McDonough ILGenWeb

BAYLESS, John H., editor and publisher, Blandinsville, McDonough County, was born on a farm near Blandinsville, January 13, 1875, the son of Jefferson and Susan L. Bayless and obtained his primary education in the local schools. After graduation from the public school, he entered the Western Illinois Normal College at Macomb, graduating from the latter in June, 1900, and also from the Macomb Business Institute. He then entered as a student the law office of Elting & Camp, practicing attorneys of Macomb, where he remained until 1901, when he removed to Blandinsville, and there engaged in the real-estate, loan and insurance business, and was also employed as manager of the telephone system for nearly two years. In January, 1903, he purchased the "Blandinsville Star Gazette," to which he has since given his entire attention as editor and publisher, building up a prosperous business. The "Blandinsville Star" was established in 1893. and the "Gazette" in 1887, the two papers being consolidated in 1900 under the name of the "Star-Gazette." Mr. Bayless was married at Blandinsville, June 4, 1902, to Allie J. Wilson, and they have two sons — Keith W. and Blake C. In politics Mr. Bayless is a Republican, and to the principles of his party gives a zealous support in the columns of his paper, in the publication of which he has shown much enterprise and ability. His entire life has been spent in his native county, in which he enjoys an extensive social and business acquaintance.

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Source: The Historical Encyclopedia of Illinois and History of McDonough County, compiled by Dr. Newton Bateman, and Paul Shelby, 1907, volume 2, pages 822-823, extracted 19 Nov 2018 by Norma Hass.