Isaac George Bailey (1847 - 1914)

Born 1847 in Arkansas City, Desha, Arkansas, United States

Husband of Winnie (White) Bailey — married 1866 (to before 1884) in Arkansas, United States

Husband of Susie E. (Ford) Bailey — married 1884 in Arkansas, United States

Died Feb 1914 at about age 67 in Dermott, Chicot, Arkansas, United States

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Biography

I. G. Bailey is Notable.

Isaac George Bailey, a notable figure in Arkansas history, left a lasting impact through his dedication to education, community leadership, and his efforts to foster racial harmony. As a pastor, legislator, and co-founder of the Dermott Baptist Industrial School, he tirelessly worked to improve the lives of those around him. Reverend Bailey's commitment to education was evident in his role as an educator and his involvement in the establishment of the school. Additionally, his influential position as a pastor allowed him to inspire and guide his congregation, while his service in the Arkansas House of Representatives showcased his commitment to public service. Reverend Bailey's unwavering dedication to bridging racial divides and promoting unity earned him respect and admiration, leaving a lasting legacy in the hearts and minds of the people he touched.

Isaac George Bailey was born in Arkansas City, Desha County, Arkansas around 1847. His parents were Perry and Virginia Bailey. He received his education at Pine Bluff's Branch Normal College, now known as the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff.^[1][2][3]

In 1866, Isaac married Winnie White, and together they had three children named Charles Henry, Maude Rosalee, and George.^[2] During the 1870s, Isaac lived in Franklin, Chicot County, Arkansas, near the Sypress Creek Post Office, where he worked as a laborer.^[4] By 1880, he had moved to Franklin, Desha County, Arkansas, and listed his occupation as a farmer.^[5]

In 1885, Isaac relocated to Tillar, Desha County, Arkansas. He served as a pastor at both the First Baptist Church in Dermott and the Log Bayou Church in Tillar Station for 23 years. Additionally, in 1885, he was elected to the Arkansas House of Representatives, representing Desha County.^[1][2][3]

Sadly, Winnie passed away around 1883, and in 1884, Isaac married Susie E. Ford. Susie, of mixed race, had a mother named Elvie, who was born a slave, and her father T. S. Ford was a Mississippi plantation owner. Together, Isaac and Susie had nine children, but only four survived adulthood: Dewitt Douglas, Isaac Granville, Dorcas, and Susie Elvie.^[2]

By 1900, Isaac lived on West 4th Street in Pine Bluff, Jefferson County, Arkansas, and identified himself as a preacher.^[6] In 1910, he lived in Bowie, Chicot County, Arkansas, where he served as a minister at the Baptist church while also engaging in farming. Isaac owned his farm without any mortgage.^[7]

Isaac George Bailey played a significant role in founding the Dermott Baptist Industrial School in Dermott, Arkansas. His contributions to the institution were instrumental in its development.^[1][2]

Tragically, Isaac passed away in February 1914 in Dermott, Chicot County, Arkansas. At the time of his death, he held the positions of Moderator and President of the Trustee Board at the Southeast Baptist Academy, an institution largely indebted to his efforts. His funeral was attended by numerous pastors and friends from across the district, reflecting the high regard and respect he commanded.^[1][2][3]

Isaac George Bailey was honored and esteemed in his community, and his death was mourned by many. Over 200 townspeople attended his funeral, making it one of the largest gatherings in Dermott at that time. The Daily Arkansas Gazette remarked that he had done more to promote harmony and prevent racial tensions than any other individual in the region.^[3][8]

Sources

1. ↑ ^{1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3} Wikipedia Contributors. Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia, last edited on 3 May 2022. "Isaac George Bailey." Accessed 26 Jun 2023.
2. ↑ ^{2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 2.5} Finding Aids at Emory University, (n.d.). "Bailey, I. G. (Isaac George), 1847-1914." Accessed 26 Jun 2023.
3. ↑ ^{3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3} Newspaper Clipping, (n.d.). "Obituary for I. G. Bailey." Accessed 26 June 2023.
4. ↑ 1870 United States Federal Census: Year: 1870; Census Place: Franklin, Chicot, Arkansas; Roll: M593_49; Page: 91B Ancestry Record 7163 #12534833
5. ↑ 1880 United States Federal Census: Year: 1880; Census Place: Franklin, Desha, Arkansas; Roll: 43; Page: 316B; Enumeration District: 078 Ancestry Record 6742 #5242205
6. ↑ 1900 United States Federal Census: Year: 1900; Census Place: Pine Bluff Ward 4, Jefferson, Arkansas; Roll: 63; Page: 13; Enumeration District: 0105 Ancestry Record 7602 #6344189
7. ↑ 1910 United States Federal Census: Year: 1910; Census Place: Bowie, Chicot, Arkansas; Roll: T624_45; Page: 26a; Enumeration District: 0034; FHL microfilm: 1374058 Ancestry Record 7884 #414832
8. ↑ Newspaper Clipping, Daily Arkansas Gazette, Little Rock, Arkansas, 19 Feb 1914, Thu. Page 1. "Many Attend Funeral." Accessed 26 Jun 2023.