Morton, of Newton, Cambridgeshire, great-granddaughter of John and Sophia (Bird) Flint.
   6. Kate Odom, born 1881-82 (aged 9 in 1891) at Wisbech. She married in 1908 in the Wisbech registration district,^[51] Edgar Kilham.
7. John Bird, born ca. 21 November 1841, baptized 14 December 1841 in the parish church of Walpole St. Peter, died (aged 12 weeks) shortly before 14 February 1842, when he was buried in Walpole churchyard.
8. William Bird, Jr., born 1841-42 (aged 9 in 1851)^[52] at Tilney St. Lawrence (per 1851 census) or at Walpole St. Peter (per 1861 census), baptized 29 January 1843 in the parish church of Walpole St. Peter, living unmarried with his parents in 1861, of whom no further record has been found.
9. John Bird, born 1843-44 probably at Tilney St. Lawrence,^[53] baptized 27 October 1844 in the parish church of Walpole St. Peter, living unmarried with his parents in 1861 and 1881. In the 1884 death record of his father, of which he was the informant, he is named as “John Bird, son, Clenchwarton.” He was perhaps identical with the John Bird, aged 50 years, who was buried 13 March 1895 in the parish churchyard of Tilney All Saints.
10. Mary Bird, born 1844-45, baptized 28 May 1848 in the parish church of Tilney St. Lawrence (on the same day as her younger sister Eliza), died of smallpox shortly before 20 February 1851, when she was buried in Tilney churchyard.
11. Eliza Bird, born 1846-47, baptized 28 May 1848 in the parish church of Tilney St. Lawrence, died of smallpox shortly before 20 January 1851, when she was buried in Tilney churchyard.
12. Catherine (“Kate”) Bird, baptized 13 April 1849 in Tilney parish church, of smallpox shortly before 7 February 1851, when she was buried in Tilney churchyard.
13. Henry Bird, baptized 13 August 1850 in Tilney parish church, died shortly before 29 January 1851, when he was buried in Tilney churchyard.
14. Joseph Bird, of Tilney St. Lawrence, farmer, born at Tilney, baptized 1 May 1853 in Tilney parish church, died 8 August 1904, aged 51 years, and buried near his parents in the parish churchyard of Tilney St. Lawrence, his tombstone identifying him as “the dearly beloved husband of Susannah Bird.” He was living with his parents in 1861. He married 2 October 1878, Susannah Failes, born 1854-55 (aged 36 in 1891) at Magdalen, Norfolk (per 1891 census), daughter of Matthew Failes.^[54] At the time of his marriage he was of Clenchwarton, Norfolk, and his wife of Tilney, and both were single. Both were able to sign their names in the register. The witnesses were Matthew Failes and Sarah Flint (the daughter of the groom’s sister, Sophia (Bird) Flint). They were enumerated at Terrington St. Clement in the 1891 census, in which Joseph is called a farmer.^[55] Known issue:
    1. Frederick Bird, born 1879-80 (aged 11 in 1891) at Tilney St. Lawrence.
    2. Agnes Bird, born 1884-85 (aged 6 in 1891) at Terrington St. Clements.
    3. Mildred Mary Bird, born probably in 1887 (aged 3 in 1891, 23 in 1910) at Terrington St. Clements. We suspect she was named for Mildred Mary Flint, born 1876, daughter of Joseph Bird’s sister, Sophia (Bird) Flint. As She married 5 October 1910 in Tilney parish church, William Edward Clarke, son of the late John Clarke, laborer. At the time of their marriage both parties were single and of Tilney; and both were able to sign their name in the register. The record identifies her as a daughter of “Joseph Bird, deceased, farmer.” The witnesses were Daniel Sutterley, John Robert Levi Wilcox, Clara Mildred Smith, and Lizzie Drew.
15. Elizabeth Bird, born 1855-56 at Terrington, living with her parents in 1861 but not in 1871; no further record of her has been found.
16. Henry (sometimes called “Harry”) Bird, born 1857-58 at Terrington (aged 23 in 1881, 33 in 1891, 43 in 1901, 93 in 1951), baptized (at the age of nine years) 17 November 1867 in the parish church of Terrington St. Clement,^[56] died 24 September 1951, aged over 93 years, and buried near his parents in the parish churchyard of Tilney St. Lawrence. He was living unmarried with his parents in 1861. He married 23 November 1880 in the parish church of Tilney St. Lawrence, Sarah Ann Pollyn, born probably in 1858-59 (aged 22 in 1881, 32 in 1891, 44 in 1901, 73 in 1932) at Tilney St. Lawrence, died 11 June 1932 and buried with her husband, daughter of William Pratt (sic), farmer. At the time of his marriage, he and his wife were both single and of Tilney, and both were able to sign their names in the register. The witnesses were James McNeil Flint and Kate Flint, of Wisbech, children of his sister Sophia (Bird) Flint. He and his wife, and their daughter Edith, were still living with his parents in 1881. In the 1883 record of his mother’s death, of which he was the informant, he is named as “Henry Bird, son, Terrington Saint John.” He had his own household by 1891, when he (as “Henry Bird”, farmer) and his family were enumerated at Clenchwarton.^[57] In 1901, again as “Henry Bird” farmer, he is enumerated at Clenchwarton.^[58] In the marriage record of his daughter Kate (1909) he is called a farmer, of Clenchwarton. Henry Bird is said to have had five daughters who married men named Stacey, Crouch, Cammack, Parlett, and Cousins, and they were named to us in that order.^[59] This statement is corroborated by what is known of his daughters Nellie, Kate, and Ethel. Known issue:
    1. Edith Bird, born probably in 1880 (aged 1 in 1881, 10 in 1891, 21 in 1901) at Tilney St. Lawrence, still living unmarried with her parents in 1901. She almost certainly, by a process of elimination, married ____ Stacey, but there is no matching entry in FreeBMD or CAMDEX as of July 2008.
    2. Nellie Bird, born 1882-83 (aged 8 in 1891, 28 in 1911, 86 in 1969) at Terrington St. John, died 7 January 1969, aged 86 years, and buried with her parents. She was living with her parents in 1891, but not in 1901. She married in 1907 in the Wisbech registration district,^[60] Herbert James Crouch, born 1881-82, died 30 May 1955, aged 73 years, and buried with his wife. They are found at Wisbech in the 1911 census.
    3. Kate Bird, born 1885-86 (aged 5 in 1891, 15 in 1901) at Terrington St. John, living with her parents in 1901. She married 10 November 1909 in Clenchwarton parish church, Sidney Arthur Cammack, born 1884-85, son of Frederick Cammack, farmer. At the time of their marriage both were single, and he was a farmer of Terrington St. John; both were able to sign their names in the marriage register. The witnesses were Henry Bird and Herbert James Crouch [her brother-in-law?].
    4. Leah Bird, born 1892-93 (aged 8 in 1901) at Chenchwarton. She married in 1915 in the Wisbech registration district,^[61] Sidney Parlett, perhaps the one of this name born 1884-85 (aged __ in 1901), son of Henry Parlett and Emma ____, of Emneth St. Edmund, Norfolk.^[62] A Sidney Parlett was the proprietor of the Hungate Inn, Emneth, from 1925 to 1929 at least; it had previously been operated by a Charles Parlett (in 1890) and a Henry Parlett (1891-1892, 1912-1916).^[63]
    5. Ethel Bird, born 1896-97 (aged 4 in 1901, 22 in 1919) at Chenchwarton. She married 8 October 1919 in the parish church of Terrington St. John, Norfolk (FreeReg), Harrold Cousins, born 1895-96 (aged 23 in 1919), son of Walter Cousins, a farmer. At the time of their marriage, the record of which names both their fathers, both parties were of the parish, and the groom was a farmer; both were able to sign their names; the witnesses were Edward Cousins and Olive Stacey.

Unplaced Birds of the Tilney, Walpole, and Terrington areas

John Bird was father of:

1. John Willason Bird, baptized 1 May 1636 in the parish church of Terrington St. Clements (FreeReg).

Humphrey Bird was father of:

1. Elizabeth Bird, baptized “12 February 1636/37” [sic!] in the parish church of Terrington St. Clements (FreeReg.)

John Bird, perhaps the one above, married Mary ____, and was father of:

1. Ann Bird, baptized 11 June 1740 in the parish church of Terrington St. Clements (FreeReg.)

John Bird, Esq., of West Lynn, assessed for 13 hearths in the survey of 1664.^[64] The will of John Bird, of West Lynn, which we have not examined, was proved 20 December 1669 (P.C.C. Coke, PROB 11/331).

William Bird was father of:

1. Thomas Bird, buried 18 Sep 1678 at the parish church of Terrington St. Clements (FreeReg.)

An administration bond granted 22 May 1713 to Alice Bird, of Tilney All Saints, widow and administrator of all and singular the goods, rights, credits, chattels of William Bird, late of Tilney, deceased; and to William Disney. Alice Bird makes a mark, William Disney signs. In the presence of Hen. Swetnam and Mary Lynbrooke.^[65]

William Bird, buried 13 May 1713 in the parish churchyard of Terrington St. Clements (FreeReg), possibly the one of this name who married 15 August 1675 in the parish church of Terrington St. Clements (FreeReg), Margaret Allin, and possibly also the William Bird who son Thomas was buried there 18 Sept 1678 (FreeReg).

Edmund Bird, married before 1722, ________. Only known child:

1. Mary Bird, baptized 27 March 1722 in the parish church of Terrington St. John (FreeReg).

John Bird, married before 1740, ________. Only known child:

1. Ann Bird, baptized 11 June 1740 in the parish church of Terrington St. Clements (FreeReg).

Joshua Bird, married by 1771, Mary ____. Only known child:

1. Mary Ann Bird, baptized 1 November 1771 in the parish church of Terrington St. John (FreeReg).

Rose Bird, possibly a relative of Robert Bird, Sr., of the text. She married 25 March 1782, in the parish church of Tilney St. Lawrence, by licence, Thomas Harrison. At the time of their marriage she was single and of Tilney, and her husband was of Downham, Cambridgeshire. Both made marks in the register in lieu of signatures. The witnesses were a Christopher Cullen and a William Hackney (probably the parish clerk), both of whom sign.

William Bird married 12 October 1797 in the parish church of Terrington St. Clements (FreeReg), Mary Parish. The witnesses were Robert Batterham and Susannah Wittrick.

Richard Bird, born 1801-06 (aged 35-39 in 1841) outside of Norfolk, living 1841. He married by 1831, Ann ____, born 1801-06 (aged 35-39 in 1841) outside of Norfolk, living 1841. He and his family were enumerated at Walpole St. Andrew in the 1841 census, in which he is called an agricultural laborer.^[66] Known issue (all born outside of Norfolk):

1. John Bird, born 1831-32 (aged 9 in 1841).
2. Richard Bird, born 1833-34 (aged 7 in 1841).
3. Josiah Bird, born 1835-36 (aged 5 in 1841).
4. Ann Bird, born 1837-38 (aged 3 in 1841).

William Bird, of Terrington St. Clement, laborer; married before 1862, Harriett ____. Known issue, all baptisms in the parish church of Terrington St. Clement:

1. William Bird, baptized 27 April 1862.
2. John Henry Bird, baptized 6 September 1863.

William Bird, married before 1866, Ann Groom. Only known child:

1. Elizabeth Bird, baptized 28 January 1866 in the parish church of Terrington St. Clement; father’s occupation not stated in record.

William Bird, of Clenchwarton, born 1833-34 (aged 47 in 1881) at Shouldham, Norfolk (per 1881 census), died by 1893. In an earlier version of these notes we erroneously identified him with the son of this name of William Bird and Sarah Harrold, but in fact he was doubtless the William Bird baptized 23 March 1834 in the parish church of Shouldham, son of Robert Bird, carpenter, and Elizabeth ____ (FreeReg). He married by 1868, Ann ____, born 1844-45 (aged 36 in 1881) at Walpole. He is called a groom in the baptismal and marriage records of all his children, the marriage record of his daughter Fanny calling him “William Bird, deceased,” and that of his daughter Mary Ann (1902) calling him “William Bird, deceased, Groom [and] gardener.” In 1881 he was living at Southcroft Field, Terrington St. Clement, Norfolk, and is called a groom and domestic servant.^[67] Known issue:

1. Sarah Ann Bird, baptized 27 April 1868 in Clenchwarton parish church, buried 8 July 1869 in Clenchwarton churchyard.
2. Mary Ann Bird, born 1870, at Clenchwarton (per 1881 census), baptized 6 February 1870 in Clenchwarton parish church she married 9 July 1902 in Tilney parish church, Frederick Charles Hancock, born 1874-75 [?], son of Alfred Hancock, laborer. At the time of their marriage both were single and of Tilney, and he was a laborer. Both were able to sign their names in the register. The witnesses were a William Bird (the one above?) and a Leah Louisa Day. The record calls her father “William Bird, deceased, Groom [and] gardener.”
3. William Henry Bird, born 30 April 1871, at Clenchwarton (per 1881 census), baptized 27 May following in Clenchwarton parish church, of whom nothing further is known.
4. Fanny Bird, born 12 July 1875, at Clenchwarton (per 1881 census), baptized 25 September following in Clenchwarton parish church she married 25 September 1893 in the parish church of Tilney St. Lawrence, John William Pollyn, born 1868-69, son of Samuel Remington Pollyn, laborer.^[68] At the time of their marriage both were single and of Tilney, and he was a laborer. Both were able to sign their names in the register. The witnesses were a James Paine and a Mary Ann Bird (possibly the one above). The record calls her father “William Bird, deceased.”
5. Walter Bird, born 13 November 1878, at Clenchwarton (per 1881 census), baptized 9 March 1879 in Clenchwarton parish church he married 14 April 1915 in Tilney parish church, Ada Wright, born 1878-79, daughter of John Wright, a gardener. At the time of their marriage both were single and of Tilney, and he was a laborer. Both were able to sign their names in the register. The witnesses were an Arthur Ernest Fernedow and a Kate Pollyn. The record calls his father “William Bird, groom.”
6. Annie W. Bird, born 1879-80 (aged 1 in 1881) at Terrington St. Clements, Norfolk.

Notes

                              born in county?
Robert Bird  40[-44]  farmer  yes 
Susan Bird   40[-44]          yes 

                                born in county?
Wm Bird      35[-39]  ag. lab.  yes
Sarah Bird   30[-34]  ----      yes
Betsey Bird   8       ----      yes
Sophia Bird   7       ----      yes
Robert Bird   5       ----      yes
Susan Bird    4       ----      yes
Sarah Bird    2       ----      yes

name   relation cond. gender age birthplace      occupation
-----------------------------------------------------------
Henry Odom    head   M   M  42  Cambridge: Wisbech  Butcher 
Sarah Odom    wife   M   F  40  Norfolk: Walpole
William Odom  son    S   M   7  Cambridge: Wisbech  scholar
Eliza Odom    dau.   S   F   5  Cambridge: Wisbech  scholar
Arthur Odom   son    S   M   4  Cambridge: Wisbech  scholar
Sarah Odom    dau.   S   F   2  Cambridge: Wisbech
Eleanor Odom  dau.   S   F   1  Cambridge: Wisbech

name   relationship cond. age  birthplace          occupation
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Henry Parlett   head  M  40  Norfolk: West Walton
                                     blacksmith & farmer, own account*
Emma Parlett    wife  M  36  Norfolk: Kings Lynn
Harry Parlett   son   S  17  Norfolk: Kings Lynn   worker
Sidney Parlett  son   S  16  Norfolk: Kings Lynn   worker
====
* i.e. self-employed

                           born in county?
Richard Bird  35 ag. lab.  no
Ann Bird      35 ----      no
John Bird      9 ----      no
Richard Bird   7 ----      no
Josiah Bird    5 ----      no
Ann Bird       3 ----      no

From the Genealogy Page of John Blythe Dobson
URL = johnblythedobson.org/genealogy/ff/Bird_01.cfm
This page first published 23 May 2005
Last revised 18 March 2023