Obituary from Mercer County newspaper, October 8, 1918:
The announcement in yesterday's Daily Telegraph of the death of Capt. R.H. Bailey spread rapidly through the county and brought genuine regret to hundreds who knew and loved him. Capt. "Bob," as he was called, was a native son of Mercer County. His father was Elijah Bailey, one of the most prominent and influential citizens of his day, and his mother was a daughter of John Straley, and sister of the late Harrison Wilson Straley, pioneer banker of this section. Capt. Bailey was twice married: his first wife being Emma J. Honaker [d. 1891]of Rocky Gap, Bland County, Virginia, and to this union were born nine children, all now living: Mrs. M.G. Witten of Bluefield, R. Henry Bailey, Narrows, P.H. Bailey of Mercer, E. Carl Bailey of Marytown, J. Earl Bailey, Charles Straley Bailey, and John A. Douglas Bailey who live at the old homestead, Mrs. Will E. Gibson of Henderson, Tenn., and Mrs. Fred B. Mitchell of Bluefield. His second wife was Mrs. Cassie [Cassandra] Davidson (nee Crockett) who survives him. Capt. Bailey volunteered as a soldier in the Confederate Army in April, 1861, and was a member of Company G, the twenty-fourth Virginia Regiment. This was the first company from Mercer County sent to the Civil War. He engaged in a number of battles and was captured and served for ten months in the Camp Chase, Ohio, Military Prison. He was active in the organization of the local camp of Confederate veterans and served as commandant. He was a member of the Baptist Church. Capt. Bailey always took an interest in civic affairs and served as member of the County Court from 1885 to 1889 and to 1905. He was widely related and his acquaintance was extensive. He was one of the most substantial farmers of the county and was charitable, a friend of the poor, and his friends were legion. The funeral will take place at 10 o'clock Thursday morning at his home at Cross Roads.