G.S. Bailey M.D.

BAILEY, SMITH, MANWARING, WATERMAN, SCHNECK

Posted By: Fran Hunt, Volunteer
Date: 10/6/2001 at 09:32:11

From the Portrait and Biographical Album of Jefferson and Van Buren Counties – 1890
G.S. BAILEY, M.D.
G.S. Bailey M.D., is one of the pioneer physicians and early settlers of Van Buren County, having made his home within its borders since June of 1837. Probably no man in the community has been more prominently identified with its history, especially during the early days, than he, and the active part which he took in the building up and advancement of the county’s interests certainly deserves mention in this volume and should be remembered with gratitude, by the citizens through coming generations. Indiana was the state of his nativity, and in Lawrence County, on June 3, 1809 he first opened his eyes to the light of day. His parents were Charles and Sally Smith Bailey, and he was the sixth child of the family. The days of his boyhood and youth were spent in Lawrence County and at an early age he determined to engage in the practice of medicine. To this end he entered the office of Dr. Moberly, under whose direction he pursued a course of reading, which he continued until accompanying his family on their removal to Shelby County, Illinois, where he completed his medical studies and entered upon the practice of his chosen profession in Charleston, Coles County. It was during his residence in that place that he led to the marriage altar Miss Julia Manwaring, an accomplished lady, a native of Connecticut. Their union was celebrated in 1835, and for three years they resided in Illinois, but believing that the country beyond the Mississippi would furnish better opportunities for a young man in his profession, the Doctor and his wife crossed the Father of Waters into Iowa. He chose Van Buren County as the scene of his future labors, and they took up their residence in a rude log cabin, but ere the first season had passed he erected a neat frame residence.
At once, after reaching Iowa, Dr. Bailey embarked in the practice of his profession and for a few years did an extensive business in that line, but his attention was then attracted toward political questions, and laying aside his business interests, he entered actively into political life. From 1838 until 1861 he was continually serving the people in some official capacity, whereby he gained a wide reputation and made many friends among the prominent citizens of the State. He represented Van Buren County in the First General Assembly under Territorial Government, which convened in the Methodist Church in Burlington in 1838; he was a member of the Territorial Council and served as United States Marshal of Iowa under the administration of President Polk. He was a member of the State Senate during the special session of 1861, when questions of the greatest importance, attending the Civil War, came up for decision. His public, as well as his private life is above reproach, for, ever faithful to the trust reposed in him, he discharge his duties with fidelity and promptness, winning the respect of all with whom he came in contact.
In 1865 Dr. Bailey was called upon to mourn the loss of his wife, who died in the month of February. They were the parents of two children, a son and a daughter—Augustus C., now living in Lancaster Missouri; and Julia, deceased wife of Harris Waterman. The Doctor was again married September 3, 1869, his second union being with Ann M. Schneck, daughter of Jacob Schneck. She was born in Wurtemburg Germany, in 1839, and came to this country when twenty years of age. Their union has been blessed with one child, Gideon C.S., now a youth of fourteen years. The Doctor has for some time past lived a retired life. Being now in his declining years, he is resting from the toils and labors of the past, having acquired a competence, which releases him from all cares. He was formerly one of the most prominent and energetic citizens of Van Buren County, and is now an honored pioneer, who yet retains his interest in the growth and building up of the county for which he did so much in earlier years.
I am not related, and am only copying this for the information of those who might find this person in their family.