James Montgomery Bailey
An exploration of the life, humor, and journalistic impact of a celebrated 19th-century American voice, the 'Danbury News Man'.
Discover Bailey 👇 Explore His Writings 📚Dive in with Flashcard Learning!
🎮 Play the Wiki2Web Clarity Challenge Game🎮
Who Was James Montgomery Bailey?
The 'Danbury News Man'
James Montgomery Bailey (September 25, 1841 – March 4, 1894) achieved considerable, albeit ephemeral, popularity as an American journalist renowned for his humorous writing. Operating under the moniker 'The Danbury News Man', Bailey captured the attention of a national audience through his distinctive voice and relatable observations.
Early Life and Trade
Born in Albany, New York, Bailey received a standard common school education. He subsequently learned the trade of a carpenter. In 1860, he relocated to Danbury, Connecticut, where he practiced his carpentry skills for two years. During this period, he also began contributing occasional pieces to local newspapers, foreshadowing his future career.
Military Service
Bailey's life took a turn during the American Civil War. He served honorably in the Seventeenth Connecticut Volunteers, contributing to the Union effort. This period of service undoubtedly shaped his perspective and provided experiences that may have later informed his writing, though specific details are not elaborated upon in the source material.
Civil War Service
Seventeenth Connecticut Volunteers
During the tumultuous years of the American Civil War, James Montgomery Bailey enlisted and served with the Seventeenth Connecticut Volunteers. While the specific duration and battles are not detailed, his service represents a significant chapter in his life, contributing to the national narrative of the conflict.
Impact on Perspective
Military service often profoundly influences an individual's worldview. Bailey's time as a volunteer likely provided him with unique insights and experiences. Although his published works primarily focus on civilian life and humor, the discipline, camaraderie, and challenges of wartime service may have subtly informed his understanding of human nature and societal dynamics, which he later translated into his journalistic endeavors.
Journalistic Acclaim
Founding the Danbury News
In 1870, Bailey established the Danbury News, a pivotal moment that launched his career into national prominence. As the proprietor and primary writer, he penned humorous sketches that formed the paper's distinctive character and drew widespread readership across the country.
National Reputation
Bailey's writings, often descriptive of everyday occurrences or imbued with gentle satire, resonated deeply with the public. His ability to find humor in the mundane transformed the Danbury News from a local publication into a nationally recognized source of amusement, solidifying his reputation as the 'Danbury News Man'.
The Art of Humor
Style and Subject Matter
Bailey's humor was characterized by its accessibility and focus on common life experiences. Whether original or observational, his sketches often depicted relatable domestic situations and interpersonal dynamics with a lighthearted touch. This approach made his work widely appealing and contributed significantly to his popularity.
Literary Contributions
Notable Publications
Leveraging the success of his newspaper articles, Bailey compiled selections into published books, further extending his reach. His literary output includes:
- Life in Danbury (1873)
- The Danbury News Man's Almanac (1873)
- They All Do It (1877)
- England from a Back Window (1878)
- Mr. Phillip's Goneness (1879)
- The Danbury Boom; with a Full Account of Mr. Cobleigh's Action Therein (1880)
- History of Danbury, Conn., 1684-1896
Archival Access
Many of Bailey's works, reflecting the journalistic and literary landscape of his era, are preserved in archives. These resources offer valuable insights into 19th-century American humor and the evolution of popular writing.
View Works at Internet Archive ➡️Enduring Influence
Authority Control
The significance of James Montgomery Bailey is recognized through various international and national cataloging systems, providing structured access to information about his life and works. These databases serve as vital tools for researchers and historians.
A Voice of His Time
James Montgomery Bailey's enduring legacy lies in his contribution to American humor and journalism during a transformative period. His ability to connect with readers through relatable, humorous observations established him as a significant voice of the late 19th century. While his popularity was described as "ephemeral," the preservation of his works allows for continued study and appreciation of his unique journalistic style.
Teacher's Corner
Edit and Print this course in the Wiki2Web Teacher Studio
Click here to open the "James Montgomery Bailey" Wiki2Web Studio curriculum kit
Use the free Wiki2web Studio to generate printable flashcards, worksheets, exams, and export your materials as a web page or an interactive game.
True or False?
Test Your Knowledge!
Gamer's Corner
Are you ready for the Wiki2Web Clarity Challenge?
Unlock the mystery image and prove your knowledge by earning trophies. This simple game is addictively fun and is a great way to learn!
Play now
References
References
Feedback & Support
To report an issue with this page, or to find out ways to support the mission, please click here.
Disclaimer
Important Notice
This page was generated by an Artificial Intelligence and is intended for informational and educational purposes only. The content is based on a snapshot of publicly available data from Wikipedia and may not be entirely accurate, complete, or up-to-date.
This is not professional advice. The information provided on this website is not a substitute for professional historical research, journalistic analysis, or literary critique. Always consult primary sources and academic resources for in-depth study.
The creators of this page are not responsible for any errors or omissions, or for any actions taken based on the information provided herein.