Prominently connected with the industrial interests of Piqua is William H. Bailey, who is the efficient and capable manager of the Piqua rolling mill. A native of Pennsylvania, his birth occurred in Pittsburg, on the 26th of July, 1844. His father, Thomas Bailey, was a native of England, in which country the grandfather owned a large factory. The father was reared in the land of his birth, and afterward became manager of a silk factory, holding that position until 1839, when he crossed the Atlantic to the new world, believing that he might better his financial condition in the "land of the free." Taking up his abode in Pittsburg, he engaged in the dry goods and notion business for several years. He then purchased a farm in Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, wishing to rear his family away from the detrimental influences of the city. He spent the greater part of his remaining years there and died at the ripe old age of eighty years. He was quite successful in his business affairs, accumulating a comfortable competency. He was a Democrat, but never took an active part in politics, and religiously he was connected with the Episcopal church. He married Ann Elizabeth Thompson, a native of England, in which country their marriage was celebrated. She survived her husband fifteen years and passed away at the age of eighty. She, too, was a member of the Episcopalian church and was very active in its work. She had eight children, two of whom were born in England and six in America. Five of the number are now deceased and three are yet living, namely: Martha, wife of James, Hunter, of Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania; William H.; and Thomas, who is connected with the rolling mills of Alexandria, Indiana.

William H. Bailey spent his life on his father's farm between the ages of eight and seventeen years, and during that period pursued his education in the common schools.

At a later day he secured employment in a rolling mill in Pittsburg, occupying a very humble position, but his close application to business, his trustworthiness and efficiency won him promotion from time to time. He remained with his first employers for twenty-two years, and at the time he severed his connection with that firm he was in charge of a department. He left that position in order to accept the superintendency of a rolling mill in Pittsburg, and for ten years was manager of the Republic iron works. Removing westward, he then accepted the management of the Midland steel works at Muncie, Indiana, successfully conducting that industry for three years. On the 27th of June, 1895, he came to Piqua and took charge of the mills at this place, and has since been manager of the extensive industrial concern with which he is now connected. He has never missed a day since accepting his present position, and has carefully guided the interests and affairs of the mill, his reliability being recognized by the company, who repose the utmost confidence in him and entertain for him the highest regard.

On the 23d of July, 1868, in Pittsburg, Mr. Bailey was united in marriage to Miss Vinie Craig, of that city, and their union has been blessed with three children: George T., who travels throughout the United States as a salesman for the Republic Iron & Steel Company of Chicago; Annie, at home; and Viola P., the wife of W. Edward Clark, who is in the engraving business in Pittsburg. Mr. Bailey served on the election board while residing in Pittsburg, and is a Republican in his political affiliations when questions of state and national importance are involved, but at local elections, where no issue is up before the people, he votes for the men whom he regards as best qualified to care for the business affairs of the municipality. Socially he is connected with Delaware Lodge, No. 46, F.& A.M., of Muncie, Indiana, and with Silver Shield Lodge, No. 403, K.of P., of Muncie, of which he was treasurer. In May, 1900, he became a member of the Elks at Piqua. He and his family are members of the Episcopal church. Mr. Bailey is a man of strong force of character, earnest and reliable, and at all times he is worthy of the public trust and confidence.