John H. Bayless, editor and publisher, Blandinsville, McDonough County, was born on a farm near Blandinsville, January 13, 1875, the son of JEFFERSON AND SUSAN L. BAYLESS and obtained his primary education in the local schools. After graduation from the public school, he entered the Western Illinois Normal College at Macomb, graduating from the latter in June, 1900, and also from the Macomb Business institute. He then entered as a student the law office of ELTING & CAMP, practicing attorneys of Macomb, where he remained until 1901, when he removed to Blandinsville, and there engaged in the real-estate, loan and insurance business, and was also employed as manager of the telephone system for nearly two years. In January, 1903, he purchased the "Blandinsville Star Gazette", to which he has since given his entire attention as editor and publisher, building up a prosperous business. The "Blandinsville Star" was established in 1893, and the "Gazette" in 1887, the two papers being consolidated in 1900 under the name of the "Star-Gazette". Mr. Bayless was married at Blandinsville, June 4, 1902 to ALLIE J. WILSON and they have two sons -- KEITH W. and BLAKE C. In politics Mr. Bayless is a republican and to the principles of his party gives a zealous support in the columns of his paper, in the publication of which he has shown much enterprise and ability. His entire life has been spent in his native county, in which he enjoys an extensive social and business acquaintance. (MY NOTE: Remember, this book was published in 1907. They could have had more children than the 2 this book mentions them having. They were only married in 1902.)