published by The Lewis Publishing Co, Chicago & New York, 1902
JOHN P. BAILEY
In Raymond township, Rice county, resides John P Bailey, who extensively and successfully follows agricultural pursuits. He is known as an enterprising citizen and has made his home in this county since 1877. He was born in Berkshire county, Massachusetts, in 1836, and is a son of Philip Bailey, a native also of that state. His father was of English descent, and was a valiant soldier in the Revolutionary war. Philip Bailey was reared to manhood in the state of his nativity, and was there married to Miss Louisa Gardner, who was born, reared and educated in Massachusetts. She was a representative of a prominent family of that state. Unto Mr and Mrs Bailey were born six children, namely: John P, the subject of this review; George, who has departed this life; Sarah; James, also deceased; Nancy, the wife of Dr Lee, of Hiawatha, Kansas; and Miller, deceased. The wife and mother was called to the home beyond in 1836, dying in the faith of the Congregational church. The father was afterward again married, choosing for his second wife Achsah Oaks and their union was blessed with six children three of whom still survive: Jeremiah, William Henry and Mary. The mother is still living and resides near Canton, Ohio. The father of our subject was summoned to his final rest in 1849, dying in Ohio. He had devoted his attention to agricultural pursuits as a life work.
John P Bailey, whose name initiates this review, passed his boyhood days upon a Massachusetts farm, where he was early inured to the labors of field and meadow. He was subsequently employed for three years as a clerk in a store in Massachusetts. At the age of eighteen years he removed to Ohio, and four years later, at the age of twenty-two years, he chose as a companion and helpmate for the journey of life Miss Susan Freeman, a lady of culture and refinement and a representative of a prominent family. She has indeed proved to him a faithful companion. Mrs Bailey was born in New Jersey, a daughter of John and Mary (Scott) Freeman. The father was a native of New Jersey and the mother was born in Scotland, of Scottish parentage. Mr Freeman devoted his life to the tilling of the soil, and in his political affiliations was an advocate of Republican principles. His death occurred in 1884, and his wife survived him only two years, dying in 1886. Both were members of the Baptist church. They were the parents of eight children, two sons and six daughters, as follows: Susan, Janette, Ann, Orren, John, Agnes, Adelia and Arlitta.
Mr Bailey, our subject, remained in Ohio, near Canton, until 1877, when he took up his abode in Rice county, Kansas, entering one hundred and sixty acres of railroad land. Here he engaged at farm work, and as time has passed he has added to his property all of the improvements and conveniences of a model farm. He had erected a good residence, which is located on a natural building site, a large barn, cribs, granaries, and there is also a good grove and orchard upon the place. Unto Mr and Mrs Bailey have been born seven children, namely: John F, who is engaged in the grain business in Raymond township; Orren Lincoln, also of this township; Louvisa, widow of B F Eatinger, her husband having been accidentally killed; Robert, of Raymond, Kansas; James, a resident of Raymond township; Charles Sumner, also of this township; and Samuel G, of Chase, Kansas. They also lost two children, - Mary, who died at the age of two years, and Ben, who died when a babe. They have also reared an adopted daughter, Clara Belle Hoover, who came to them nine years ago. She is now seventeen years of age. Mr Bailey is a Republican in his political views and has served as constable. He was also a member of the school board, the cause of education having ever found in him a warm friend. Both he and his wife hold membership in the Baptist church. Mr Bailey is a man of splendid business ability, frank and genial in manner, and he is recognized as one of the enterprising and successful farmers of the county.