Sluman S. Bailey
Sluman S. Bailey—Such a man as Sluman S. Bailey is a valuable acquisition to any community, for in all the relations of life he is found true and faithful to the duties and obligations that have rested upon him, and his sterling worth and rectitude of character commend him to the confidence and high regard of all with whom he is brought in contact. An ex-sheriff and ex-collector of the internal revenue, he is now devoted to the more congenial and less perturbed occupation of a successful tiller of the soil in Paris township, where, as will be seen, he was a pioneer.
Mr. Bailey was born on the 4th of December, 1821, to Joseph S. and Sophia (Dennison) Bailey—the daughter of a Revolutionary soldier—who were natives of Ruthland, Vt., were married in 1819 and soon thereafter became pioneers of western New York.
Sluman S. Bailey, the eldest in a family of three daughters and six sons, attended the old-style district school until nineteen years of age, then spent two years in Yates academy, when, health failing, he sought out-door employment and worked two years on his father’s farm.
On October 30, 1844, he was united in marriage to Miss Delia G. Starbuck, a daughter of Isaac and Rebecca Starbuck, who were prominent Quakers, In October, 1846, he came with a covered wagon to Detroit, thence to Paris, where he bought 120 acres of heavily-timbered land, and moved into his log house before the roof was finished. They experienced all the oft-told hardships of the earliest pioneers; yet with all there was much that made life enjoyable. He cleared ninety acres within a few years and was the owner of a good farm. Here he lived for fourteen years, when, upon his election to the office of sheriff of Kent county, in the fall of 1860, he removed to Grand Rapids. He was re-elected in 1862, and for two years was revenue inspector. He was again elected sheriff, and about the same time, without his knowledge, and though not a friend of the then national administration, and not an applicant for the position, Mr. Bailey was appointed collector of internal revenue for the Fourth district of Michigan by President Andrew Johnson. Aaron B. Turner, editor of the Eagle, was an applicant, but on account of an editorial reflecting upon the administration he was refused the honor. When President Johnson’s term expired Mr. Bailey resigned, as he would not serve longer under that appointment. Grant at once accepted the resignation, but soon after re-appointed him. He served in this capacity for fifteen years, gaining the reputation of an efficient his was the longest term of service as collector of any such official in the United States. He retired from the office during President Arthur’s administration.
As sheriff of the county, he attained distinction for his success in catching and convicting criminals, and seemed to possess special faculties in this line. Many interesting anecdotes are told of him both as sheriff and collector, which if collected and written would fill a volume. He was one of he most successful officials; nor did he sacrifice his own morality or self-respect. He has always been
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active in party affairs, and, with other officials, has endeavored to conduct the county business as economically as possible. He was justice of the peace for four tears, supervisor of Paris township for seven years, school inspector several years and was one of the founders of the Kent county Agricultural society, of which he was for one year president and for several years secretary, and a member of the State Agricultural society for six years.
He took a prominent part in the fight for United States senator, which resulted in the election of Hon. T. W. Ferry. Mr. Ferry, knowing his ability, chose him to supervise the campaign; and the result but showed his capacity as manager of a contest where the most astute professional politicians were pitted against each other, and where disreputable were resorted to by the opposition to carry their point. This battle, won with honor, was renewed with redoubled vigor at the end of that term, when sins of omission as well as commission were urged in vivid coloring against the senator. Again was Mr. Bailey called upon to fix the fences, which was done with the skill and foresight of an old battle-scarred general. Great opposition had developed throughout the state, but with personal visits to disaffected points, and suitable use of warm acquaintances he had made during his public career, the tactics of the opposition were overcome and again the battle was won.
Though a generation has passed since the zenith of his fame and activity in political work, he still sought in council by the leaders of today, who esteem and venerate this man, whose honesty of purpose and fairness in battle are conceded by friend and foe.
Hon. Wm. Alden Smith holds him in greatest esteem and consults him with almost the faith accorded to ancient oracles. It was at his advice that Mr. Smith declined the candidacy for United States senator, when Barrows was re-elected, and by so doing prevented a division in the republican ranks. Mr. Bailey has been in close touch with many public men, having held intimate correspondence with Hon. Samuel J. Randall and others of equal repute. He has been a faithful and worthy official, a keen and successful business man; a far-sighted, clear-headed politician; a courteous, genial gentleman, and above all a sincere and conscientious Christian.
The following anecdote may serve to portray him in the light of a temperance man. When but eight years old he had signed the temperance pledge, though in that day it was customary to drink at all gatherings, house-raisings, log-rollings, etc. When he was ready to build his own house, it was a question often discussed as to whether he would treat the men. He had brought two or three barrels of fine yellow pippin apples all the way from his father’s orchard in New York. Not having whisky, it seemed at first that the men would be disappointed, and possibly refuse assistance, but the proffering of the apples had a far different result. They appreciated his temperance, and, recognizing the immorality of their own customs, became his warmest friends. Ever after he never lacked for friends at times of logging, or even at any time. He won the men, many of whom were Irish, and, though he did not conform to their customs, he lived to see most of them rather conform to his views. Not rabid or anyway antagonizing, but kind and genial by nature, he was able to secure the friendship of all. He is not a prohibitionist or even an advocate to local option; but observation and experience have led him to favor high license and strict enforcement of the law.
He returned to his farm in 1881, and some nine years after he aided in starting the East Paris Congregational church, having the co-operation of many of those who in former years were liquor men, but who were induced
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somewhat by his example to feel the need of church influence.
His family comprised four children, two sons and two daughters, the youngest of whom, Charles W., died in August, 1867; Herman S., the eldest surviving son, married
Della Waterman, of Grand Rapids, and is a farmer in Plainfield, and served for three years as deputy collector of internal revenue under his father; Alice S. died, unmarried, October, 1897, and Clara B. is the wife of O. A. Ball, a wholesale grocer of Grand Rapids.
Mr. Bailey for some years has been much interested in the movement for good roads, and is known more generally among the younger generation as ‘Good Roads Bailey’. He is looked upon as authority upon the subject of roads, and has delivered addresses before large audiences upon his favorite theme. Among others was the supervisors’ outing at Saginaw, where he was the guest of honor. He has written extensively upon the subject and his articles have been widely copies and read. Another subject upon which he grows eloquent is that of equal rights to women in matters of property, and he worked for laws that will give to the woman who has assisted in accumulating an equal right in the property with her husband. He advocates woman’s rights in all things she asks for, believing the world will be better when she has a larger share in its control.
Mr. Bailey and wife are now passing their declining years upon the farm in Paris, after treading life’s pathway together for more than fifty-five years, surrounded by hosts of warmest friends and relatives. Among others is another venerable couple whom Mr. Bailey, in his capacity of justice, joined in life’s strongest bond more then fifty years ago. It is doubtful if the records of the state can duplicate the circumstance connected therewith. But few of the friends of half a century past remain. They who have seen and taken part in all the growth and making of Kent county are fast passing to the spirit world. Yet many friends old earnest prayer that the time will be long ere this venerated and respected couple shall hear the summons, that, answering, will take them to the sovereign, dim. Illimitable ground beyond the waveless sea.