Bird Marcum first "appeared" in Jefferson County, Illinois in 1843, 29 Nov. when he married Sarah Jane Bond of the same county, dau of Allen Bond and Elizabeth Donoho. He purchased at least 3 pieces of Federal land during the next few years and he and Jane had 10 children before Jane died about 1870 or 71. Bird then married Lucy H. Donoho but was a widower in the 1980 census. His name appears in Allen Bond's will in 1861 as the husband of Jane Marcum. Their 10 children were: Mary E. Marcum born ca. 1846 married Jehu S. Price on 4 March 1871 Martha A. Marcum ca 1850 married Samuel Marcum of Marion County on 27 Oct. 1874. Sara R. Marcum ca 1852 married George W. Blunk or Bunk on 8 July 1879. William T. Marcum born 25 Sept 1855 narrued 25 aug 1869 died 27 Sept 1925. His death certifcate say his father was W.M. Marcum and his mother Jane Bond. Golden B. Marcum ca 1857 married Mary O. Brian on 27 July 1886. Marcus A. Marcum ca 1862. James Marcum ca. 1865. ann E.J. Marcum ca 1866. Joseph Marcum ca. 1867. John Henry Marcum borned 28 July 1869 married Edith Miller Due on 1 Oct. 1892 died 30 Dec. 1920 all in Jefferson County, Illinois. They had 9 children. This is my Grandfather. I am BIRDMARC@worldnet.att.net or Kay Markham. Maybe someone knows some of these people and can help me find out more about Bird. I do not believe this is a nickname as he purchased Federal Land and married twice useing the name Bird. He is in the 1860 census as his last name as BIRD and his first name as MARKHAM. He is listen in the 1880 census as Marcum, Bird. He died in Fayette County, Illinois.