William L. Bailey born ca 1818 in Missouri to Caleb and Rachel Simpson Bailey. William was a farmer who along with his father and brothers were one of the founding families of Franklin Co., Missouri. William was married 3 times, his first bride is unknown but one child Judith M. born ca 1841 was born to them. William's 2nd wife was Missouri Caldwell and to them were born 6 children, Kissiah, Moses W., Daniel Jackson, Sarah, Rachel Catherine, and Calob Lafayette. William's 3rd wife was Mary J. and to them were born 5 children, Amanda Alice, Mary Lacey, Silas Eugene, Ida E., and William Henry. William served as a Private in Co.,E, 5th Missouri Infantry under Captain Fair under the confederate flag. He enlisted on 1/11/1862 at Springfield, Mo., and was discharged 11/1/1862. He served in the campaigns of Wet Glaize, Springfield, Elk Horn, Farmington, and Iuka.