BAILEY, ALDEN LEE. The subject of this sketch is widely and favorably
known as one of the most extensive dealers in musical merchandise in northern
New England and is an excellent type of the self made Vermonter. He was
born May 31, 1845. Early bereft of both his parents, his father dying before
he reached his third year, and his mother when he was only nine years old,
he found a home with an uncle, a farmer, with whom he lived until he reached
his majority. His common school education was supplemented by several terms
at Compton academy. His opportunities were well improved and he early formed
those habits of industry, energy, and self-reliance that have won him marked
success in wider fields of effort.
Starting at his minority without capital, he had nothing to lose
but everything to win, and his ambition and will power were invincible.
He was employed for a time in the Fairbanks Scale Works, where he saved
a modest sum that became the nucleus of future enterprises. He opened a
music store in a small way in St. Johnsbury, and later moved to his well-known
stand, corner of Railroad street and Eastern avenue, where he has been
located for about thirty years, doing a constantly expanding business.
He has six well-equipped music stores in Vermont, New Hampshire, and New
York state, twenty traveling salesmen, and. is now conducting the most
extensive music business north of Boston. He was one of the founders and
early directors of the Citizens' National bank, and is now its honored
president.
His business tact, foresight, and sound judgment have been an important
factor in securing the marked prosperity of the bank.
Mr. BAILEY has a faculty of originality and invention, having secured
several patents, notably a uniform hose coupler, and a hose fastener. He
is actively interested and public spirited in all movements for the moral
and material improvement of St. Johnsbury. He has been for many years a
zealous member of the Methodist Episcopal church, and superintendent of
its Sunday school, and a frequent delegate to denominational conventions.
An enthusiastic Republican, he has never aspired to public office. Alden
L. BAILEY married, in 1871, Lucy A., daughter of William and Elmira B.
LYNN of St. Johnsbury. They have one daughter, Rose Lynn BAILEY.
Source: Successful Vermonters,
William H. Jeffrey, E. Burke, Vermont, The Historical Publishing Company,
1904, page 57-58.
Prepared
by Tom Dunn January 2004
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