Cocke County, Tennessee
Nancy (James) Bird
Civil War Widow's Pension

Names mentioned: James Bird, Nancy Butler Bird, Albert Bird, Mary Jane Bird, John Bird, John Murrell, Isaiah Butler, David F Simmons, Nancy Murrell, Rebecca Gregory, Rachel Odell, James Manning, Martha M Templin, CD Fairfield, John Henry, William Denton, Orpha Bryant.

Original records may be found online through various genealogy databases, or by requesting copies of military records in government archives.
Abstracted and submitted by Bruce Price

James Bird served as a private in Co E, 2nd Tennessee Cavalry. He died 11/10/1864 in Decatur, AL, leaving widow Nancy and three children: Albert Bird born 2/13/1851, Mary Jane Bird born 12/27/1854, and John Bird born 3/04/1857. He enlisted 9/16/1862. James Bird married Nancy Butler on 12/02/1847.

Nancy filed her claim on 5/07/1866. She was thirty-seven and a resident of the 9th Civil District of Cocke County. She was married to James Bird in Cocke County on 12/02/1847 by John Murrell, JP. Isaiah Butler and David F Simmons, residents of Cocke County, swore they saw Nancy Bird make her mark to the document.

Nancy Murrell deposed that she was acquainted with Nancy Bird and lived within one mile of her. She was present when Mary Jane was born. She was not present at the birth of John Bird but was there shortly thereafter. She was not present at the birth of Albert Bird but was in sight of the house when he was born.

Rebecca Gregory swore that she was present at the birth of Albert Bird and that Rachel Odell acted as chief physician and that she is now dead. David F Simmons and James Manning witnessed her signature.

Nancy Bird swore that she had not remarried and still supported her children. Martha M Templin and CD Fairfield witnessed her signature.

John Henry, who was captain of the company James Bird served in, swore to the service and death of James Bird. William Denton and Orpha Bryant witnessed his signature. This was 10/15/1870.