Edward Bir purchased this lot - Lot 10 Upper High Street, Plat 220 - on May 14, 1898 for $1,050 from Margaret Watts. He was first listed at this address in the 1899-1900 New Albany City Directory. Edward held many offices in the Louis Bir Lumber & Manufacturing Co., including President, Vice President, Treasurer, etc.

Several other family members also built homes nearby in the late 19th and early 20th century. Louis Bir, Edward’s father, built his home at 1218 East Main built circa 1890. James Bir, Edward’s son, has his house at 1301 East Main built circa 1922. Another son, Harry, had a home built at 1305 East Main circa 1923.

Edward remained in the house at 1401 East Main probably through 1928. Members of the Egan family then lived in the house through the 1970s.