Charles W. Bailey, a native of Virginia (now West Virginia), born
February 27, 1832, came to Clay county with the family in 1850, locating
on the farm, in Posey township, on which part of the town of Staunton
was built. He engaged in milling for the period of twelve years, then in
mining for the same length of time, when he located on the farm (less
than a mile west of Staunton) which he occupied all the remaining years
of his life. At the age of twenty-five he married Miss Ruth McKee,
August 20, 1857, who survives him. Recognized as a safe man, in every
way worthy of the public confidence, he was elected trustee of Posey
township in the spring of 1867, and re-elected in the spring of 1868, serv-
ing two terms of one year. In 1869 he was elected justice of the peace,
and re-elected in 1873, serving two full terms of four years. In 1884 he
was nominated on the Democratic county ticket for representative, and
elected, serving at the session of 1885.
    For half a century or more “Welt” Bailey, as he was familiarly
called, was a prominent character in Posey township, socially and polit-
ically, enjoying the respect and confidence of all his fellow-citizens. He
died May 15, 1908, aged seventy-six years two months and eighteen days.