My Genealogy Hound

JAMES MADISON BAILEY, iron manufacturer, Pittsburgh, is a native of Pittsburgh, born on what is now First avenue, in August, 1833. His father, Francis Bailey, was a member of a family which held a one-hundred year lease on an estate on the River Baun, near Coleraine, Ireland; his mother was a member of the Livingston family. Francis Bailey came to Philadelphia in 1814, and to Pittsburgh about six years later. He was a prominent Freemason, and was the first commander of the K. T. Commandery of Pittsburgh, being instrumental in the revival of Masonry here; was an adherent of democratic principles, and served as alderman under gubernatorial appointment; he died in 1849, aged sixty-two years. His wife, Mary Ann, was a daughter of Jacob Beltzhoover, who came to Pittsburgh with his father, Melchior Beltzhoover, from Maryland, before the opening of the present century. Francis Bailey’s children were six in number (only two are now living-Judge John H. Bailey and James M.), of whom James M. is the fifth. He was educated in private schools and the Western University, and when seventeen years old began dealing in coal, a business he continued many years. He was one of the incorporators of the Fourth National and Fort Pitt National Banks, being continuously a director of the former, and for the last two years its president. He was one of the incorporators of the Pittsburgh Clay Pot company, and is a director of the Cash Insurance company, Monongahela Bridge company; of the Pittsburgh & Castle Shannon, Pittsburgh & Lake Erie, Pittsburgh, McKeesport & Youghiogheny, and Lexington & Big Sandy Railroad companies. Since 1873 he has been a member of the firm of Phillips, Nimmick & Co., owners and operators of the Sligo rolling-mills.

Like his father, Mr. Bailey has always been a democrat, and served in the Pittsburgh select council four years, and has been for many years a school director. His religious associations are with the Presbyterian Church. In 1867 he married Martha, daughter of James Dalzell, a prominent Pittsburgh manufacturer. Mrs. Bailey died in 1883, leaving three children: Ruth, Mark and Lois.