Archive of Francis William Bird

v.p. chiefly Boston and surrounding towns, 1895. various sizes, chiefly pen and ink on paper. Old folds, toning, occasional minor tears. various sizes, chiefly pen and ink on paper. THE SAGE OF WALPOLE. A grief-laden archive of Francis William Bird (1809-1894) including: 9 autograph letters signed Francis William Bird ("F.W. Bird), on "F.W. Bird & Son" letterhead; 79 autograph letters signed, many being condolence letters from important friends, including Dr. Estes Howe, U.S. Reps. Rufus S. Frost and Henry L. Pierce, and newspaper editor, George H. Monroe, upon the tragic death of Bird's son, Francis William Bird, Jr., in 1875; 10 condolence letters on the death of Bird's wife, Rebecca Hill Cook in 1835, just one year after they were married; A diary of five 8"x10" double-sided pages written in 1829 of his soon-to-be-wife, Rebecca Hill Cook of Providence, Rhode Island, wherein she notes in several entries her dates with Bird.

Known as the "Sage of Walpole," abolitionist, state political leader, and radical reformer, Francis William Bird (1809-1894), was the founder and de facto leader of the "Bird Club," whose membership counted both Massachusetts senators, the governor, a number of ex-governors and four or five members of congress, as well as scores of prominent and influential Boston, and Massachusetts political and business leaders. Considered the political center of Massachusetts, the Bird Club, met every Saturday afternoon at Young's Hotel on Cornhill Street, in Boston, to dine and discuss the affairs of the nation. In addition to his antislavery efforts, Bird was also a supporter of women's rights, Native American rights, and suffrage for Chinese in America.