The Biographical Dictionary of America/Bailey, Silas

BAILEY, Silas, clergyman, was born at Stirling, Mass., June 12, 1809. After his graduation from Brown university in 1834, he became principal of Worcester, Mass., academy, remaining there for five years, and then taking pastoral charge of a Baptist church at East Thompson, Conn. In 1842 he resigned his pastorate to become agent of the missionary union, N. Y., holding that office until 1845, when he removed to Westboro, Mass. There he held a pastorate for one year, resigning to accept the presidency of Granville college, Ohio. In 1852 he was elected president of Franklin college, Ind., but was compelled to resign on account of illness, and in 1863 went to Lafayette, Ind., to assume charge of a church. Here he remained for three years, and then occupied the chair of metaphysics and theology at Kalamazoo college, Michigan, until 1869. In 1849 Madison university conferred upon him the degree of D. D. and in 1871 he received that of LL. D. from Franklin college. In 1873 he started on a tour through Europe, and died in Paris, France. He left his library and a part of his estate to Franklin college. He published numerous sermons, addresses and pamphlets. The date of his death is June 30, 1874.