Bailey - Arch - Montgomery InGenWeb Project

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Bailey - Arch


ARCH BAILEY

Source: 1893 Portrait & Biographical Record of Montgomery, Parke & Fountain Counties, Indiana.  Chicago: Chapman Brothers, p 683.

Arch BAILEY, one of our best known and most popular citizens and among the leading farmers of this community, is a fine representative of the sons of the sturdy, noble-hearted, energetic pioneers of Montgomery County, who are so ably carrying forward the work so well begun by their fathers, making this one of the richest and best developed agricultural regions of the state of Indiana.  He was born on the old homestead, a beautiful and well-cared-for-estate on Sec. 33, Wayne Twp, in 1841, and it is now in his possession, and he has here an attractive, modern home.  

Our subject is a district lineal descendant of "Mayflower" stock, the family having lived in Massachusetts for several generations.  His father, Charles Bailey, was born in the town of Hanover, that state in 1793. In early manhood, ambitious to increase his finances, he migrated to Brookville, Ky, where he engaged as a fuller in the woolen mills of that place.  While there he became a member of the Masonic fraternity, in 1818, and continued his connection with that organization until death.  From Brookville he went to Huntsville, Alabama and established himself in the fulling business.  He remained there but a short time, however and returning to Ky, to  up his abode at Doe Run and gave his attention to the carding business. While a resident of that town he was married to the mother of our subject, Catherine, a daughter of Archibald and Jemima VanBrook, a native of Bourbon Co, Ky.  

These children were born to them: Elizabeth, whose birth occurred in Doe Run, ky in 1830 and who became the wife of Daniel RIVES in 1856; Mr. Rives being now engaged in farming in Champaign Co  Ill; Charles, who was born in 1831 and in 1860, married Amanda, daughter of Daniel & Eliza Vaughn, who died in 1876; Henry, a Kentucky stock raiser, who w asb orn at Doe Run, Ky in 1836 and married Mary Talbert; Barbara, who w as born in Wayne Twp, this county in 1837 married Capt. Robert SCOTT, w ho was an officer int he Union Army during the war; Martha, who was bo rn in 1840, married J.W. Watkins and died 1882; our subject, the next in o rder of birth; John who was born in 1842 and married Libbie Switzer and Ma rtin, who was born 1844 and married Irene Scott of Cass Co, Mo where he owns and manages a farm of 400 acres of fine land.  Mr. Bailey was well trai ned in agricultural pursuits in early life, and always keeps abreast of t he times in regard to the best modes of tilling the soil and the breedi ng only of that class of stock which is of high grade and best adapt ed to the country.

The farm is always in good order and is adorned by a set of substantial, conveniently arranged buildings and the commodious resi dence, which was erected by his father, is in a fine situation, commandi ng an extensive view of the surrounding country, and is surrounded by beau tiful shade trees.  Mr. Bailey is happy married and his amiable wife cordi nally seconds his pleasant welcome and generous hospitality, which ma ke it a pleasure to visit their home to  enjoy its many comforts and luxur ies.  Mrs. Bailey who was born in this state in 1855, bore the maiden name of Mary E. KING, and is a daughter of WJ and Keziah McComb King, who ca me to this state from Ohio, and settled at New Richmond in an early day.  Her father established himself in the harness business int hat tow n.  His wife's father, who attained the venerable age of 104 his last birthday, is the oldest man in the state.  

But few men in Montgomery County  are more widely or favorable known than our subject, whose frank, genial nature, liberal mind and open hand have drawn to him many warm and steadfa st friends.  He is a liberal giver to the church, although not a member, and to whatsoever will tend to better the community, while anyone in distress or want is sure of his sympathy and material assistance.  He is one of the most prominent Masons in the state of Indiana, having passed thr ough various degress of Masonry, until he now wears the emblem of the Mystic Shrine. Politically, he is Republican of unquestioned integrity, and a strong advocate of the principles of his party. = typed by kbz


Source: Crawfordsville Weekly Review, Nov 19, 1881

Arch Baily has erected a splendid granite           monument 13 feet in height, over the grave of his           brother, John on the family lot in Oak Hill Cemetery.

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