John Bird (New York)

John Bird (November 22, 1768 – February 2, 1806) was an American politician and a United States Representative from New York.

Biography

Born in Litchfield, Connecticut, Bird was the son of Dr. Seth and Hanna Sheldon Bird and pursued classical studies; graduated from Yale College in 1786, studied law, was admitted to the bar, and commenced practice in Litchfield. He married Eunice Porter on October 4, 1789. The marriage ended in 1797 divorce, which was granted to Eunice from the Connecticut General Assembly on the grounds of ill treatment by her husband. His second marriage was to Sally Buel on March 29, 1799.

Career

Bird moved to Troy, New York in 1793 and engaged in the practice of law. He was a member of the New York State Assembly from 1796 to 1798, and a member of the Freemasons.

Elected as a Federalist to the Sixth and Seventh Congresses as U. S. Representative for the sixth District of New York, Bird served from March 4, 1799 to July 25, 1801, when he resigned, and resumed the practice of his profession.

Death

Bird died in Troy, Rensselaer County, New York, February 2, 1806 (age 37 years, 72 days). He is interred at Mt. Ida Cemetery, Troy, New York.