James Bird

BIRD, HIBBARD, ROONEY

Posted By: Carrie Robertson (email)
Date: 12/20/2016 at 21:49:58

Cedar Rapids Evening Gazette Tuesday October 12, 1909
James Bird, who died in Mercy hospital yesterday, was born in County Fermana, Ireland, April 4, 1834. He came with his parents to Canada in 1846 and in 1849 to Dubuque, Iowa, where he met the late Judge Greene, who brought him to Cedar Rapids, then a small village, and placed him to work on the Mound farm, now St. Mary's Catholic school for girls. Here he remained until the gold fever caused Judge Greene to fit out an expedition to cross the plains, when Mr. Bird went along driving an ox team. He remained in California a short time, then returned to Cedar Rapids, which was his home continuously since. Through the encouragement of Judge Greene, who placed him in what was called the Greene-Graves foundry, he learned the machinist's trade, which he followed to about ten years ago, when he retired from active work. As machinist he was employed in the Rock Island shops.
Mr. Bird was a faithful soldier. He served his country four years and three months, and for about four months was confined to Andersonville prison.
He leaves to mourn, one daughter, Mrs. Nellie B. Hibbard, and two sisters, Miss Bridget Bird of Dubuque and Mrs. Hannah Rooney of Cameron, Mo.
The funeral will be held from the Turner undertaking parlors, at 10 o'clock tomorrow (Wednesday) morning; conducted by Rev. Dr. Arthur; interment at Shiloh cemetery. Friends wishing the view the body may do so this evening or tomorrow up to 10 o'clock at the Turner parlors.

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