James Bird Jr. (1848 - 1926)

Born 28 Jan 1848 in Red River Settlement

Ancestors

Husband of Eliza (Finlayson) Bird — married 1870 in Selkirk, Manitoba, Canada

Died 1926 at about age 77 in Paynton, Paynton No. 470, Saskatchewan, Canada

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Biography

James Bird Jr. was a Canadian First Peoples and member of the Metis Nation.

Genealogical Proof Standard - this profile lacks all 5 proof elements. At this stage it's a profile needing further research

James Bird was born in the Keewatin Territory (Red River Settlement) [1] in 1848, the son of James Bird and Isabella Gibson.

He worked as a HBC carpenter, and married Lizette Finlayson at Selkirk, Manitoba in 1870. In 1876 James and his wife were granted Metis Scrip, noting he was a farmer. [2]

The couple moved to Battleford in 1877 to build the Anglican Church Mission for the Rev. J. A. McKay. They ranched at Eagle Hills before moving to the Bresaylor Settlement.

On 26 July 1884, James Bird made his will, leaving three-quarters to Thomas Bird and one quarter to Philip Bird, his sons. (Search File, James Bird JR., letter from Crawford and Long, 24 October 1938.)

James was a member of the IRON ALLIANCE CONFEDERACY or in Cree Nehiyaw Pwat [3] of First Nations and Metis as a hunting, political and military alliance, [4] During the 1885 Resistance, Bird worked on the Canadian side carrying dispatches from Battleford to Fort Pitt. Probably with the Moose Mountain Scouts. The unit served with the Line of Communication Troops of the North West Field Force [5]

In the 1901 Canada Census the Birds were living in Battleford noting he is Cree and English. Line 5 [6]

In the 1906 Census James and Wife are listed living in Battleford area and with 20 horses. Line 20 [7]

In 1916 and 1921 Census the couple are living near Paynton Saskatchewan. He is a farmer [8] [9]

Scrip affidavit for Bird, Eliza; wife of James Bird; born: 1848; father: Hector Finlayson (Métis); mother: Lisette (Métis); claim no: 2041; scrip No: 10918; date of issue: October 2, 1876; amount: $160

Quality Sources

Veterans and Families of the 1885 Northwest Resistance Lawrence J. Barkwell http://www.metismuseum.ca/media/document.php/149693.Veterans%20and%20Families%20of%201885%20Low-Res%20(Oct%202017%20Version).pdf

Scrip record of wife https://www.bac-lac.gc.ca/eng/CollectionSearch/Pages/record.aspx?app=fonandcol&IdNumber=1499554&new=-8585642549399124682

Scrip record of James https://recherche-collection-search.bac-lac.gc.ca/eng/home/record?app=fonandcol&IdNumber=1499563&q=james%20bird%201848