When a life record is ended and the last pages of one's history written, it is natural to review the work and note what is commendable and worthy of emulation in the annals of a career. In studying the history of Mr. Bailey we see that there was much in his life to awaken admiration, respect and confidence on the part of his fellow men. He was born in Montgomery County, Ohio, near the city of Dayton, January 8, 1838, his parents being Henry and Rachel (Baker) Bailey. The parents came to Ohio in 1833, taking up their abode on a farm near Dayton, where occurred the birth of our subject. The latter was there reared, his boyhood days being passed in the usual manner of farmer lads until sixteen years of age, when he abandoned the plow in order to enter upon mercantile life. Accordingly he went to Sparta, Illinois, where he was employed as a clerk in a drug store for two years. On the expiration of that period he came to Miami county and located in Concord township, following farming until 1871. He then removed to Champaign county, Ohio, and purchased a tract of land near Addison, on which he carried on agricultural pursuits until 1884 . In that year he returned to Troy and, purchasing land in the vicinity, devoted his time and energies to its cultivation, although he retained his residence in the city.

On the 26th of October, 1870, occurred the marriage of Mr. Bailey and Miss Elizabeth M. Peck, a daughter of Joshua and Mary (McCullough) Peck. Mr. Peck was born February 14, 1802, was left an orphan at an early age and was reared near Troy. The mother was born November 27, 1803. He learned the mason's trade and followed that pursuit for some years, but afterward engaged in farming. By his marriage he became the father of six children, namely: John, Joseph, Mary, Mrs. Elizabeth Bailey, Isaac and Blair: all are now deceased except Mrs. Bailey and Isaac. The father died October 4, 1870, aged sixty-eight years, and his wife passed away December 13, 1882, at the age of seventy-nine. They were members of the Christian church, and were people of the highest respectability, widely known for their sterling worth.

In his political views Mr. Bailey was a stanch Republican and kept well informed on the issues of the day, so that he gave an intelligent support to the principles which he advocated. He, however, never sought or desired political preferment, yet served as trustee in Champaign county. He held membership with the Masonic fraternity in Addison, Ohio, and was true to its beneficent principles. Starting out in life for himself a poor boy, he advanced steadily step by step, his determined purpose enabling him to overcome all the difficulties and obstacles in his path, while his honorable dealing and capable management brought to him the success for which he labored. At his death he left an estate of two hundred acres of land in Staunton township, known as the Andrew Knoop farm, and located on the Troy and Casstown pike, two miles from the city of Troy. He passed away January 3, 1899, and many friends mourned his loss, for he was widely and favorably known throughout the community. Mrs. Bailey still survives her husband and is living in Troy, where she has a large circle of warm friends.