Background
Bird, Robert Montgomery was born on February 5, 1806 in New Castle County, Delaware, United States. Son of John and Elizabeth (von Leuvenigh) Bird.
Bird, Robert Montgomery was born on February 5, 1806 in New Castle County, Delaware, United States. Son of John and Elizabeth (von Leuvenigh) Bird.
Doctor of Medicine, University Pennsylvania, 1827.
1 son, Review Frederick Mayer. Practiced medicine for short time. Professor medicine, materia medica Pennsylvania Medical College, 1841, lecturer, 1841-1843.
Mainly interested in writing. His early plays include: The Cowled Lover, The City Looking Glass, The Gladiator (1st performed 1831, became standard in repertoire of Edwin Forrest), The Broker of Bogota (considered his best play), 1834. Honorary member English Dramatic Authors’ Society (elected for The Gladiator).
Paid very little for plays (many not published until 1917). Became an editor Philadelphia North American. 1847: suffered several breakdowns due to financial and writing difficulties.
Author: (novels including) Calavar. Or the Knight of the Conquest, 1834. The Infidel; or The Fall of Mexico, 1835.
Member English Dramatic.
Married Mary Mayer, 1837.