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S. R. BAILEY, P. O. Lebanon,
was born in Limestone Co., Ala., Dec. 29, 1847. He was son of Samuel
and Nancy Bailey. While yet a child, his father died. His mother
was married to her second husband. In 1863, S. R. Bailey
emigrated to Northern Ohio. Here he began his career without a dollar.
His knowledge of books was scanty indeed, but to be thoroughly educated
was then the height of his ambition. During the fall of 1865, he managed
to save $50, which he invested in Government Bonds. In the meantime he
found employment in a factory in the city of Sandusky. There he remained
about, two years, during which he managed to save a few hundred dollars.
In 1867, he lent as much of his money as he could spare to a wealthy farmer |
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in Erie County, and entered the University of Wilberforce,
Greene Co., Ohio. There he remained about seven years, and graduated in
the class of 1874. In the fall of the same year, he went to Jackson, Miss.,
and engaged to teach a country school in Hinds County. Having taught four
months, he went to the city of Yazoo, Miss., and opened a notion store early
in the spring of 1875, but the lawless state of affairs made it unfavorable
for his business. At the beginning of 1876. he closed out and returned to
Ohio. Arriving at Xenia on January 10, he was informed of an opening in
the town of Lebanon. Ohio, for a teacher. Accordingly, he made application,
and was employed as Principal in the department of the Union School for
the education of the colored youth, which position he still holds. On June
22, 1880, he married Mary Stamps, of Blue Lick Springs,
Kentucky, daughter of Chanie Stamps, to whose sole care
and protection Mary and her brother. Albert Stamps,
were committed; and on the 20th of November, 1881, she was taken by the
hand of death from her only two children, Mary and Albert.
On the 16th of April, there was born from the marriage of S. R.
Bailey with Mary, a girl child, who is named Alberta
Allen Bailey. |