WILLIAM C. BAYLIES GRAVESTONE PHOTO
Independence Daily Reporter, Tuesday, June 25, 1918:
Pioneer and Old Soldier Passed Away This Morning
SETTLED AT TABLE MOUND
His Life Was Marked by Deeds of Kindness and He Made Deep Impress on Community.
William C. Bayless, a pioneer resident of this county and an old soldier died this morning at 3 o’clock at the age of 76 years, after suffering severally for several months with valvular trouble. He was born in St. Helena Parish, Louisiana, July 27th, 1842. When he was eight years of age his parents returned north with their family and located at Griggsville, Illinois, where they resided until 1858, when they removed to Des Moines. When the rebellion came he enlisted in Company K Tenth Iowa Infantry. His regiment formed a part of the Fifteenth Army Corps, Army of Tennessee, and he was in the battles of Island No. 10, New Madrid, Corinth, Vicksburg, thence east to the aid of Rosecans at Chattanooga, and from there on the campaign of Atlanta and the march to the sea. He was on the march from Savannah to Washington, where he received orders to proceed to Little Rock, Arkansas. He was mustered out of service at Davenport, August 15, 1865. He enlisted as a private but was promoted through the grades of non-commissioned officers and commissioned as a first lieutenant.
In the spring of the next year he had his first experience with life on the frontier, going from Iowa to the territory of Montana and spending three years in prospecting for gold without much profit in a financial way to himself.
Settled Here in 1869
He came to Montgomery county in 1869, locating on a claim south of Table Mound, and has ever since resided in that locality. He came to this county in a wagon with less than $50 in his pocket. In 1880 he was married to Rachael M. Henry, widow of Dr. W. C. Henry. He is survived by two daughters, Mrs. Co. O. Lockmiller and Mrs. L. C. DeMott of this city, and two stepsons, Prof. Thomas B. Henry of the County High School, and Wm. E. Henry of Des Moines, Iowa.
Also by one sister and five brothers, none of whom reside in this state. One brother, O. S. Baylies of Chicago has been with him during his last illness.
Fine Type of Citizen
Mr. Baylies was one of the advance guard that blazed the way in this county who became prominently identified with the life of the community and held a high place in the esteem of his neighbors and acquaintances. He was a man of modest bearing and honorable in all his dealings; and a type of the perfect gentleman and in all social relations and business established for himself an enviable reputation. During the life time of his estimable wife, who preceded him in the grave, his home on Table Mound was noted for its fine hospitality. It was a home of culture and refinement and exerted a great influence for good in the community. The deceased was a most kindly man and his death will bring regret to a very large circle of friends in this section.
The funeral arrangements will be announced later.
South Kansas Tribune, Wednesday, June 26, 1918, Pg. 5:
The illness of W. C. Baylies resulted in death at an early hour Tuesday morning at the home of his daughter, Mrs. C. O. Lochmiller, 409 North Ninth, at the age of 76 years. He parents moved to St. Helena parish, Louisiana, where he was born, July 27, 1842, but when he was eight years old, they moved north, locating at Griggsville, Ills., in 1858, later removing to Iowa. When President Lincoln called for troops, he responded and had a part with Co. K, of the Tenth Iowa, and bore his full part in the campaigns of the Fifteenth Army corps, starting in at Island No. 10, then New Madrid, and Corinth, in April; and was at the siege of Vicksburg which was captured July 3, 1863. Later with Rosecranz at Chattonooga, and with Sherman to the sea. In August ’65, was mustered out at Davenport, Iowa. When there was a prospect to the opening of the Osage Diminished Reserve, he adventured with a team and $50 to get a farm in Kansas, and in 1869, he selected a claim south of Table Mound, which he leaves an inheritance to his children. Eleven years later he was united in marriage with Mrs. Rachel M. Henry, widow of Dr. W. E. Henry, an original claim taker on Table Mound, to which union were born the now Mrs. Caroline Lochmiller and Mrs. L. C. DeMott, and his stepsons, Prof. Thomas B. Henry of this city and William E. Henry of Des Moines. His brother O. S. Baylies of Chicago has been with him during the past few weeks. Mr. Baylies was a first class citizen, always for the betterment of the neighborhood, and a friend whom all who knew him prized. The funeral will be held Thursday at 10:00 o’clock at the residence 409 North Ninth. Post Commander Bateman calls the Grand Army and its affiliated organizations to meet at the Post at 9:30 to attend the services at which Rev. Dr. Chandler will officiate.
Contributed by Mrs. Maryann Johnson a Civil war researcher and a volunteer in the Kansas Room of the Independence Public Library, Independence, Kansas