MG 673 - Bailey, Joel Collection
<< MG 672MG 674 >>Scope and Content
The collection contains a biographical sketch of General Joel Bailey, his last will and testament, requests for supplies when he was keeper of the State arsenal, a bond issued in 1827 when he was worshipful master of Perseverance Lodge, and his commission as captain of the ninth company of the ninety-eighth regiment of the first brigade of the sixth division of the militia of Pennsylvania, August 1, 1814.
Background
General Joel Bailey was born in Bucks County in 1789. He learned the trade of a blacksmith and in 1810 settled in the little village of Harrisburg. He established a blacksmith shop at the corner of Third and Walnut Streets and did most of the important work in this section. Much of the iron work in the old State Capital was manufactured or done under his supervision. He was also responsible for much of the work on railroads in the vicinity. He was involved in military affairs and served as first lieutenant in Captain Richard Crain's company in the war of 1812-1814. In 1829-30 he was keeper of the State arsenal under the administration of Governor Wolf. For several years he served as brigade inspector of the militia of Dauphin County. He was chief burgess of the Borough of Harrisburg and served several times as a member of Borough Council. In 1833 he announced himself a candidate for the Legislature for Dauphin County, but was not elected due to the Anti-Masonic movement of that time. He was married to Elizabeth Seidle and the father of eight children. He died in 1845 at the age of fifty-six years, and is buried in Harrisburg cemetery.
Date(s): 1814-1844
Extent: 2 folders, 8 enclosures