Genevieve, there was a Thomas Bird and a William Bird in Perry Co., TN about the time your Joshua was born. Thomas and William had applied for a mill or bought property with a mill on it. I have that document somewhere in my tons of Bird stuff. The reason I researched them was because my Thomas had a brother William and Thomas married in Lawrence Co., TN in 1818. I think Lawrence borders Perry or is maybe one county over. Hope this helps. Glenda