Benjamin Hawley Bailey, Sr.

Co. A. 2 Creek Mounted Vol. CSA Enlisted as Private in 1862 at North Fork, Creek Nation, I.T.

(Full birthdate and enlistment provided by Steve Adams)

Ben Bailey Dead Oklahoma Pioneer Passed Out Monday Early-Day Figure of This Section Succumbs at Oklahoma City; Burial at McAlester

Death's relentless figure stalked through the fading ranks of Oklahoma's pioneer citizens Monday and sounded the retreat for Ben H. Bailey, 90-year-old veteran of the colorful Second Creek Regiment of the Civil War. Bailey a former resident of Eufaula, died Monday noon in Oklahoma City. Infirmities of old age combined with an attack of jaundice brought death to the veteran after an illness of three weeks. Bailey and his wife had made their home in Oklahoma City for several years. Mrs. Bailey also is one of the hardy band of pioneer women whose memory was hallowed Tuesday at Ponca City, was unable to be at her husband's bedside at the end. She was injured in an automobile accident about 10 days ago and she could not leave her hospital bed. Few companions are now living to do honor at the grave of the aged confederate soldier when his body was laid away at a McAlester cemetery Tuesday morning. He is the third member of the Sam Checote post of Confederate Veterans to pass away since the state reunion in Muskogee last October. Only nine Confederate soldiers remain to fill the gaping ranks of the once proud company led by Sam Checote, a Creek Indian warrior. Bailey was born near Fort Smith, Arkansas, June 5, 1839. When he was a child his family moved into the Indian Territory settling in Eufaula. Here he attended a Creek Indian school, and in addition to the three R's, he learned to speak the Creek language as well as possible for a white man. Later he went to school at Fayettville, Arkansas although this was several score years prior to the founding of the University of Arkansas there. When the Civil war broke out Bailey enlisted in company F of the second Creek regiment, which served with distinction to the Confederate army during the stormy battles of the Indian Territory. After the war he entered the mercantile business at Fort Smith. In 1879 he moved to Muskogee, when the city was a sprawling settlement town. He was connected with the Paterson Mercantile store there until 1885. Later he continued in business at McAlester, subsequently extending activities to the other parts of the state. He was the oldest living member of the McAlester Masonic lodge. His family connections with this order date back for exactly 100 years, when his uncle founded the Masonic Lodge at Fort Gibson in 1830. A son Roland R. Bailey is now living in Muskogee. Other survivors are: his widow, three daughters, Mrs. S.N. Terry of Shamrock, Oklahoma; Mrs. Kate Phillips of Eufaula; Mrs. F. F. Sittel of Oklahoma City; and another son Ben H. Bailey Jr. of McAlester. Funeral services were held in McAlester Wednesday morning at 1 o'clock from the Grand Avenue Methodist church of which Bailey was a member. Rev. J. H. Ball of Tulsa formerly pastor of the McAlester church officiated at the services, and burial will be in the Masonic section of the cemetery. (Eufaula Indian Journal, McIntosh Co., OK, Thursday, April 24, 1930) ________________________

The Oklahoman (Oklahoma City, OK) 4/22/1930 Deaths (Tuesday)

Bailey-Ben H., 91 years old, 1620 West Fifteenth street, died at the family home Monday. The body reposes at Watts & McAtee. He is survived by his wife, home address, three daughters, Mrs. Laura Terry, Shamrock, Okla., Mrs. Kate Phillips, Eufaula, Okla., Mrs. F.F. Sittle, Oklahoma City, two sons, Ben Bailey and Rowland Bailey, McAlester. Bailey was a Confederate soldier and the oldest Mason in the state.

4/23/1930 Deaths (Wednesday)

Bailey-Ben H., 91 years old, 1620 W. 16th St. Funeral services will be held in the Methodist church, McAlester, Okla., 10 o'clock Wednesday morning, it was announced by Watts & McAtee.

5/3/1930 City Briefs (Saturday) Ben H. Bailey, 91 years old, 1620 West Fifteenth street. [Contributed by Emily Jordan]

• Updated from Find A Grave Memorial by SmartCopy: Mar 9 2015, 12:10:49 UTC