Mr. D. S. Bailey was born in Danville, Ill., November 5, 1846.  His forefathers came to America in the 17th century and were of Scotch-Irish and Welsh descent.  He received his education in the common schools.  Left a farm, which is now in Chicago, and through which the Blue Island Line runs.  Went to Ashley, Ill., in November, 1864, to learn telegraphy.  Worked helping the agent without pay to January 1, 1865.  Employed as station baggageman January 1, 1865.  Went to Jonesboro (now Anna) as night operator March 1, 1865, and has been continuously in the service since, fifty-one years, ten months, and five days, as operator, dispatcher, assistant train master, assistant superintendent, superintendent, and for the past fourteen years as supervisor of trains and track.  It has been his privilege to witness the development of the Illinois Central from 903 miles of unkempt railroad to its present standard and its equipment from 15x32 inch engines and ten ton cars to the superbeaters and fifty ton cars of the present.  His health is good and he regrets the termination of his long service with the Illinois Central, and hopes that road may improve as much in the next 51 years as it has in the past.
                                                                                                                                                   (Illinois Central Magazine, 1916, page 88)