Reference
X768/51
Title
Carte-de-visite half-length photograph of Samuel Bird, mayor of Luton in 1895-6, by Thurston of Luton, photographer, and published by T G Hobbs for the Luton Timetable. Embossed in gold on mount.
Date free text
1895-6
Production date
From: 1895 To: 1895
Scope and Content
Samuel Bird was born in Toddington circa 1825. He was the son of two Wesleyan class leaders. In 1856 he started in the baking and corn business at Cheddington near Leighton Buzzard. In 1865 he came to Luton, having purchased the business and premises of Mr George Bates, Langley Street. As a baker he became well-known in the town through his diligent attention to business. In 1889 he retired into private life. He was elected to the Town Council for the East Ward with Mr Thomas Smith and gained his seat with the small number of 189 votes; he was re-elected in 1885 with 390 votes; Mr Bird took his seat without opposition in 1888 and in 1892 was made an Alderman. In November 1895 he was elected Mayor. Mr Bird's rule as chief magistrate was serene and uneventful. When Mr Bird had served his year of office as Mayor, he was close upon 72 years of age, and then practically retired from public work. During his Mayoralty the Chapel Street improvement was acccomplished and the £40,000 drainage and storm water scheme entered upon. Besides his work on the Corporation Mr Bird did useful service as a Guardian. He was a life-long abstainer and staunch Wesleyan, being a local preacher and leader in the Chapel Street circuit for many years. He was married three times. He lived at 39 Stockwood Crescent and died on 4th March 1903 aged 77 after a long and severe illness. [Information taken from obituary in the Luton Times and Advertiser of Friday 13 March 1903].
Exent
No. of pieces: 1
Format
Albumen print
Level of description
item