In the summer of 1882, William T. Bird, sons Tom & Albert and John Phillips, Riley Wilson and a few others packed over the range to Egeria Park. William and Albert claimed adjoining homesteads. They worked all summer to build cabins and establish their homesteads. In August fate would strike again. The Birds and Phillips were away from the cabin cutting wild hay. While they were gone thieves entered the cabin and stole all of their supplies, including John Phillips only pair of boots. At daybreak William, Albert, Tom, John Phillips and a friend, Ed Watson, set out in pursuit of the thieves, they were all armed. They caught up to them in Oak Creek Canyon. In the following gun battle Tom was shot and killed. Both outlaws were killed also. Returning home Tom (Wm. T. Bird) was buried on Albert's homestead.
In the summer of 1882, William T. Bird, sons Tom & Albert and John Phillips, Riley Wilson and a few others packed over the range to Egeria Park. William and Albert claimed adjoining homesteads. They worked all summer to build cabins and establish their homesteads. In August fate would strike again. The Birds and Phillips were away from the cabin cutting wild hay. While they were gone thieves entered the cabin and stole all of their supplies, including John Phillips only pair of boots. At daybreak William, Albert, Tom, John Phillips and a friend, Ed Watson, set out in pursuit of the thieves, they were all armed. They caught up to them in Oak Creek Canyon. In the following gun battle Tom was shot and killed. Both outlaws were killed also. Returning home Tom (Wm. T. Bird) was buried on Albert's homestead.
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