Samuel French Baylis (top)John Baylis (left) & Jefferson Baylis (right)
Three brothers who fought in the Civil War. (see below)
See also: Baylis graves at Glenwood Cemetery
See also: Jefferson Bayliss obituary
See also: Jefferson Bayliss Descendants
In the Civil War, Samuel served with the 19th NY Artillery. After the Civil War was over, Samuel was in Washington with the NY Artillery when it was considered to be the best looking outfit in the parade when the top of the capital dome was put on. He joined the army of the Potomac right after Gettysburg. This was when Gen. Grant took command. After the war Samuel moved to Michigan and owned a grain mill at Sharon, Washtenaw County. John was a twin and born before Jefferson. He was in the Civil War -John R. Bailis, Co. H and E. 49th NY Vol.Inf., Original filed Baylis, entered Private and was promoted to Corporal. Both John and Jefferson enlisted at age 16-enrolled 10/16/1861, re-enlisted 12/25/1863, and mustered out 6/27/1865 with Co's E, Batt'n 49 NY, near Washington, DC.
Their father, Ira Baylis was a miller according to the 1860 United States Census. In a publication of the Niagara County Historical Society called "Yesterday in Royalton" by Julia Hull Winner, there is mentioned the Baylis milling business. Around 1850, Ira Baylis was working in partnership with John's son and owner, James Mabee, along with 12 other employees. John had passed away the year before and handed the business to James. Ira's family lived in the town of Lockport while Ira worked at the mill. Ira died in April of 1870 at the age of 65 and by then the mill was being operated by William Barton, and Ira's son, John Baylis. In the 1875 Atlas of Niagara county the mill was called "Barton and Baylis, Prop. of Stone Mills". Marcus Mabee, James Mabee's son, continued ownership of another mill that his family had operated. John Baylis continued in the business until he became employed with the Niagara County courts, later becoming "Court Crier". The 5th oldest child of Ira, Samuel, learned the trade from this mill and later operated his own milling business when he took up residence in Michigan after the war between the states. It is quite possible that Ira's other sons worked at the business in their early years before the Civil War and immediately after the war.
The following was taken from the book "Niagara County, New York, one hundred of the most wonderful regions in the world" By Edward T. William, 1985. Page 500:
"John R. Bayliss, father of Albert S. Bayliss is one of the surviving veterans of the Civil war still residing at Lockport, and his honorable record covering the entire period. is well worthy of preservation. Mr. Bayliss was born in the town of Lockport, Niagara county, N. Y., Dec. 8, 1843, and was a youth of eighteen years when he and his twin brother, Jefferson Bayliss, became soldiers prepared to fight for the preservation of the Union. On Aug. 16, 1861, he enlisted at Lockport, as a private in Company H, 49th New York Volunteer Infantry, in December, 1862, being promoted to corporal. He was first discharged at Brandy Station, VA., Dec. 25, 1863, on account of re-enlistment, then transferred to Company E. same regiment by consolidation of companies, and was honorably discharged at Buffalo, N. Y., June 27, 1865, at close of the war. The enumeration of the engagements in which he participated, is to name many of the most decisive battles of the war. His first experience was a skirmish near Chain Ridge, VA., in September, 1861, and then followed the battles of Lee's Mills, Yorktown, Williamsburg in front of Richmond, Savage Station, White Oak Swamp, Malvern Hill, Wayne's Heights, Mine Run, Wilderness, Spottsylvania, Gettysburg, Rappahanock Station, Cold Harbor, Petersburg, Cedar Creek, Capture of Petersburg and Sailors Creek, He was a member of the victorious force a Appomattox and witnessed the disbanding of the Confederate forces, On three occasions Mr. Bayliss was confined in hospital, from August to December 1862, at Annapolis Junction, Md.; in July, 1864, at City Point, VA.; and from August to October, 1864, at Washington, D. C. During this long period of danger and hardship his intimate companions were Elmer Fox, Charles A. Kendall, George C. Bugbee and his twin brother, Jefferson Bayliss, whose term of Service was the same as his own. Jefferson Bayliss also survives and resides at Lockport. Mr. Bayliss considers the most creditable events in connection with his long service the capture by him of a Confederate lieutenant on July 5, 1863, while acting as scout; and the piloting of his company together with Company I off the battlefield to safety after their repulse at Bank's Ford when they were entirely cut off from the Union Forces. Whether Mr. Bayliss was ever cited for valor and wears a medal for bravery, such soldierly qualities would seem to have well deserved it. After the war closed Mr. Bayliss returned to Lockport and resumed peaceful pursuits, For the past Thirty years he has filled the office of court crier at Lockport, having been appointed to the same by Judge David Miller."
Taps For Last VeteranOf Civil War Sounded
_________
Jefferson Bayliss Dies At Home Of
Daughter In Somerset---
Native Of Lockport.
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The familiar face of Jefferson Bayliss, 93, last Civil War veteran in this locality, will be missing this year from the Memorial Day parade.
Jeff, as he was familiarly known, had hoped to take part once more with veterans of later American wars in services on May 30, but death which long since had claimed his comrades in blue, intervened.
Taps for Mr. Bayliss came at 1:30 o'clock, this morning at the home of his daughter, Mrs. James Mitchell, West Somerset road, Somerset, where he had been staying for the past several months. His health had been steadily failing for several years but he had been seriously ill only a short time.
Born On Farm.
Born Dec. 8, 1843, son of Ira and Jane Bayliss, on the old Wayman farm in the town of Lockport. Mr. Bayliss spent his early life there, Shortly after the outbreak of the Civil War in 1861 he enlisted in Company H, 49th New York infantry, for a three year term. When his term ended he re-enlisted and served until he was honorably discharged at the close of the war.
Returning to Lockport, he married Betsy Howd and settled down to a quiet farm life in the town of Lockport. Later he was employed in the old Indurated Fibre company plant in East Lockport. About 30 years ago he retired.
A past commander of Sprout post, G. A. R., Mr. Bayliss was a familiar figure at G. A. R. hall in Cottage streets where Civil War veterans were won't to gather afternoons to talk over their war experiences. One by one the veterans passed to their eternal reward until only Mr. Bayliss was left. Regretfully, he disbanded the post a number of years ago and turned the hall over to the United Spanish War veterans who now meet there.
Received Pioneers' Medal.
Although he never sought public office, Mr. Bayliss took an active interest in political affairs. He was a twin brother of the late John R. Bayliss who was court crier for many years. He had a keen memory and could recall many things of interest in the history of Lockport, including the old strap railroad which ran between Lockport and Niagara Falls. He attended picnics of the Niagara County Pioneers' association at Olcott regularly and three years ago received a medal for being the oldest man in attendance.
His wife died 31 year ago and in late years Mr. Bayliss had made his home with his daughters and his son. Each year he participated in the Memorial Day exercises here and held a place of honor in last year's ceremonies although he was in poor health.
Surviving are four daughters and one son, Mrs. James Mitchell of Somerset, Mrs. H.D. Gilbert of Seneca Falls, Mrs. John Covell, town of Lockport, Mrs. George Mitchell of Buffalo and Elmer C. Bayliss of Lockport.
The funeral will be held Monday afternoon at 2:30 o'clock at the home of his son, 292 Gooding street. Burial will be in Glenwood cemetery.