Bird, William Henry, 1861-1947 (Person)

SummaryAlso known as Willie Bird.

Born in Fermanagh, Ireland, on 18 November 1861, son of William Henry Bird and Sarah Leach, and reached Lyttelton aboard the Mermaid in February 1864. He married Kiekie Hopaia, granddaughter of Peraniko Tahawai; their children were William Henry (“Billie”), Joseph and Rangiora. After surviving the 1886 Tarawera eruption, he established Bird’s Store at Karamuramu near Fort Galatea, issued one-shilling trade tokens, built three bridges and fishing lodges, and acted as a fluent Māori-speaking intermediary. He died on 19 June 1947 and was buried at Rangitahi Cemetery, Murupara.SourcesHistorical review, May 2022; v.70 n.1:p.3-9; issn:New Zealand Memories, Issue 4, Volume 1, p245

Restored group portrait with original inset, from New Zealand Memories, Issue 4, Volume 1, p245

Standing from left: William H. Bird, John Bird, Joseph McRae, Charles Humphreys and George Baker. Seated: Mrs Mary Bridan, the servant; Guide Sophia; and Mrs Humphreys. In front is Pahia, who was assistant cook at McRae’s hotel.

Original photo supplied to New Zealand Memories by Kirsty Ravenwood.

Usage

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Personal Information

First Name(s)William HenrySurnameBirdDate of Birth1861Place of BirthFermanagh, IrelandDate of Death19 June 1947Place of Burial/CremationRangitahi Cemetery, Murupara

Whānau

MotherBird, Sarah (née Leach), c.1835–1916 (Person)FatherBird, William Henry, 1825–1900 (Person)

Partner

PartnerBird, Kiekie Peita, c.1865–1935 (Person)

Admin

AuthorTe Ao Mārama - Tauranga City LibrariesType of ContributionLibrary authorityTaxonomyStories | People

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Bird, William Henry, 1861-1947 (Person)