Elias Bird

[David Rase]

I recently purchased an E. Bird rifle from Brent English.  I looked on the KRA list of gunmakers and the only Bird they had listed was an Elias Bird from Ohio.  That is the only information I have come up with so far.  I reached out to the Ohio Gun Collectors Association and am awaiting a response.  I don't have any of the Ohio gunmakers books so I can't look anything up.  If anyone has any information on E. Bird I would appreciate hearing from you. 
Thanks, David

[Avlrc]

From the Ohio Books,

Elias Bird, 1817-

1850 Elias Bird gunsmith , age 33, from Virginia wife Susana, 25 born Ohio. Eldest child,  Rachel, 5, born Ohio. Springfield Twp.

Many of the Bird Family are buried in Rural Dale Baptist Cemetery.

Reported: A fullstock percussion rifle with patchbox, silver inlays, with etched "Elias Bird".

[mr. no gold]

Also, by 1860 it appears that he and his family had moved to Iowa and lived in Mahaska County He died there in 1885. From Spiker & Whisker, "Arms Makers of Ohio" AOLRC.
Dick

[Curt J]

Tom Moore's book Iowa Gunmakers In The 1800's indicates that Elias Bird was already In Mahaska County, Iowa, when the Iowa State Census was taken in 1856. His working period in Iowa was longer than in Ohio. There is a pretty good chance your rifle was made in Iowa.

[David Rase]

I want to thank each of you for your input.  I will be attending both the Lake Cumberland show as well as the show in Knoxville and hopefully I will get a chance to look at a few books.  I plan to take the rifle at the Knoxville show.
David