Ann Bird

(1818-1891)

Notable Women Walk

Ann Bird is said to be the first woman to step ashore in Nelson. She and her husband Reuben Bird, along with their young daughter Anne, arrived on the ship “Fifeshire” in 1842 from Kent, England.

Reuben opened a butcher's shop sometime around 1846 in Nelson. When he died in 1850 Ann continued to run the shop and bring up their five children. Later two sons helped her run the business.

Ann died in 1891 leaving an estate worth more than £950 and a free hold half acre section. She was a forebear of Tex Morton a well known country and western singer.

Image: Courtesy Nelson Provincial Museum, Tyree Studio Collection, 28343/3

Burial Records

• Bird Ann buried 28 June 1891 aged 73 years
• Bird Charles John buried 2 November 1914 aged 70 years
• Bird Isabella Jane buried 23 March 1909 aged 63 years
• Bird Ann buried 28 June 1891 aged 73 years

Headstone transcription

In Loving Memory of Ann Bird died June 25th 1891 aged 73 years.

In Loving memory of Charles John Bird died October 31st 1914 aged 70 years.

And of his wife Isabella died March 21st 1909 aged 53 years.

[Shaped marble monument 4 sides] In Loving Memory of Ann Bird died 25 June 1891 aged 73 years. In Loving Memory of Charles John died 31 October 1914 aged 70 years. And of his wife Isabella died 21 March 1909 aged 53 years.

For more information

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