Bailey, William Turner and Ida

William Turner Bailey
July 17, 1859 - October 15, 1922
Lumberman, Miller, Merchant, and Community Leader

Son of Kincheon and Shellie Baines Bailey

Ida Richardson Bailey
April 16, 1869 - January 3, 1929
Wife, Mother, and Homemaker
Daughter of Hilliard and Martha Griffin Richardson

The Baileys:
William Turner Bailey and Ida Richardson were married on September 12, 1888. They were the parents of eight children: Viola Lendon, Pattie Mae, Hilliard Turner, Tyre Clingman, James Dobbin, Alleye, Adna Leigh,and Beulah.

THEIR STORY
After living in Nash County, the Baileys moved to Bagley in 1897 and to Kenly in 1899. The moves were made to help manage a lumber and milling company owned by W. T. and his brother Joseph Walter. In Kenly, W. T. Bailey and Jim Kirby ran the local branch of the business until around 1912. Then W. T.'s son Tyre replaced Jim Kirby. This business still operates in Kenly today.

W. T. Bailey was a jolly, likeable man who was also a leader of men. He was elected to the Johnston County Board of Commissions after living in the county only three years, and served for a time on the Kenly Board of Commissioners. He was also asked to be a member of the Kenly High School Committee when the tenth and eleventh grades were added, and on the Board of Directors for the Bank of Kenly.

Ida Bailey was an industrious wife and mother who developed a home in the newly formed town of Kenly. She cared for several animals including cows and sold milk and eggs to help with the family finances. Mrs. Bailey was also known as an excellent seamstress and needleworker. Mrs. Bailey was a charter member of Kenly Baptist Church that was built on land donated by her husband.

A TRIBUTE
W. T. and Ida Bailey were loving parents, business people, and community leaders who set a standard still upheld by their descendants today throughout the eastern United States. In Kenly, the Bailey business still operates and family members continue to support the school, bank, and Kenly Baptist Church — a living tribute to the couple.