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Title
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A History of William Clark Bailey
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Accession Number
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2026.23.22.1
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Accession Date
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30 March 2026
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Accession Creator
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Emma Lilyea
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Description
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Information about William Clark Bailey, focusing on his time as a freemason.
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Format
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Paper
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Storage Location
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Box 76, Folder 6
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Text
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On October 16, 1833 William Clark Bailey was born to Hugh and Elizabeth Bailey. At the age of 21 this young man decided to try to become a freemason, so on September 30, 1855, William Clark Bailey was raised to the sublime degree of a master mason, in Recovery Lodge #31 in Greenville, South Carolina. Worshipful Brother Bailey went to the community of Reidville, S.C. to start developing Reidville Lodge #102 in 1860, which was charted in 1861. The charter states W.C. Bailey – Worshipful Master Mark Bennet – Senior Warden, and Jeptha Turner – Junior Warden. Worshipful Brother Bailey was master of Reidville Lodge during the years of 1860, 1861, 1862, 1867, and 1868.
In 1867 and 1868 Brother Bailey was also master of Recovery Lodge #31 in Greenville S.C. Also in 1868 in his home community, which today is known as Greer S.C. he started developing Bailey Lodge #146 and was chartered in 1869. The charter states W.C/ Bailey – Worshipful Master, C.P. Mayfield – Senior Warden, and J.W. Cunningham – Junior Warden. Worshipful Brother Bailey was master of Bailey Lodge during the years of 1868, 1869, 1870, 1874, 1876, 1878, 1879, and 1880. Worshipful Brother Bailey was master of three lodges in the same year, 1868, Reidville Lodge #102, Recovery Lodge #31, and Bailey Lodge #146. Worshipful Brother Bailey was a master mason for 27 years and Worshipful Master 12 of those 27 years.
Worshipful Brother Bailey was not only a master mason but devoted husband, father and a highly respected member of the community. On September 19, 1865, he married Victoria Elizabeth Cunningham and during their marriage he fathered 5 children. Two of them being twin boys, these two sons eventually became master masons and also became Masters of their respective lodges.
Bailey Family Collection