My Genealogy Hound

John Bailey, farmer, Floral, Independence County, Ark. Tennessee has given to Independence County many prominent citizens, but she has contributed none more universally respected or more worthy of esteem than the subject of this sketch. He was born in Smith County on the 12th of September, 1822, and is the son of Wiatt W. Bailey and Dolly (Tinsley) Bailey, both natives of Virginia, the father born in Campbell County, and the mother in Amherst County. They moved to Smith County, Tenn., in 1818, and here the father was elected sheriff of the county, in the spring of 1838, which office he held for six years. He died in that county in 1864, and the mother in 1871. The paternal grandparents, William and Sarah Bailey, were natives of Campbell County, Va., and died at a good old age in Smith County, Tenn. John Bailey is now successfully following the occupation to which he was reared, and which has been his life work, a calling that has for ages received undivided efforts from many worthy individuals, and one that always furnishes sustenance to the ready worker. He came to Izard County, Ark., in 1853, resided there three years, and in 1856 came to Independence County, where he was elected sheriff in 1860. This position he held two years, during which time he was a resident of Batesville, removing to his present home in 1863. He is the owner of 2,000 acres of land, a part in Independence County, and some in different counties of the State. He has about 150 acres of this land under cultivation, with most of it in cotton and corn. Mr. Bailey was married to Charlotte B. Nail, of Tennessee, in 1844. She died four years later, leaving two children, Dorothea Ann and Charlotte Olive, the latter dying two months after its mother. For his second wife Mr. Bailey chose Miss Sarah E. Harper, a native of Smith County, Tenn., born December 1, 1834. To them were born ten children: William H., Harriet E., John B., Edward Everett, James Madison, Archibald D., Thomas Franklin, Mary Frances, Emily J. and Martha Ann. Mr. Bailey served during the late unpleasantness between the North and South, from July 17, 1864, until the surrender. He was at the battles of Big Creek, Pilot Knob, and in many minor engagements. He served under Col. Dobbins. In November, 1864, he returned to his duties on the farm, which he continued until his election to the office of sheriff of Independence County, in 1874, which position he held for one term. He then returned to his farm. He and wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South, his first wife also being a member. He is a member of the Masonic lodge at Cedar Grove, also an Odd Fellow in good standing in Batesville Lodge. In politics he is a Democrat, and is also an enthusiastic supporter of all public enterprises. He is at present school director of District No. 40, Independence County.