Benjamin BAILEY (c. 1917-1944)

1 Benjamin Mart BAILEY , Jr.^1,2,3 (c. 1917-1944) [7804]. Born c. 1917, GA.^1,2 Marr Virginia Hand CALLAWAY 22 Feb 1941, LaGrange, GA. Died 23 Aug 1944, Gathemo, France.⁴

Excerpt from an article in the Wellsboro Agitator, June 30, 1937.

"The Bailey's have one son, Mart Jr., who will be a second classman at the united States Military Academy at West Point next fall. Mart, now home on a short furlough, is one of the most promising candidates for an end position on West Point's football varsity, He won his numeral on Squad "A" last year."

From the Don R. Marsh diary.

"PURSUIT TO BELGIUM AND HOLLAND
By Don R Marsh
August 10, 1944
Gathemo, France

On the 10th of August 1944, a Task Force consisting of the 2nd Battalion, 66th Armored Regiment. 14th Armored Field Artillery Battalion, 1 Platoon of Company "A" 17th Armored Engineer Battalion, 2"° Battalion of 41st Armored Infantry Regiment (-1Co.), 1 Company of the 702nd Tank Destroyer Battalion and a detachment from Company "A" 48th Armored Medical Battalion, attacked the town of Gathemo and east along a ridge line on the flank of the German counterattack towards Avranches Very heavy resistance was encountered and the enemy massed heavy artillery and heavy weapons fire from anti-tank guns in a desperate effort to stop the attack of the Command After heavy fighting, the balance of CC'A" pined the task Force on 13 August, took Ger and seized Hill 329 the next day.

On 20 August 1944. CC"A" began an attack North and Northeast towards Elbeuf. We had taken Breteuil-Newburg and were approaching St Andre in a nighttime march We were enroute to a crossing at the Seine River at Mantes-Gassicourt in a double column that stretched for endless miles behind us. It was 23 August, near 2100 hours and pitch dark as we were trying to follow the vehicle in front, maintaining vehicle intervals without tailgating. It takes all of your concentration to focus on the two small taillights.

Without warning, suddenly we heard an aircraft, a German JU88, circle over the top of us He then climbed off in the distance After circling, he dropped a magnesium flare We knew at once that it was a Kraut plane and not one of ours When I saw the flare drifting, with its brilliant light, I thought, "Somebody is going to catch hell now.” Little did I realize it would be us.

As the flare drifted closer illuminating our miles of stalled columns, the plane passed overhead strafing us with guns blazing, but not before dropping his bomb It landed directly in front of us about three vehicles forward almost on the road right next to the Executive Officer's Command half-track. After the terrific explosion, 27 year old Lieutenant Colonel Benjamin Mart Bailey, Jr, West Point "M" Company Class of 1939. was mortally wounded and died within moments after calling out, "Help me Somebody help me " Other members of the half-track crew were also severely wounded by the bomb blast and fragments. A Master Sergeant lost his arm, Iassumed that he died from trauma and loss of blood. Others nearby were hit by bomb fragments and also suffered concussion. We bailed out of our vehicles and ran into the nearby fields. Some stayed on their 50 caliber ring mounted machines guns to fire at the plane, when he made another and final strafing run at the road lined with vehicles bumper to bumper. We had been sitting ducks. We recovered and the advance continued throughout the night. General Collier replaced Colonel Bailey with Lt Colonel Wilson M Hawkins from the 66th Armored Regiment as his Executive Officer.".

2 Benjamin Mart BAILEY^5,6,7 (1881-1945) [7782]. Born 2 Jul 1881, Tioga Co., PA.^8,9,10 Marr Rosalie D. DAVIS 18 Nov 1915, Atlanta, GA.⁷ Died 15 Apr 1945, Atlanta, GA.¹⁰

From the Wellsboro Agitator.

November 14, 1900 - ""Mr. and Mrs Elton Bailey and Mr. Mart Bailey will remove to Syracuse, N.Y. Mart expects to enter Syracuse University."

February 27, 1901 - "It is reported that Mr. B. Mart Bailey has bee appointed as Naval Cadet at Annapolis and that Wayne J. Coveny has been appointed alternate, both young gentlemen being from this county."

From the Wellsboro Gazette.

April 20, 1905 - "Honor for Mansfield Boy. The United States has conferred an honor upon Benjamin Mart Bailey. of Mansfield, who is well known in Wellsboro, having taught school in this vicinity a few years ago. Mr. Bailey was one of 40 candidates selected by examination for appointment from civil life to the army as second lieutenants. Twelve candidates were appointed. Mr. Bailey ranked first among these. He is a graduate of St. Johns Military School at Manilus, N.Y."

From the Wellsboro Agitator.

July 4, 1906 - "Last Friday Major Glenn, officer in command, at Fort Thomas, Kentucky, appointed Lieutenant Benjamin Mart Bailey, formerly of Mansfield, and well known here, as one of the officers to aid in the inspection of the 750 cadets at the Ohio State university and to act as judge."

September 26, 1906 - "Lieut. Benjamin Mart Bailey, of the 4th U.S. Infantry, stationed at Fort Thomas, Kentucky, is spending a ten days' leave of absence with Mansfield and Wellsboro relatives. His regiment has been in camp at Fort Benjamin Harrison, near Lawrence, Indiana, during most of the summer."

November 7, 1906 - "Lieutenant Benjamin Mart Bailey, formerly of Mansfield, now stationed at Fort Thomas, Kentucky, has been for the past few weeks on the Licking river, near Fort Thomas, with his battalion, at target practice. Lieut. Bailey, successfully made the "marksman" and "sharp shooter" classes and was awarded a medal for so qualifying. He took first place in his battalion. AT a range of 1,000 yards, he made 44 points out of a possible 50, entitling him to first place for mark-manship in his regiment."

August 7, 1907 - "The following from the Louisville, Ky, Courier-Journal will be of interest to the numerous friends here of Lieut. B.M. Bailey, formerly of Mansfield: "So far as is known, there is only one precedent in the history of the United States army for the action of Second Lieut. Benjamin Mart Bailey, Fourth Infantry, now stationed at Ft. Thomas, Kentucky, in refusing a promotion to a first lieutenancy in the Coast artillery, although it will be four years or more before he will receive a promotion in the infantry. Lieut. Bailey preferred this branch of the service. He gives as his reason for declining; 'In view of possible hostilities in the East I prefer to be in the service at the seat of action He expects to sail with his regiment for the Philippines in March next."

During WWI Lieutenant-Colonel Benjamin Mart Bailey wrote a letter to his wife in Atlanta. describing the experience of being shelled by Hun batteries and the impressions incident to shelling the Germans in return. The letter was described as one of the brightest spotlights on actual war sensations yet received. It was originally published in the Atlanta Constitution July 14, 1918. A portion of the letter was then reprinted in the Wellsboro Gazette, July 31. 1918.

Subsequently to the shelling of the Germans, a Colonel commanding an infantry Division, French Army, called headquarters to say that B.M. Bailey's work was extremely gratifying. He went on to say that Major Bailey showed excellent judgement when communication with the infantry he was supporting had been cut, in putting down barrages where his own estimate of the situation showed they were needed. He further stated that the work of the batteries was technically of a high order. Since the letter was written, he was promoted to Lieutenant Colonel and assigned to the 316th Field Artillery.

From the Wellsboro Agitator, January 14, 1920.

"Colonel Benjamin M. Bailey (formerly of Mansfield and well known in Wellsboro, where he has many friends), of the Atlanta Army recruiting station, is wearing two silver stars as a result of a recent general order from Washington in which he was twice cited for gallantry, once at Toulon-Thoyon and once at Chateau-Thierry, while commanding the Fifteenth Field Artillery, Second Division. Colonel Bailey returned from a short leave during which he visited in New York. He received the citations while in Washington on his way back home. --Atlanta Journal."

From the Atlanta Constitution, January 16, 1921.

"At the dinner-dance at the Piedmont Driving club last night, an enjoyable occasion, assembling a company of one hundred, Major and Mrs. Benjamin Mart Bailey entertained General W.R. Sample, who is army inspector for the southeastern states, and Mrs. Juliette Ballenger Mosely."

From the Wellsboro Agitator, November 24, 1926.

"The Atlanta Georgian says "Delightful among visitors here are the Benjamin Mart Baileys, who have come back from Major Bailey's most recent detail at Governor's Island, New York, to spend several weeks with Rosalie Davis (Mrs. Bailey's parents, the Charles A. Davises, on Peachtree street. A gratifying semblance of duration is given the visit by the placing of their young son in school here. One was impressed by the very genuine and generous compliment which 'Mart Bailey bestowed upon his lovely wife, the former belle in Atlanta society. It was to the effect that Rosalie Davis charming address and sincerity of manner were an asset to any man in whatever walk of life. Major Bailey, on the staff of General Summerall, detailed recently to Washington, is making his first visit among us for six years past. Although Rosalie has been with us meanwhile, both Major and Mrs. Bailey are receiving the most cordial welcome from their many friends. " Major Bailey was detailed to represent Major General Summerall, Chief of Staff of the U.S. Army, at a luncheon and reception given Queen Marie, and the following letter, written by Queen Marie, was placed in the hands of Major Bailey, to be sent to Governor Walker at Atlanta. "Georgia. The county of wonderful pines and commerce. To which we owe so much all over the world. Who has not heard of that beautiful name, Atlanta. The wonders of the new world in America as created by man, appear before our minds' eye when we think of Georgia. I am enthusiastic to know you and to tell you how I love you for what you have done in your tremendous achievements toward winning the victory to bring peace to the world."

We believe that "Queen Marie" referred to above was Queen Marie of Romania. There is a photo album featuring photographs of Queen Marie and her family from 1904 online at:

http://speccoll.library.kent.edu/women/marie.html

From the Wellsboro Gazette.

January 22, 1925 - "In a fire which raged in a large shed on Governor's Island last week, Col. Benjamin Mart Bailey, formerly of Mansfield, lost his favorite horse, Bourbon. He was a valued Kentucky horse that Co. Bailey had ridden for several years, and one of 24 horses, valued at $20,000 lost in the fire."

June ?, 1925 -" Major B. Mart Bailey, U. S. A. stationed at Governor's Island as aide de camp to General Summerall was a guest of Wellsboro relatives last week."

April 21, 1927 - "Major B. Mart Bailey, of General McRae's staff at Governor's Island, was an over Sunday guest at the home of his cousin, Mrs. Frank Pagan."

Excerpt from an article in the Atlanta Constitution, February 13, 1921.

"Major Bailey has been stationed in Atlanta since his return to America from the war. He was cited for bravery five times, three at Chateau Thierry, one at St. Mihiel and one at Solssons. He was in command of an artillery brigade which supported the advance of the marines at Chateau Thierry when the first official entrance of American units was reported from the war zone."

Additional details about Benjamin's distinguished career are detailed in an article in the Wellsboro Agitator, June 30, 1937.

From the Wellsboro Agitator, April 18, 1945.

"Col. Benjamin Mart Bailey, aged 63 years, of Atlanta, Georgia, died Sunday at his home. He was born at Mansfield, July 2, 1881, and was graduated from the Mansfield Normal School. He served in the U.S. Army for many years and as an officer in the field artillery in the first world war and won a high position in military life. He is survived by his widow and a grandson, Benjamin Mart Bailey, III. His only son, Lt. Cpl. Benjamin Mart Bailey 2nd, was killed in actin in France Aug 24, 1943." (Should be Aug 23, 1944 as stated in the Marsh contemporary diary.).

4 Elton L. BAILEY^11,12 ( - ) [6602]. Marr Ida G. TALBOT 23 Oct 1893.¹³

From the Wellsboro Agitator.

November 14, 1900 - "Mr. Elton Bailey, of Mansfield, in the employ of the Milwaukee Harvester Company, has been promoted to a district agency with headquarters in Syracuse, N.Y. and he and his family will soon remove to that city."

8 Robert Burr BAILEY¹¹ (1808-1884) [6386]. Born 28 Jan 1808, Tioga Co., PA.¹¹ Marr Lucy HOLDEN 20 Feb 1834.¹¹ Died 17 Oct 1884, Mansfield, PA.¹¹

From the History of Tioga County, Pennsylvania, 1897.

"Robert B. Bailey, second son of Roswell and Lucinda (Clark) Bailey, was born January 28, 1808, in Tioga county. He was reared to manhood in Charleston township. After his marriage he purchased a farm of 300 acres in Richmond township., where he passed the remaining years of his life, and died October 17, 1884. Mr. Bailey was married three times. His first wife, to whom he was married February 20, 1834 was Lucy Holden, a daughter of Daniel Holden, an early settler in Mansfield. To this union were born the following children: Lydia, wife of George Hollands, of Homerville, New York; Justus M. Deceased; Mary Augusta, wife of George Baker, of Rutland, Charlotte Lucy and Roswell Burr, of Mansfield; Dallas N., deceased; Eliza May, wife of Alexander Gaylord, of Blossburg. Mrs. Bailey was born December 31, 1812, and died July 13, 1847. Mr. Bailey's second wife was Sophia Lewis. By this marriage there was no issue. For his third wife he married Julia Hagar, born May 2, 1830, a daughter of Issac and Sallie Hagar, of Sullivan township. She bore him seven children; Myron F., of Wellsboro; Robert Wilson, deceased; Elton L., of Mansfield, Wallace J., of Wellsboro; Carl E., of Elkland; Frank W., of Wellsboro; and Fred D., of Mansfield. After Mr. Bailey's Death his widow removed to Mansfield, where she still resides. He was a Republican in politics, and had served as collector of Richmond township.".

9 Julia HAGAR¹¹ (1830- ) [6599]. Born 2 May 1830.¹¹

5 Ida G. TALBOT^12,14 (c. 1850-1908) [7781]. Born c. 1850.¹⁴ Marr Benjamin Clark BAILEY bef 1880.¹⁴ Died 9 Dec 1908, Syracuse, Onondaga, NY.^12,13 Buried Prospect Cemetery, Richmond Twp., Tioga, PA.¹²

From the Wellsboro Agitator.

November 22, 1893. - "Mrs. Ida Bailey and Mr. Elton Bailey of this place were married last week in Elmira. May success attend them!"

October 29, 1902 - "Mrs. Elton Bailey, of Syracuse, N.Y. has returned to her home in that city after suffering a serious illness at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Carl Bailey in Elkland, where she came on a visit in September."

3 Rosalie D. DAVIS^1,2,6,7 (c. 1895- ) [7802]. Born c. 1895, GA.^1,2

Engagement announcement of Rosalie Davis and Benjamin Mart Bailey in the Atlanta Constitution, October 24, 1915.

"Mr and Mrs Charles Alfred Davis announce the engagement of their daughter, Rosalie, to Lieutenant Benjamin Mart Bailey, Third Field Artillery, U.S. Army, the marriage to take place the latter part of November."

Taken from the wedding announcement of Rosalie Davis and Benjamin Mart Bailey in the Atlanta Constitution, November 19, 1915.

"The marriage of Miss Rosalie Davis, youngest daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Charles A. Davis, to Mr. Benjamin Mart Bailey, United States Army, was the brilliant social event of last night, the ceremony at 8:30 o'clock assembling a large congregation of friends at the First Baptist church. Afterwards there was a handsome reception at the home of the bride's parents.".

6 Charles Alfred DAVIS^1,2,6 (c. 1851- ) [7803]. Born c. 1851.¹

7 Emily W. ?¹ (c. 1861- ) [7805]. Born c. 1861.¹

Sources

1	"1920 GA, Fulton, Atlanta census".

2	"1930 GA, Fulton, Atlanta census".

3	"Engagement annouuncement of Virginia Callaway and Lieut. B. Mart Bailey, Jr. in the Wellsboro Agitator, January 8, 1941".

4	"From the Don R. Marsh diary of WWII".

5	"1900 Tioga, Mansfield census".

6	"Engagement announcement of Rosalie Davis and Benjamin Mart Bailey in the Atlanta Constitution, October 24, 1915".

7	"Wedding announcement of Rosalie Davis and Benjamin Mart Bailey in the Atlanta Constitution, NOvember 19, 1915".

8	"1910 Tioga, Mansfield census".

9	"Article about Benjamin Mart Bailey in the Wellsboro Agitator, June 30, 1937".

10	"Death notice of Benjamin Mart Bailey in the Wellsboro Agitator, April 18, 1945".

11	"History of Tioga County, Pennsylvania, 1897".

12	"World Family Tree information form Nenno, McInroy, Wilson, Campbell, and so on".

13	"Robert Burr Baily & Lucy Holden Family Bible A.D. 1849.".

14	"1880 Tioga Co., Mansfield PA. census".