Frederick Bird

Frederick Bird (1816-1876) FRAS

c.1816 Born in Abingdon, son of John Bird (1780-1846), lecturer in astronomy

Developed unique new processes for polishing telescope mirrors

By 1842 was a lecturer in London, of Charlotte Street, Pimlico, when he married Martha Randall; his father was recorded as a lecturer in astronomy^[1]

Presumably moved to Birmingham to work for his brother Alfred.

1851 A chemist's assistant living in 15 Worcester Street, Birmingham^[2] (NB In 1853 his brother Alfred gave the same address on his patent application^[3])

c.1854 Became secretary and registrar of the Birmingham General Cemetery Co^[4], ^[5].

c1866 Developed a Clepsydra, a device for driving an astronomical telescope in a slow steady motion^[6].

1876 Died in Birmingham. One of his executors was Charles Bird, chemist^[7].

Sources of Information

↑ 1842 marriage register
↑ 1851 census
↑ London Gazette 31 May 1853
↑ Kelly's directories 1854
↑ The Times July 20, 1863
↑ 1866 The Intellectual Observer; Review of Natural History, Microscopic Research, and Recreative Science Volume 8
↑ national probate calendar

Biography of Alfred Bird, ODNB

[1] 1842 marriage register

[2] 1851 census

[3] London Gazette 31 May 1853

[4] Kelly's directories 1854

[5] The Times July 20, 1863

[6] 1866 The Intellectual Observer; Review of Natural History, Microscopic Research, and Recreative Science Volume 8

[7] tional probate calendar

[1]

[2]

[3]

[4]

[5]

[6]

[7]

Grace's Guide To British Industrial History

Frederick Bird

See Also

Sources of Information