Alfred Bayliss, of the firm of Newcomer & Bayliss, publishers of the Sterling STANDARD, wsa born in Bledington, Gloucestershire, England, March 22, 1847. He came with his parents, John & Frances (Blake) Bayliss, to this country in March, 1854. The family resided two years in Cleveland, Ohio, then moved to Hillsdale MI. He was educated in public schools of Cleveland and Hillsdale and at Hillsdale College; wsa graduated at the latter in 1870. He served from October 1863 to August 1865 in Co H of the 11th Mich. Cav. Was Superintendent of Schools at LaGrange, IN in 1871-73 and in 1872 was appointed School Examiner for the County. He was afterwards chosen County Superintendent of Schools, which office he resigned to take charge of the Second Ward School in Sterling in 1874 and remained in charge of that school for 10 years. Since June, 1884, he has been associated with James W. Newcomer in the publication of the Sterling STANDARD, a weekly newspaper, straight Republican. Mr. Bayliss was married June 28, 1871 to Clara M., daughter of Manasseh and Caroline Kern, of Porter, Van Buren Co. MI. They have two children - Clara Kern born 10 Nov. 1872 and Zoe born 14 Aug 1879.
Portraits & Biographical 1885 Pg 289
Mrs. Bayliss has always been a student. Graduating at Hiflsdale in 1871 and afterwards taking a correspondence course at the University of Chicago. She has constantly aimed by travel and application to keep her mind fresh and scholarly. An industrious author. Her first science book, “Brook and Bayou,” has been followed by two on the romantic people in the southwest,, “Lolami, the Little Cliff Dweller” and “Lolami in Tusayan.” Articles from her pen have appeared in the Chicago, New York and Los Angeles papers, in various magazines, and in school journals. She makes occasional addresses, and in the winter of 1907 appeared before the Woman’s Club of Sterling.
Mrs. Bayliss takes a hearty interest in all movements of public importance. She is a member of the National Folk Lore Society, of the Committee of One Hundred on National Health, Daughters of American Revolution, Illinois Mothers’ Congress, and other educational associations. She has improved every opportunity of travel, visiting the Atlantic and Pacific coasts, exploring the seat of the cliff dwellers in New Mexico, attended the dedication of the Illinois monument at Vicksburg, and was one of the only two ladies present when Lincoln’s casket was finally transferred to its cement bed in the monument. Mrs. Bayliss is still busily engaged in literary and scientific research. Her latest book, “Two Little Algonkin Lads,” is a fascinating story of primitive Indian life.
History of Whiteside / Davis 1908
Alfred Bayliss was superintendent of the Second Ward Schools (now Central School in Sterling) during the years 1874 to 1895. Bayliss was named state superintendent fo public instruction and served as administrative head of his department from 1896 to 1904.
One year later Bayliss was named president of Western Illinois State Normal University and held this post from 1905 to 1911. On Aug. 28, 1912, the Second Ward School (Central School), alumni dedicated the Bayliss Memorial sun dial in the school grounds in memory of the late Alfred Bayliss who died in 1911.
During the dedication ceremonies, Frank J. Bowman of the class of 1879 presided. W.P. utley of the class of 1875 presented the sun dial and the acceptance was made by Walter N. Haskell, class of 1880.
The principal address during the ceremonies was made by Francis G. Blair, state superintendent of public instruction. Short talks were made by S.B. Hursh of the Macomb Normal school; B.F. Hendricks, Whitside County superintendent of schools; Harriet G. King, Oak Park; Anna Parmalee, DeKalb State Teachers College; Captain John W. Niles and Judge H.C. Ward.
Alumni tributes were read by Sadie F. Murphy and the closing remarks by H.L. Chaplin, superintendent of the Union schools.
From the Sterling Gazette Bi-Centennial Edition July 1, 1976
