Passing of an Honored Son Of Utah and the West

In the death of William Bailey at his home in Nephi, the city of his birth, the taxpayers of the state and section have lost the firm touch of a guiding hand. He was an expert on the all-important topic of taxation, and the first westerner to be chosen president of the National Tax association.

He had served the state as member of the board of equalization and long afterward was recalled to serve on a special committee of the national organization to revise and broaden its activities. This call of his country was regarded by all commissions handling complicated problems of taxation as a signal honor and a recognition of especial fitness for the work.

Born January 24, 1864, Mr. Bailey was educated in the public schools of Nephi and the Brigham Young academy, now university, to begin life as a salesman of farming machinery. In the course of time he established himself in several lines of business and industry, although much of his time was devoted to public welfare and western development.

As a member of the Mormon church he had served as a missionary in continental Europe and in various capacities in the ecclesiastical organization. He was a man of sterling qualities that inspired confidence and endeared him to all with whom he was associated in both public or private relationship. A devoted husband and father, he left a family of ten sons and daughters and twenty-five grandchildren, besides seven brothers and sisters.

The Salt Lake Tribune extends condolence to the bereaved widow and surviving members of the family and offers this sincere tribute to the memory of a worthy citizen of the state and nation.

[Salt Lake Tribune, Editorial, Feb. 23, 1947]

[transcribed and proofread by David Grow, Jan. 2006]

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