JOSIAH G. BAILEY
Josiah G. Bailey, retired farmer and highly respected citizen, Delavan Ill., was born in Hillsboro, N. H., June 18, 1813, and there acquired his early education in the public schools. After leaving school he engaged in farming until 1853 when he removed to Pekin Tazewell County, where he resided until 1863, meanwhile holding the important office of City Marshal for two years. For several years succeeding 1863, he was engaged in farming at various localities. In 188, owing to the failure of his health, he retired from active life und removed to Delavan, where he now resides with his son, Henry A. Bailey, director in the Tazewell County National Bank.
Mr. Bailey’s first pilgrimage to Tazewell County was in 1831, at which time he encountered many hardships. After a year’s residence here, he was obliged to return to New Hampshire, his health broken by the epidemic of chills and ague then prevalent in this part of the State. He remained East until 1853, when he returned to Tazewell County, with his family to make this locality his permanent home.
Mr. and Mrs. Bailey enjoy excellent health, and are passing the remaining years of their life in retirement. Mr. Bailey is a Baptist in religious belief and in politics has always been a Republican. In September, 1838. he was married at Hillsboro. N. H., to Miss Catherine Barns, who was born December 3, 1820, and they have had four children; Jerome D., Henry A., Emily J. (deceased), and Jennie (deceased).
Historical Encyclopedia of Illinois and History of Tazewell County - page 973