"Aunt" Mariam Bailey died of apoplexy at her home on Carmel avenue early Monday morning in the 90th year of her age. About three years ago Mrs. Bailey, who was then hale and hearty and who was as familiar and active in outdoor work as she was an expert in domestic duties, fell and dislocated her hip. Her decline in health began at that time, and gradually continued until her death. When she had nearly recovered from the effects of the fall, she was stricken with paralysis, losing the entire use of one side of her body. In this condition she remained until about two weeks ago when she received another shock, which left her in a comatose condition from which she did not recover. During her illness, she received the loving and untiring care of her daughter, Mrs. Susan Higgins. Mrs. Bailey was one of several children born to David Birdsall and Hannah Haines. She was born in this county and spent the major portion of her life in Brewster. She married Harry Bailey who died April 13, 1853. To them were born five children, Alfred, Alanson, Charlotte, widow of the late Gilbert Roscoe; Laura Jane, wife of Elijah Knapp and Susan, widow of the late Volney Higgins. The three daughters survive. A brother of the deceased, who is in feeble health, resides in Danbury, and is the only surviving member of the family. The funeral was held at her late residence on Wednesday, Rev. W. E. Clarke officiating. The pall bearers were C. R. Gage, G. Kisselbrack, Elias Brundage, Henry Hooper, S. O. Avery, Starr Ganun. Her remains were interred in the Milltown Rural Cemetery.

Died in Peekskill, Jan 12, 1892, Susan Ingersoll, aged 82 years.

William Forrester, of Tyrone, died July 20th, 1871, of gangrene inflammation; aged 65 years.

Mr. Jarvis Bailey, a wealthy farmer residing in the town of Tyrone in Schuyler, committed suicide on the morning of the 18th ult., by hanging. He was about forty years of age, and leaves a wife and daughter to mourn his loss. He had attended family prayer in the morning, and gave no reason for suspicion of his design. No cause is assigned for the rash act.

Hiram Stevens died at his home three miles east of this village on Friday, April 5, in the seventy-third year of his age. He had been in ill health for several years, but the sickness from which he died was of only a few days' duration. At first the case was thought to be a severe attack of tonsillitis, but the physician afterwards pronounced it diphtheria. Mr. Stevens was born and always lived in the neighborhood where he died. He was a highly respected citizen of the place, and a member of the M. E. Church. Though he never made loud professions of his faith, he seemed to believe that his creed was valuable to himself and others only just so far as he gave expression to it in his life, do unto others, and etc. was his guiding thought and he met all men with a kind thought and a cheerful smile. A wife and son, Herbert, still live. A private funeral was held on Sunday afternoon, Dr. White of the M. E. Church officiating. The burial took place at the Miltown cemetery.

JANE:
CENSUS: Phillipstown Putnam Co. NY 1850; Southeast Putnam Co. NY 1860, 1870, 1880, 1900

Danbury, Conn., Dec. 6 - Gilbert Light, a wealthy farmer, living in Ridgebury, came to this city a few days ago to visit his daughter. Mr. Light was seventy years old and in feeble health. He went out alone in the early part of the evening to visit some friends. In returning he became lost and entered a house in another street, which he supposed to be the home of his daughter. A woman was alone in the house and when Light opened the door and entered the room she screamed. Light somewhat dazed and hastily retraced his steps. The house is built on the edge of a small river, and the piazza is on the top of a high embankment on the side of the stream. In walking away, Light made a misstep and fell down the embankment into the river. Passers by went to his assistance, but he died a few minutes after being taken from the water. It was found that he had broken his neck by the fall.

Susan Bailey, widow of the late Volney Higgins, died at her residence in this village on Friday last, April 24th, in the 62nd year of her age.

Isaac Merrick died at the home of his son, William Merrick, in Brewster, on Thursday morning, Feb. 15th, aged 88 years. He was born in the town of Carmel and was a brother of the late David Merrick, of this village, and an uncle of A. A. Merrick. He married Ruth Ann Bailey, of Southeast, who died a few years ago. Three sons, William, at whose home he died, Edward, also of Brewster, and Charles of Dansbury, survive him. The funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. on Sunday, and the remains will be brought to Carmel and buried beside his wife in the Baptist cemetery.

From Putnam County Courier November 1908

On Thursday morning, Mrs. Ann Merrick, wife of Isaac Merrick, died at the home of her son, William Merrick, in Brewster, following a stroke of paralysis on Tuesday. A second stroke followed on Monday and her death followed. Mrs. Merrick was 84 years old and had been married 65 years, Wednesday being the 65th anniversary of her wedding day. She is survived by her husband and three sons, Wm. and Edward Merrick of Brewster, and Charles Merrick of Dansbury. She also leaves three sisters and two brothers: Mrs. Rachel Lewis, Mrs. Martha Ryan, Mrs. Samantha Roscoe and Gilbert Bailey, of Brewster, and Newell Bailey of Flint. Funeral services will be held Sunday at 2 p.m. and interment will be made in the Carmel Cemetery.

Eli Bailey, aged about 80, died at Towners Station, Thursday night, very suddenly of heart disease. Mr. Bailey had but one daughter, Mrs. Walter Crosby of Towners. He was a brother of the late Mrs. David Merrick of Carmel and of Mrs. William Lewis of Brewster. The funeral will be held at the residence on Tuesday afternoon next at one o'clock and the burial will be made in the cemetery at Patterson Four Corners.

Mrs. Charlotte C Bailey, died at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Walter Crosby, Towners, on Sunday morning July 23, aged 92 years. She was the last survivor of a large family of eleven children, born to Elijah and Harriet Howes Crane, of Southeast. The family removed to Patterson many years ago, and it was there she married the late Eli Bailey, a brother of Gilbert Bailey. Mrs William Lewis and Mrs Martha Ryan, of Brewster. The deceased had been a wonderfully bright and active woman for her years, and it was only during the past month that she had been seriously ill. Cancer was the cause of death. Funeral services , which were largely attended, were held at her late home on Wednesday at 2 p m . Rev. H. Alfke officiating. Mrs. Alfke and Miss Ethel Towner sang two selections, and the interment was in the Towners Baptist Cemetery.

In Carmel, Saturday, April 18th, of pneumonia, Harriet E., wife of David Merrick, aged 62 years, 10 months and 1 day.

 In Brewster, NY, Dec. 20, 1898, William Roscoe, aged 76 years, 6 months, 14 days. William Roscoe departed this life at his home on Turk Hill in this village, Tuesday noon, in the 77th year of his age. Deceased was a son of Stephen and Phebe Roscoe and was born and has always lived in the town of Southeast. During the past few years he had been in poor health...was a blacksmith by trade. He is survived by a wife, one son, Willis, of Sodom, and one daughter, Stella, wife of Joseph Bailey, of Danbury. A brother, Coleman Roscoe, of this village, also survives. Interment was in the Methodist Cemetery.

The funeral of Edward Bailey was largely attended at the M. E. Church last Friday afternoon. Rev. R. M. Stratton officiated, assisted by Rev. S. F. White. The G. A. R. were present in a body. Also, a large number of brother Masons, who held appropriate services after Dr. Stratton spoke. The large assembly showed the high esteem felt by the people of this place for the deceased.

Twenty-five Years Ago - William Lewis died very suddenly at his home in Brewster last Saturday of a heart attack. He was born 85 years ago in Connersville, Indiana, the son of Harvey Lewis. At an early age, his mother died and a few years later his father, after which he found himself with the circus. In 1870 he married Rachel Bailey, and four children were born of that union, Jennie, wife of A. F. Lobdell; Charles, an electrician in the city; Edward, who is with the New York Trust Co.; and Alta, who passed away several years ago. Reb. H. B. Chown preached the funeral sermon, and the burial took place at the Milltown Rural cemetery.

Mrs. Rachel Lewis, widow of the late William Lewis, died at her home here early Thursday, July 27th, 1933. Mrs. Lewis fell several months ago and never recovered, although up to that time she had been very active for one of her years. Mrs. Lewis was in her 95th year. She was the daughter of the late Harvey and Hester Haines Bailey and was born Oct. 16, 1848 (sic), in the century-old Bailey homestead on Oak street. On Feb. 1, 1870, she married Wm. Lewis of Indiana. She had lived all her life in Brewster and was loved by everyone and was always interested in the welfare of the community. For many years she sponsored the Five Point Mission food sale which was always held at her home. Mrs. Lewis is survived by one daughter, Mrs. A. F. Lobdell, Sr.; and one son, Edward Bailey Lewis of New York city; and one sister, Mrs. Martha Ryan, who resided with her. She was a member of the Methodist Episcopal church. Two children, Charles H. and Alta, are dead. Funeral services will be held on Saturday afternoon at 3 o'clock at the home of her daughter, Mrs. A. F. Lobdell, on Park street, and will be conducted by Rev. Charles A. Dann, pastor of the Methodist church. Interment will be made in the family plot at Milltown cemetery.

At an early hour Saturday morning, June 9, 1923, Gilbert D. Bailey passed away at his home following an illness of about a week. He was one of the youngest children of Harvey and Hester Haines Bailey and was born in the year 1840. Eight other children comprised this happy home. The other children were Edward Bailey, who for many years conducted a business in Brewster; Newell W. of Flint, Michigan; Eli, who was a successful merchant at Towners; Ann, wife of Isaac Merrick of Salem; Harriet, wife of David Merrick of Carmel; Samantha, wife of William Roscoe of Southeast; Rachel, wife of William Lewis of Brewster; and Martha, wife of Nicholas Ryan, also of Brewster.

When the call came for volunteers came during the dark days of 1861 to 1865, Gilbert Bailey responded among the first ones and enlisted in the 6th N. Y. Heavy Artillery, where he saw and took part in many heavy battles and skirmishes. His most intensive fighting took place in Virginia. After one of the battles, it was noted that a boy in blue was badly wounded and was lying outside of the breast works. A call for volunteers to go out and get him was sounded and Gilbert Bailey and Bailey Genung (still living near Bethel, Conn.,) bravely responded and brought the wounded man safely in, although under heavy fire from the enemy. For this they received high commendation from their colonel. At the close of the war, he received a commission of second lieutenant which was signed by Reuben Fenton, Governor of New York state. Following his honorable discharge from service (he served three years without a furlough), Mr. Bailey returned home and was united in marriage to Miss Julia Birdsall of Carmel. Six children were born of the union, Hubert, Caleb, Mary, Hester, Gilbert, Virginia and Frank B.

For several years he conducted a grocery business here, but later was a valued employee of the Borden Company, where he worked for twenty-seven years and was compelled to resign due to disability and an injury received. But twenty-seven years employment with one firm denotes the spirit of trust and esteem held by his employers. Later he engaged in lighter work which carried him to the towns and villages of both the Hudson River and those nearer his own home. Mr. Bailey was well-known in White Plains where he visited at the home of his son, Gilbert, who was a contractor and builder of that city. His familiar figure, always clothed in the blue of the G. A. R., will be sadly missed by those who assemble on Memorial Day, for no matter how great the effort he was always present on those occasions. For many years, Mr. and Mrs. Bailey and their children were active members of the Baptist church in this village and when their daughter, the late Mrs. Virginia Haines, wife of Roy Haines, of Montana, went west to the prairies to make her home, one of the first acts in her devoted life was to establish a Sabbath school and prayer service, and today near Deer Lodge, Montana, stands a living memorial of her work, which her little daughter, Glafry Haines, may reverence in the years to come.

Services were held at his home on Tuesday afternoon, Rev. Murray H. Gardner officiating. The surviving members of Mr. Bailey's regiment residing near Brewster are Samuel Coe of Ridgebury, Conn., whom Mr. Bailey saw a short time after losing his left arm in battle; William Light, of Carmel; William Satterlee of Balls Pond; and Jerome Lent of Lake avenue, Danbury; Gebharat Rathers, of Sodom, is the only remaining resident member of Crosby Post, G. A. R., in Southeast. These venerable veterans were present on Tuesday as were many members of Argonne Post, who contributed a beautiful wreath and acted as bearers. Jerome Lent, of Danbury, of Moore-White Post, G. A. R., conducted the G. A. R. services at the grave. These services were most impressive. Burial was in the M. E. cemetery. Surviving are three sons, Hubert of New York, Gilbert of Pawling, and Caleb of Brewster; also two sisters, Mrs. Rachel Lewis and Mrs. Martha Ryan of Brewster. 

From Brewster Standard 20 January 1923

On Friday evening, June 5, after a brief illness, Gilbert Bailey, in the 84th year of his age, entered into rest. Gilbert Bailey was the youngest son of nine children born to Harvey Bailey and Esther Haines Bailey at the old Bailey homestead, one of the oldest landmarks of the village of Brewster.

It was Peleg Bailey, who in 1781 bought the land upon which the building stands. About fifty-two years later, in 1833, Bailey Howes, a grandson of Peleg, came into possession of the farm, which passed to Gilbert Bailey and then to Harvey Bailey. At that time only three other houses could be seen in the village, one on the Brush farm a  little further east, another on Carmel avenue at the west end of the Harlem R. R. bridge, and another at lower end of Park street. The highway upon which the Bailey cottage stands was known as "the old road from Carmel to Doansville," and was the only highway running east and west through the village. Main street was then a rocky cart path.

In 1863 Gilbert Bailey, at the age of 18, and his brother, Edward, 22, enlisted in the 6th Regiment, N. Y., Heavy Artillery, under Col. Baker. During the entire period of their service, which terminated when they were mustered out in July, 1865, the brothers fought together. Edward was first Lieut. of Company A, and near the close of the war was commissioned captain, Gilbert served as Sergt. and later received a Lieutenant's commission. They fought in 17 battles and 130 skirmishes. With Grant in '64 and '65, they participated in the campaign in the wilderness. Bloody Angie, Cedar Creek and Petersburg were points at which their regiment was heavily engaged.

Upon his return home, Mr. Bailey found employment in the newly established Borden's milk factory, where he continued to work in the box making shop for fifty years, when he was retired on a pension, virtually an honorably discharge from a service rendered as faithfully and cheerfully as that for which he was distinguished in the army.

In 1866 Gilbert Bailey married Julia Birdsall of Brewster and for many years they resided on the Croton river road in the cottage now owned by Edward Hutchings. During the later years of his life, Mr. Bailey resided at his home on East Main Street. In their family were six children, Virginia, Mary and Frank, now deceased, and Hubert, Caleb and Gilbert who survive.  Two sisters of Gilbert Bailey, Mrs. Rachel Lewis and Mrs. Martha Ryan, of Brewter, also survive.

Gilbert Bailey was one of the charter members of Crosby Post and was always interested to attend the regular meeting and campfires that were arranged by the late Commander Frank Wells. Mr. Bailey was the last member of the Crosby Post residing in the village. The surviving members of the Post, who were formerly more closely identified with Brewster are William Satterlee, Gilbert H. Seagrave, Samuel Coe, Bailey Ganung, George W. Decker and William D. Light.

The funeral service, held at his late residence on Tuesday afternoon, was a memorable occasion for the many friends of the deceased who gathered there to pay their last respects to the departed veteran. Four of hos Comrades, Garrett Rathers, Samuel Coe, William D. Light and William Satterlee, members of the Crosby Post, G. A. R., served as honorary pall bearers. The active bearers were Theodore Turnrose, Edward Palmer, George Brush, Andrew Clemens, Francis Murtha, Emerson W. Addis, Jr., F. S. Hall, and H. H. Wells, representatives of the Spanish War Veterans and Argonne Post, A. E. F. The officiating clergyman was Rev. Murray H. Gardner. At the close of the service at the house the remains were conveyed to the old M. E. cemetery, where the Grand Army service was conducted by Jerome Lent of the G. A. R. Post of Dansbury, and taps was sounded by Emule Paull, bugler of the Connecticut State Guard of Dansbury.                                 

Twenty-five Years Ago - Mrs. Julia Bailey, wife of Gilbert Bailey, of Brewster, passed away at her home Monday morning at 10:30. Born in the South 76 years ago, she came north when a young girl and in the early days of the Civil War was united in marriage with Gilbert Bailey of Brewster. Six children were born of this union, three of whom survive, Herbert of New York, Gilbert, who is serving his country in France, and Caleb, of Brewster. An aged husband also survives. Rev. H. B. Chown conducted the services in the absence of the Baptist minister. The interment was in the Methodist cemetery.

The death of Mrs. Martha Bailey Ryan, widow of the late Nicholas Ryan, occurred at her home on Tuesday evening, October 1st, 1935, following an illness of several months due to the infirmities of old age. Mrs. Ryan lived to the advanced age of ninety-three years, having been born November, 1842. During all these years, most of her life has been spent in Southeast, and she was one of the oldest, if not the oldest inhabitant of the township. She was born Martha Bailey and was one of a large, happy family. After the death of her husband about thirty years ago, she sold her home on Center street and removed to the home of her sister, Mrs. Rachel Lewis, where she died. A consistent Christian, her example of cheerfulness and trust has been worthy of example. Funeral services were held from her late home on Thursday afternoon and were conducted by her pastor, Rev. Thomas Ellis of the Baptist church. Several nieces and nephews survive, among whom are Mrs. A. P. Lobdell, Sr., Edwin Lewis, Caleb Bailey, Hubert Bailey, Eli and Elbert Crosby, Gilbert Bailey. Interment was at Milltown Rural Cemetery.

 Updated January 2015