ABRAHAM BAILY, the oldest child of Jacob and Elizabeth Baily, was born at Parkerville, Chester Co., Pa., 9, 12, 1801. During his minority he was apprenticed to his uncle, John Parker, of the same place, as a stone-mason. He continued to work at his trade for several years, and in 1833–34 was employed by the Reading Railroad Company in the building of its bridges and culverts, when that road was first laid out.

In connection with Chalkley Jefferis and Mr. Ingram, of West Chester, he constructed the U.S. Naval Asylum at Norfolk, Va., and was one of the superintendents of the foundation-work of Girard College.

By hard toil and business perseverance he acquired a competency, and settled down in the meridian of his days upon the old homestead farm, where he died (unmarried) 7, 5, 1873.