The Kindred Curator

William Lee Bird: An Ancestor Profile Born: Around 1855, Baltimore, Maryland, USA What was Baltimore like when William was born?In 1855, Baltimore, Maryland was a thriving port city and a major economic hub. It was the second largest city in the United States at the time, with a population of approximately 200,000 people. The city’s strategic location on the Chesapeake Bay and its extensive railroad network made it a vital center for trade and commerce. Baltimore was known for its…

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Birth Born – March 27, 1854, in Cincinnati, Ohio. What was Cincinnati like in 1854?In 1854, Cincinnati was a thriving metropolis on the banks of the Ohio River. Known as the “Queen City of the West,” it was a hub of commerce, industry, and culture, with a growing population of over 150,000 people. The city’s strategic location made it a vital link between the East and the expanding American frontier, shaping its development and prosperity in the mid-19th century. Marriage…

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Henry was born on September 23, 1810, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He ventured into the world of business alongside his friend John W. Baker, relocating to Cincinnati around 1842. Together, they founded the Baker & VonPhul gas lamp company, marking the start of a successful entrepreneurial journey. In matters of the heart, Henry found love twice. He first married Esther Powell on March 29, 1843, in Hamilton County, Ohio. Together, they raised a family of eight children: George B., Sarah M.,…

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