The Biographical Dictionary of America/Bailey, James Anthony

BAILEY, James Anthony, showman, was born at Detroit, Mich., in 1847. His parents died when he was ten years old, and at the age of thirteen he left his home, owing to a disagreement with his guardian. He obtained employment with Robinson & Lake's circus, and on the death of Mr. Robinson in 1862, he was engaged by James Cooper, the showman, as advance agent for his traveling circus. In 1863 he was given an interest in the establishment, and at his suggestion the circus made a very successful tour to Australia. From Australia they went to Van Dieman's Land, but there met with heavy losses. Returning to the United States he purchased a bankrupt circus and added it to his own, thus making it "the largest show on earth." In 1881 he entered into partnership with P. T. Barnum, and the firm became "Barnum & Bailey—Equal Owners." Mr. Bailey next bought a controlling interest in the Forepaugh circus, and, on the death of Mr. Barnum in 1891, became sole director of the show.