W. G. Bailey, of North Otter township, may be named as one of the capable
and energetic farmers of Macoupin county — a man who has won success through
his unaided efforts and is fully deserving of the confidence and esteem in
which he is held by his friends and neighbors. He was born in Kentucky,
September 7, 1869, a son of Granville M. and Jane (Bowles) Bailey, both of
whom were born in Kentucky. The father has devoted his life to agricultural
pursuits and he and his wife are now living near Glasgow, Kentucky. There
were six children in their family, namely: Frances, who married James Young,
of Kentucky; W. G., of this sketch; Isaac and James, who dre also living in
Kentucky; Lizzie, who is the wife of William Barber, of the same state; and
Eva, who married Henry Tole, also of Kentucky.
Mr. Bailey of this
review attended the district schools and continued upon the home farm until
nineteen years of age. He then came to Illinois and engaged at farm work in
Sangamon county until 1906. He then purchased forty acres of land in North
Otter township, Macoupin county, where he established his home, and he also
rents land, being now in charge of two hundred acres. He engages in general
farming and stock-raising and has been especially successful in fattening
hogs and cattle for market. As he is a man of resolution and perseverance,
he has steadily forged ahead and is recognized as one of the representative
citizens of his township.
On the 21st of February, 1900, Mr. Bailey
was married in this county U> Miss Grace Williams, a daughter of Samuel and
Mary (Strong) Williams, both of whom were born in Kentucky. They came to
Illinois in 1830 and took up their residence in Greene county, but later
arrived in Macoupin county, where Mr. Williams became the owner of a
productive farm of eighty acres. He died March 7, 1911. In his family were
four children, namely: Carrie, who is deceased; Della, who is the wife of
Henry Kable; Edna, also deceased; and Grace, now Mrs. W. G. Bailey.
Politically Mr. Bailey is a stanch supporter of the republican party. He is
a good friend of education and has served as member of the school board,
doing effective service in behalf of the public schools. His religious
belief is indicated by membership in the Christian church. Starting out in
life on his own account at an age when the minds of many young men are
engrossed with pursuit of pleasure, he took a more sensible view of his
responsibilities and as a result is now comfortably and pleasantly located
and each year witnesses increasing prosperity in his business. He is highly
respected on account of his sterling integrity and his abiding interest in
the welfare of others, and his record is well worthy of emulation by all
young men desirous of making a respectable name for themselves in the
community.
Extracted 18 May 2018 by Norma Hass from History of Macoupin County, Illinois: Biographical and Pictorial, by Charles A. Walker, published in 1911, Volume 2, pages 32-33.
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