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- Financier, merchant, civil servant and author. Born in Coventry 2nd July 1758 and died in Cape Town 19th April 1836. He was a cousin of the philanthropist William Wilberforce and he too was greatly interested in the well-being of slaves. He came to the Cape in 1807 and was the founder of the Cape Philanthropic Society. He had a share in the import and export trade, especially with St. Helena and Mauritius, carrying his cargo in his own ships. In 1810 he joined the Cape civil service as Controller of Customs and remained in that position to his death. He became a confidant of Lord Charles Somerset but never a subservient 'yes'-man. Bird had a fair knowledge of law and assisted in drawing up the Colony's game laws. It is claimed that he suggested the name 'St. George's Cathedral' for the first English church in Southern Africa. His memorial can be seen in the church. His comprehensive book, The State of the Cape of Good Hope in 1822, was written anonymously. It covers in detail the system of government at the Cape, the law courts, the burgher senate, registration of slaves, agriculture, trade and the customs of the population. He was highly critical of the way in which such ceremonies as weddings and funerals were conducted. Bird served on several bodies because of his knowledge of finance and management which was rare in such a small community.
- (Research):Probably the William Wilberforce Bird og Cape of Good Hope who had a daughter, Penelope who married 1st John Cotton and 2nd George Richardson
1836...At the Cape of Good Hope, aged 78, William Wilberforce Bird, esq., late comptroller of customs for that colony, formerly MP for the city of Coventry, and uncle to the bishops of Chester and Winchester,...
Who is this? Saturday 18 March 1843 By Special Licence at Wynberg Church, on Wednesday the 15th March by the Rev T.A. Blair, Lieutenant Robert Wilberforce BIRD, 4th Regt B.N.I, Assistant to the Commissioner and Governor-General's Agent, Saugor and Nerbudda Territories, to Elizabeth Maria CLOETE, third daughter of the late Henry CLOETE Esq of Westerford.
and
Saturday 25 March 1843 MARRIAGE By Special Licence In St.George's Church, Wynberg, on Wednesday the 15th March by the Rev T.A. Blair: Lieut. Robert Wilberforce BIRD, Bengal Native Infantry, to Miss Elizabeth Maria CLOETE.
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