BENJAMIN F. BAILEY, a prosperous
sail-maker of New London, was born in Niantic, New London County, September
2, 1840, son of Henry and Susan (Franklin) Bailey. His paternal grandfather
died in Niantic in 1845, at an advanced age. Henry Bailey, the father,
came to this county near the close of the eighteenth century. He married
Susan Franklin, of Block Island, and they had a family of ten children,
seven sons and three daughters, only two of whom are now living: namely,
Benjamin F.; and George, his youngest brother, a sailor, who lives in Mobile,
Ala. The father and mother both died at the age of sixty-four, the mother
surviving her husband fifteen years.
Benjamin F. Bailey, after attending school
for the usual period, at the age of sixteen began to learn his trade with
the firm of Arnold & Beebe. He subsequently enlisted in Company C,
Twenty-first Connecticut Regiment, and served thirty-four months as private,
with the exception of a short time when he was in the hospital. After concluding
his military service, he began business in Noank, where he continued nearly
thirty years, employing generally about eight men, and controlling the
sail-making industry in that place. In 1891 he came to New London, where
he has more competition, there being three sail lofts. Mr. Bailey's loft
is located in the rear of the Day office. Being a man of energy and careful
to turn out none but the best work, he does a large business. In politics
he affiliates with the Republican party, and has occasionally held town
offices. He belongs to Williams Post, G. A. R., of Mystic, and also belongs
to the Independent Order of Odd-Fellows, in which he holds the office of
Chaplain.
At the age of twenty-one years Mr. Bailey
was united in marriage with Miss Abby Perry, of Colchester, Conn. She died
leaving a daughter, Georgiana, who is now the wife of Samuel Dennis, a
machinist. In 1866 Mr. Bailey married for his second wife Miss Amanda Franklin,
of Ontario County, New York. By this union there are two sons: Fred Bailey,
who is a resident of Pensacola, Fla.; and John, who resides with his father,
is married, and has two daughters.
Biographical Review Volume
XXVI
Containing Life Sketches of Leading Citizens
of New London County Connecticut
Boston
Biographical Review Publishing Company
1898
pg 77
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