Sluman S. Bailey (14 December 1821-4 March 1907), a native of Somerset, New York, began writing his journals in 1842. In 1844 he married Delia Starbuck. The family moved to Michigan in 1846. Bailey purchased a farm in Paris Township, Kent County. The family lived on the farm until Bailey became Kent County Sheriff and they moved to Grand Rapids, but kept the Paris Township farm. Farming was one of his great interests in life and they returned to the country often.

Bailey was one of the founders of the Kent County Agricultural Society. He and his wife were also instrumental in organizing a Congregational Church in Paris Township. As well as his political interests, his business interests were varied, he was trustee in the organization of the Grand Rapids Savings Bank and an incorporator of the Grand Rapids Electric Light and Power Company.

Bailey had four children, Herman, Charles, Alice, and Clarabelle. Charles died in 1867, and Alice in 1897.

For more biographical information, refer to History of Kent County, Michigan, by C.C. Chapman or Memorials of the Grand river Valley, by Franklin Everett.