BAILEY-Arch - Fountain County INGenWeb Project

Arch BAILEY, one of our best known and most popular citizens and among the leading farmers of his community, is a fine representative of the sons of the sturdy, noble-hearted, energetic pioneers of Montgomery County, who are so ably carrying forward the work so well begun by their fathers, making this one of the richest and best developed agricultural regions of the state of Indiana. He was born on the old homestead, a beautiful and well-cared-for-estate on Sec. 33, Wayne Twp, in 1841, and it is now in his possession, and he has here an attractive, modern home. Our subject is a district lineal descendant of "Mayfower" stock, the family having lived in Massachusetts for several generations. His father, Charles Bailey, was born in the town of Hanover, that state in 1793. In early manhood, ambitious to increase his finances, he migrated to Brookville, Ky, where he engaged as a fuller in the woolen mills of that place. While there he became a member of the Masonic fraternity, in 1818, and continued his connection with that organization until death. From Brookville he went to Huntsville, Alabama and established himself in the fulling business. He remained there but a short time, however and returning to Ky, took up his abode at Doe Run and gave his attention to the carding business. While a resident of that town he was married to the mother of our subject, Catherine, a daughter of Archibald and Jemima VanBrook, a native of Bourbon Co, Ky. These children were born to them: Elizabeth, whose birth occurred in Doe Run, ky in 1830 and who became the wife of Daniel RIVES in 1856; Mr. Rives being now engaged in farming in Champaign Co Ill; Charles, who was born in 1831 and in 1860, married Amanda, daughter of Daniel & Eliza Vaughn, who died in 1876; Henry, a Kentucky stock raiser, who wasb orn at Doe Run, Ky in 1836 and married Mary Talbert; Barbara, who was born in Wayne Twp, this county in 1837 married Capt. Robert SCOTT, who was an officer in theUnion Army during the war; Martha, who was born in 1840, married J.W. Watkins and died 1882; our subject, the next in order of birth; John who was born in 1842 and married Libbie Switzer and Martin, who was born 1844 and married Irene Scott of Cass Co, Mo where he owns and manages a farm of 400 acres of fine land. Mr. Bailey was well trained in agricultural pursuits in early life, and always keeps abreast of the times in regard to the best modes of tilling the soil and the breeding only of that class of stock which is of high grade and best adapted to the country. T he farm is always in good order and is adorned by a set of substantial, conveniently arranged buildings and the commodious residence, which was erected by his father, is in a fine situation, commanding an extensive view of the surrounding country, and is surrounded by beautiful shade trees. Mr. Bailey is happy married and his amiable wife cordinally seconds his pleasant welcome and generous hospitality, which make it a pleasure to visit their home to enjoy its many comforts and luxuries. Mrs. Bailey who was born in this state in 1855, bore the maiden name of Mary E. KING, and is a daughter of WJ and Keziah McComb King, who came to this state from Ohio, and settled at New Richmond in an early day. Her father established himself in the harness business int hat town. His wife's father, who attained the venerable age of 104 his last birthday, is the oldest man in the state. But few men in Montgomery County are more widely or favorable known that our subject, whose frank, genial nature, liberal mind and open hand have drawn to him many warm and steadfast friends. He is a liberal giver to the church, although not a member, and to whatsoever will tend to better the community, while anyone in distress or want is sure of his sympathy and material assistance. He is one of the most prominent Masons in the state of Indiana, having passed through various degress of Masonry, until he now wears the emblem of the Mystic Shrine. Politically, he is Republican of unquestioned integrity, and a strong advocate of the principles of his party.