Bailey, Samuel W. MAGA © 2000-2014
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HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY ILLINOIS - 1915

Chicago: The S. J. Clarke Publishing Co.

Page 844

BAILEY, SAMUEL W. - One of the substantial retired business men of Virginia, is a native of the state of Virginia, and a son of George and Ann (Jasper) Bailey, the former born in that state, September 8, 1826, where he still resides; and the latter, a native also of Virginia, was born August 12, 1827, and died October 5, 1909. They had ten children, of whom Samuel W. Bailey was the fourth in order of birth.

On May 9, 1872, Samuel W. Bailey came from Marksville, VA., to the village of Virginia, Ill., but spent several years upon a farm in Cass County prior to locating in the village. Upon settling here permanently, he engaged with Vanvedentre & Bailey, lumber dealers, as bookkeeper and general manager, remaining in this connection for three years. At the expiration of that period, he embarked in a mercantile business on the east side of the public square, in partnership with Lawson D. Robertson, and they were thus associated for three years, when he sold his interest to Mr. Robertson, and clerked for J. F. Black, hardware dealer and architect until 1885. He then took a vacation until 1886, when he became a bookkeeper and salesman for George H. Henderson, manufacturer of tile and dealer in coal. In December, 1889, he bought a one-third interest in a coal shaft and gave this business his services until March 1, 1903. On this date he sold, and then embarked in a grocery business on the north side of the square, continuing to conduct it until May 2, 1903. Disposing of this business at a profit, he opened another store on the south side of the square, and continued it until January 1, 1911, when he permanently retired from business.

On February 7, 1878, Mr. Bailey was married in Cass County, to Fannie J. Fisher, a daughter of John and Adaline (Gist) Fisher. Six children have been born of this marriage, namely: George L., who resides at San Francisco, Cal.; John C., who resides at Virginia; Jess O., who resides at Hillsboro, Ill.; Fred R., who is in the undertaking and furniture business at Virginia; and Harold L. and Eugene D., who are yet students.

During the long period Mr. Bailey has resided at Virginia, he has served the city very faithfully in a public way, having been city clerk for three terms, mayor for one term, a school director for a number of years, and has held other offices. Joining the lodge of Odd Fellows at Virginia, he has been active in that and the auxiliary order of Rebekah ever since, and is now secretary and treasurer of the Central Illinois Odd Fellows Association. The Methodist church holds his membership, in which he is a steward and church secretary.


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