Walter Bird (Pioneer Ancestor)

As far as the Bird line goes; we have this great man to thank! Especially those of us still living in Springville, Utah. Walter and a best friend, Thomas Tew, came to America in 1850 and eventually ended up in Springville in 1851 (the first two European settlers). They began building the old white church and other important community structures. Walter eventually was the first man to move his family outside the fort and build his own home in 1874.

He was a faithful member of the church and instilled in his 13 children the importance of testimony born of the spirit and to follow your hearts righteous desires. He was only 18 years of age when he left his family to travel to the United States. He encountered many hardships along the way, but never doubted his decision for doing so. He was head watermaster of Springville for a number of years and a farmer by trade. He could read, write, and speak English (according to Census 1900), and became a U.S. citizen in 1869 approx.

He died in April of 1904 and was buried next to his best friend in the Evergreen Cemetery located in Springville, Utah. The home he built in 1874 is still standing and is located at 696 S. 400 East. He aquired 7 acres of property in that vicinity and at his death divided his property and home between his surviving boys (Wallace, Arthur, Arch Hailey).