Hodge Bailey. In 1914, when the voters of Grady County sought material to fill efficiently and creditably the office of sheriff, they looked toward a farm near Rush Springs, where they found Hodge Bailey, who until this time had not been the incumbent of any important public position. He had, however, both as merchant and agriculturist, demonstrated the possession of qualities which justified his promotion to the responsible office to which he was called, and in which, during his present short incumbency, he has fully vindicated the faith placed in him.

Sheriff Bailey is a native of the Cracker State, born in 1871, a son of J. Hodge and E. P. (Crossley) Bailey. His father, who in early manhood had been a Georgia blacksmith, moved to Saint Jo, Montague County, Texas, where he engaged in fanning and continued therein during the remaining years of his life, dying several years ago. Hodge Bailey has two brothers: T. J., who is a ranchman at Corona, New Mexico; and J. M., who is engaged in merchandising at Rush Springs, Oklahoma. Hodge Bailey received his education in the public schools of Montague County, Texas, whence he was taken when still a small child, and was brought up to agricultural pursuits. On attaining his majority, he embarked on his own career as a farmer, and this continued to be his sole occupation until he entered the mercantile business at Rush Springs, Oklahoma. In 1901 his mother was awarded a homestead by the United States Government, at the time of the Kiowa and Comanche country was opened to settlement, and on this claim, with his own land adjoining, Mr. Bailey has since resided. He has been particularly successful in the development of a handsome farm, with modern improvements of every kind, and including large and handsome buildings. He has specialized in the growing of feed and the breeding of hogs, and his farm is sub-irrigated, so that the years of short rainfall have not brought him a crop failure. As a progressive and up-to-date agriculturist, he has always favored the most modern methods and appliances, and few men have contributed encouragement to agricultural progress in greater degree.

Mr. Bailey was married September 24, 1891, at Saint Jo, Texas, to Miss Mary Bell Wade. To this union there have been born two children: Joseph Eldon, aged twenty-two years, who has completed a common school education and a course in the Chickasha Business College, and who is now assisting his father in operating the home farm; and Elmer Wade, aged fourteen years, who is a student in the Chickasha High School.

As before related, Mr. Bailey was elected sheriff of Grady County in 1914. and took up the duties of that office in January, 1915. Thus far he has conducted the office on a conservative and business-like basis, fearing no element and seeking to follow out faithfully the teaching of his official oath. He is a member of the local lodge of the Woodmen of the World and of the Anti Horse Thief Association, of which he was treasurer for several years. His office is in the courthouse.