Bayless - Abijah
ABIJAH BAYLESS
Source: 1881 HW Beckwith History of Montgomery County, p. 587
Abijah R. Bayless, liveryman, Alamo, son of William and Elizabeth (Grant) Bayless, was b. in Trenton, NJ Feb 24, 1818. His parents moved to Butler Co, Ohio when he was but one year old and in Oct. 1828, they removed to this township. At an early period of his life, Mr. Bayless was taught the shoemaking trade, at which, together with farming, he worked until his marr. Nov 1, 1838 to Miss Elizabeth, daughter of Joseph and Sarah Patterson, who was b. Oct 22, 1817. He then gave his entire attention to farming until 1843, when he came to Alamo, then a city of the woods, where he followed his chosen trade for 9 years.
He then returned to the farm, which he tilled until 1870, when returning to Alamo, he went into the dry goods business, and two years later again went at his trade.
One year ago he began the business he is now in, and keeps a fine stock of horses and carriages for the accommodation of the public. Mr. Bayless' public educational advantages were limited, yet he improved such as he had, and is now a thinking, reading man. Born and raised a democrat, he voted that ticket until 1856, when, believing human slavery to be unjust, he voted for Fremont, and has since been a radical republican.
Eight children have been born to this venerable couple: Mary A (Sparks); William T; John G (both members of the 13th Ind. Vol. Inf), James F; Harriet A (Craig); Alice E. (Riley); and Sarah E, an infant having died. Mr. Bayless is a believer in man's universal salvation, being one of the originators of that Church here. He has been township treasurer, and is a prominent member of the Masonic order. -- typed by kbz