Taken from Portrait and Biographical Record of Suffolk County, NY Ghapman Publishing 1896

     The first authentic record of the BAYLESS, or Bayles, family, was the appearance of a refugee named Bayles at Colchester, England.  He is said to have come from the Low Countries; family tradition says that he was a Huguenot and migrated from northern France to escape the death which overtook so many thousands of Huguenots at the massacre of St. Bartholomew on August 24, 1572. The family is also found to have lived in Wales at about the same time.
[ SOURCE: Thomas Newkirk, "Geneology and History of the Newkirk, Hamilton and Bayless Families" (Evanston, Illinois 1916), Lib.Cong Cat. # CS71.N55., page 69.]

     Quote from Roxie Belle Bayless Black as cited in a letter received from Bill N. Allen Dec. 1995:   " The Bayles family immigrated from France to escape the St. Bartholemew's massacre of the Hugenotsabout August 24, 1572, thence to the Low Countries and from there to Colchester, England and from there to Wales for a while....Three brothers, William, John and Samuel Bayles came from England to America together in 1636 on an English ship names "Truelove"."

     The name "BAYLESS" probably relates to "bailiff", a minor official.

     The earliest documented ancestor is John Bayles (or Bayley, or Baylie), born in 1617 in the Parish of St. Peters of Mancrofts in Norwich, Norfolk, England.    [ One researcher claims that John was born in 1617 in Colchester, England ].   At any rate, he sailed from London to America on June 10, 1635, aboard the "Truelove", on which were his brothers William and Samuel.   (Also on board was a John Lake "aged 16" and so probably too young to have been the John Lake whose Great Granddaughter, Joanna Lake, married John Bayles's Great Grandson Daniel Bayles.)    John Bayles was indentured to a man named John or William Wells.   The "Truelove" sailed first to Bermuda and then to Boston. Landing in Boston, they settled in New Haven, CT, and in 1639 moved to Southold, Long Island.   There is no further information on John until his term with Wells was completed.

     According to researcher Howard Green Bayless, "John came from the Parish of St. Peters of Mancrofts in Norwich, Norfolk, ENG.   He sailed from London on June 10, 1635.    The "Truelove" sailed first to Bermuda and then to Boston.   John was an indentured servant to John Wells, the younger son of a wealthy family.   John Wells was in Boston in 1635, Lyn in 1638, New Haven in 1639 and in 1640 he came to Southold, Long Island. It is unknown what John Bayles did during these years. "

     It has been established that JohnBayles married Rebecca Stillwell in 1641.  The records of the First Church show that John lived in Southold, LI, prior to 1654.   In 1656 John bought property on Town Street, and on 22 Sep 1661 sold a house and land to John Tuthill.   By this time Bayles was living in Jamaica, LI, where he voted in the Town Meeting in July. From the Town Records of Jamaica, 13 Mar 1662:  "It is ordained and agreed by the town that John Bayles shall keep an ordinary in the town of Rusdorpe for the entertaining of strangers, and that he shall forthwith set upon the work to provide for strangers, and to give entertain- ment to such strangers as shall come."    [ SOURCE:   World Family Tree No. 1197, CD#18, submitted 11/27/1997 ]

Howard Green Bayles, however, states that "because of the lack of records between 1635 and 1654, it cannot be proved with certainty that John Bayles of the "Truelove" is the same John who married Rebecca Stillwell and fathered the American Bayless line of descent.   In 1654, church records in Southold show that John Bayles was living there earlier than that date (HGB 1944).   He bought a lot in Southold in 1656. On Sept.22, he sold his house and land to John Tuthill.    John Bayles had arrived in Jamaica, L.I., by July 14, 1661 when he voted in the Town Meeting.     In 1664-5, he was involved in a New Jersey land deal.  (This parcel of about 300 square miles may have included a substantial part of Staten Island.) He probably did not move to NJ but did spend much of this time there. The land deal was a failure.    In the years 1668-74 he lived in Setauket (elected Constable in 1672).   In 1674 he traded his land in Setauket for land in Jamaica.    His will was made but he died on Oct. 18, 1682, before signing it.   The will was proved on Dec.13, 1682 in Jamaica, L.I., New York. "

Events in John Bayles' life:
Jan 30, 1662           Candidate for Magistrate in Jamaica.
Mar 13, 1662          Licensed to keep an "Ordinary" in Jamaica.
Mar 16, 1662          Along with others was ordered to look for a Minister.
Dec 3, 1663            Was voted as a Delegate to a meeting of Town Deputies.
1664-1665              Involved in the purchase of a New Jersey Land Grant.
Sep 8, 1665            Sold his interest in the Grant to Philip Carteret, then Governor of New Jersey. (Deed recorded in Trenton, NJ).
1668 - 1674            Was a taxpayer and resident of Setauket.
Jan 10 1672            Elected Constable at Setauket.
Apr 22, 1674           While resident of Setauket he traded property with Thomas Biggs for land in Jamaica.
Oct. 18, 1682          Died leaving an unsigned will in which he names his wife,  Rebecca, who was later killed by Indians, and his children.
Oct 20, 1682           Deed to son Elias filed.
Dec. 13, 1682         His will was approved, although not signed.

Jan 15 1683:          "The probate of the will of John Bayles Deceased and Admicon Granted to rebecca Bayles his widdow and Relict therin named Anthony Brockholls Esqr Commander in Cheife and the Councell of the Province of New York To all to whom this Shall come or may Concerne Greeting Whereas John Bayles Lateof Jameca on Long Island Deceased Did in his lifetime make and Declare and Cause to be put in writing his Last Will and Testamt Intending to signe Seale and Publish and the Same in Usuall forme of Law butt before the Same was Effected Departed this Life Now Know Yee That att a Court of Sessions held a Jameca aforesaid for the North rideing of Yorkshire on Long Island the 13th 14th and 15th Days of December Last Past the said Will hereunto Annexed being produced by Mr. Peter Smith the person who wrott the Same Declaring upon his Corporall Oath that the Same was According to the order and Directions Declared the Same to be his Last Will and Testamt. Itt was Approve Admitted and Allowed of according And the Said John Bayles ahving while he lived and att the time of his Death Goods nad Chattles within the said Towne of Jameca and Province and Rebecca Bayles his widow and Relict being therinn appointed his whole and Sole Executrix the Admisson of all & singular the Said Goods and Chattles and the said Will administer upon the Same Accordingly to make a full and just inventory unto the next court of Sessions Ensuing the Date and Render a True and Perfect Account of her Admisson in the time by law required. Givenunder my Hand and Seale in New York the 15th Day of January in the thirty fourth yeare of his Maties Reigne Annoque Dom 1683. "
[ SOURCE:   World Family Tree No. 1197, CD#18, submitted 11/27/1997 ]The first authentic record of the BAYLESS, or Bayles, family, was the appearance of a refugee named Bayles at Colchester, England. He is said to have come from the Low Countries; family tradition says that he was a Huguenot and migrated from northern France to escape the death which overtook so many thousands of Huguenots at the massacre of St. Bartholomew on August 24, 1572. The family is also found to have lived in Wales at about the same time.
[ SOURCE: Thomas Newkirk, "Geneology and History of the Newkirk, Hamilton and Bayless Families" (Evanston, Illinois 1916), Lib.Cong Cat. # CS71.N55., page 69.]

Quote from Roxie Belle Bayless Black as cited in a letter received from Bill N. Allen Dec. 1995: " The Bayles family immigrated from France to escape the St. Bartholemew's massacre of the Hugenotsabout August 24, 1572, thence to the Low Countries and from there to Colchester, England and from there to Wales for a while....Three brothers, William, John and Samuel Bayles came from England to America together in 1636 on an English ship names "Truelove"."

The name "BAYLESS" probably relates to "bailiff", a minor official.

The earliest documented ancestor is John Bayles (or Bayley, or Baylie), born in 1617 in the Parish of St. Peters of Mancrofts in Norwich, Norfolk, England. [ One researcher claims that John was born in 1617 in Colchester, England ]. At any rate, he sailed from London to America on June 10, 1635, aboard the "Truelove", on which were his brothers William and Samuel. (Also on board was a John Lake "aged 16" and so probably too young to have been the John Lake whose Great Granddaughter, Joanna Lake, married John Bayles's Great Grandson Daniel Bayles.) John Bayles was indentured to a man named John or William Wells. The "Truelove" sailed first to Bermuda and then to Boston. Landing in Boston, they settled in New Haven, CT, and in 1639 moved to Southold, Long Island. There is no further information on John until his term with Wells was completed.

According to researcher Howard Green Bayless, "John came from the Parish of St. Peters of Mancrofts in Norwich, Norfolk, ENG. He sailed from London on June 10, 1635. The "Truelove" sailed first to Bermuda and then to Boston. John was an indentured servant to John Wells, the younger son of a wealthy family. John Wells was in Boston in 1635, Lyn in 1638, New Haven in 1639 and in 1640 he came to Southold, Long Island. It is unknown what John Bayles did during these years. "

It has been established that JohnBayles married Rebecca Stillwell in 1641. The records of the First Church show that John lived in Southold, LI, prior to 1654. In 1656 John bought property on Town Street, and on 22 Sep 1661 sold a house and land to John Tuthill. By this time Bayles was living in Jamaica, LI, where he voted in the Town Meeting in July. From the Town Records of Jamaica, 13 Mar 1662: "It is ordained and agreed by the town that John Bayles shall keep an ordinary in the town of Rusdorpe for the entertaining of strangers, and that he shall forthwith set upon the work to provide for strangers, and to give entertain- ment to such strangers as shall come." [ SOURCE: World Family Tree No. 1197, CD#18, submitted 11/27/1997 ]

Howard Green Bayles, however, states that "because of the lack of records between 1635 and 1654, it cannot be proved with certainty that John Bayles of the "Truelove" is the same John who married Rebecca Stillwell and fathered the American Bayless line of descent. In 1654, church records in Southold show that John Bayles was living there earlier than that date (HGB 1944). He bought a lot in Southold in 1656. On Sept.22, he sold his house and land to John Tuthill. John Bayles had arrived in Jamaica, L.I., by July 14, 1661 when he voted in the Town Meeting. In 1664-5, he was involved in a New Jersey land deal. (This parcel of about 300 square miles may have included a substantial part of Staten Island.) He probably did not move to NJ but did spend much of this time there. The land deal was a failure. In the years 1668-74 he lived in Setauket (elected Constable in 1672). In 1674 he traded his land in Setauket for land in Jamaica. His will was made but he died on Oct. 18, 1682, before signing it. The will was proved on Dec.13, 1682 in Jamaica, L.I., New York. "

Events in John Bayles' life:
Jan 30, 1662 Candidate for Magistrate in Jamaica.
Mar 13, 1662 Licensed to keep an "Ordinary" in Jamaica.
Mar 16, 1662 Along with others was ordered to look for a Minister.
Dec 3, 1663 Was voted as a Delegate to a meeting of Town Deputies.
1664-1665 Involved in the purchase of a New Jersey Land Grant.
Sep 8, 1665 Sold his interest in the Grant to Philip Carteret, then Governor of New Jersey. (Deed recorded in Trenton, NJ).
1668 - 1674 Was a taxpayer and resident of Setauket.
Jan 10 1672 Elected Constable at Setauket.
Apr 22, 1674 While resident of Setauket he traded property with Thomas Biggs for land in Jamaica.
Oct. 18, 1682 Died leaving an unsigned will in which he names his wife, Rebecca, who was later killed by Indians, and his children.
Oct 20, 1682 Deed to son Elias filed.
Dec. 13, 1682 His will was approved, although not signed.

Jan 15 1683: "The probate of the will of John Bayles Deceased and Admicon Granted to rebecca Bayles his widdow and Relict therin named Anthony Brockholls Esqr Commander in Cheife and the Councell of the Province of New York To all to whom this Shall come or may Concerne Greeting Whereas John Bayles Lateof Jameca on Long Island Deceased Did in his lifetime make and Declare and Cause to be put in writing his Last Will and Testamt Intending to signe Seale and Publish and the Same in Usuall forme of Law butt before the Same was Effected Departed this Life Now Know Yee That att a Court of Sessions held a Jameca aforesaid for the North rideing of Yorkshire on Long Island the 13th 14th and 15th Days of December Last Past the said Will hereunto Annexed being produced by Mr. Peter Smith the person who wrott the Same Declaring upon his Corporall Oath that the Same was According to the order and Directions Declared the Same to be his Last Will and Testamt. Itt was Approve Admitted and Allowed of according And the Said John Bayles ahving while he lived and att the time of his Death Goods nad Chattles within the said Towne of Jameca and Province and Rebecca Bayles his widow and Relict being therinn appointed his whole and Sole Executrix the Admisson of all & singular the Said Goods and Chattles and the said Will administer upon the Same Accordingly to make a full and just inventory unto the next court of Sessions Ensuing the Date and Render a True and Perfect Account of her Admisson in the time by law required. Givenunder my Hand and Seale in New York the 15th Day of January in the thirty fourth yeare of his Maties Reigne Annoque Dom 1683. "
[ SOURCE: World Family Tree No. 1197, CD#18, submitted 11/27/1997 ]

    "The Thomas R. Bayles Local History Room, located in the Adult Department, is a room full of local history. Most of the books, pamphlets, postcards and photographs were donated by Mr. Bayles in 1976. The collection was dedicated in his honor on October 4, 1980.  His father, Richard M. Bayles, had been a Suffolk County historian who wrote several books on the history of Suffolk County. When Thomas retired in 1958, he wrote a local history column for years entitled “Footnotes to Long Island History” for the Long Island Advance. He also published over 50 pamphlets on the history of Long Island. Several were published by the Town of Brookhaven during the Bicentennial. The library maintains a complete set of these pamphlets which are listed below. There are circulating copies of some of them, but others are rare. They can be viewed in the Bayles Room by appointment."

RICHARD M. BAYLES
Obituary - Patchogue Advance Friday, November 7, 1930

    Richard M. Bayles died at his home in Middle Island , Tuesday afternoon in the eighty-fifth year of his age. He was one of the most widely known and respected citizens, not only of his native Town of Brookhaven, but of the whole Suffolk country , while among historians, he was widely known.
    He was born in Coram, March 23, 1846, and was descended on both his fathers and mother's side from some of the earliest settlers in Brookhaven town. His great-grandfather, Daniel Bayles, was born June 6, 1746, and his great- grandmother, Joanna Davis, was born April 22, 1754. They were married October 19, 1777. Her father, David Davis, of Mount Sinai, then known as Old Mans , was born March 11, 1714-15 and her grandfather, Benjamin Davis was the grandson of Joseph Davis, one of the original proprietors of the Town of Brookhaven.
    Of this marriage of Daniel and Joanna Davis, there was born six children of whom Thomas Bayles, the oldest was born July 28, 1778. He married Phebe Underwood, February 9, 1805, and their third child and oldest son, Richard M. Bayles, Sr., was born April 20, 1810. He married Harmony Swezey, daughter of Joshua Swezey ,a descendant of John Swezey one of the six men who made the first purchase of the Indians in 1655, of the land at Setauket, where the Town of Brookhaven was first begun.
    Richard M. Bayles, Sr. died March 12, 1846, at the early age of 35 years and eleven months -just eleven days before his son, Richard M. Bayles, Jr., the subject of this sketch was born.
    When Richard, Jr., was but 13 years old, his mother died and when he was 15, his two brothers, Albert E, and Edward F., of the 139th Regiment , were killed in the Civil War.
    Mr. Bayles was educated in the common school and at Northville Academy when that institution was under Joseph N. Hallock, who later became the owner and editor of "The Christian Work." Mr. Bayles began his career by writing a historical article for the press when a lad of about 18 years. He spent several years teaching in the schools in Coram, Eastport, Center Moriches, Manorville and Middle Island from 1877 to 1893.
    In 1872, he began his first important work, "Historical and Descriptive Sketches of Suffolk Country." It was published in 1874. This led to his being engaged by W.W. Munsell & Co., publishers to write the history of Riverhead Town and Brookhaven Town for their "History of Suffolk County," published in 1882. The article on Brookhaven is the most complete and exhaustive ever written, and Brookhaven is indebted to him for having preserved more of our history than anymore with the possible exception of Benjamin F. Thompson.
    Mr. Bayles took most of his material for this history from the Records of the Town and one can imagine the time this must have consumed for the records at that time were for the most part unpublished and unindexed and in manuscript form-the oldest of them writer in "middle English" script, or the handwriting in use during the time of Queen Elizabeth and the Stuart Kings, requiring an expert to decipher.
    His next work was a history of Green Country, N.Y., published by J.B. Beers & Co., in 1884. In 1885 , he published his "Handbook of Long Island" containing maps and illustrations and the only thing of the kind ever brought out by any other than the railroad company. His "City of Yonkers appeared in 1885 in the "History of Westchester County" published by L.E. Preston & Co. Folling this in 1886, he composed his History of Richmond County, Staten Island. This was followed by his Newport County", R.I in 1887. Then came his "windham County", Conn. In 1889 and this in turn was followed in 1890-1, by his last work, a two-volume history of "Providence County", R.I.
    All of the books are large and no one but a person with a genius for history or one of Mr. Bayles' patience and love of research, would or could have attempted them. Beside compiling these works, he found time to contribute articles for newspapers and periodicals and from 1886 to 1908,he wrote the Long Island articles for the Brooklyn "Eagle Almanac".
    In 1903, Mr. Bayles married Florence V. Rowland, of Millers Place. Two sons were born to them, Thomas and Albert. The former married Gertrude Benjamin of Center Moriches and has two sons Elwin and Donald. Albert is unmarried and lives at home. Mrs.Bayles, the sons and grandsons survive Mr. Bayles.
    A number of years ago, he was chosen by the town board , to be the town historian and he acted in that capacity until his death. After the close of the World War, he made a roster of every person of Brookhaven who was in the service, including his or her war record. He assisted Roscoe C. Craft compile the "Directory of the public Schools" and the "Directory and Year Book of the public recently for the Second Supervisory Schools" published recently for the Second Supervisory District of Suffolk County. Mr. Craft wrote a short sketch of Mr. Bayles' life in 1926, and I am indebted to him for many of the statements of this article.
    Mr. Bayles home was on the Middle Country Road at the top of the hill a rising from Connecticut Hollow in Middle Island. He knew every inch of the country for miles around, and, being a surveyor of excellent calibre for many years, he picked up a wonderful fund of knowledge about places and people with whom he came in contact.
    He made copies of the names and dates from tombstones for miles around, abstracted data from old wills ancient deeds in documents and had in his collection, many valuable historical genealogical data. Much of this he "carried in his head" and would converse about the people and their characteristics and the events of the 17th, 18th and early 19th centuries and familiarly as thought they were but yesterday.
    His home and little office was a mecca for town assessors, surveyors and historians as well as people of all walks in life, seeking information about family ancestory, wanting a title searched, asking advice about a will, wanting a deed made out.
    His aid was sough by the lawyer the genealogist, the historian. He was an insurance agent, a realtor, and notary public. People who could not call on him personally, wrote for information and his correspondence was always extensive and, must have been a great burden as he invariably answered all his letters personally.
    With all of his countless duties and tasks of his busy and useful life, he never lost sight of the better side of life and his exemplary character is one to be followed. He was a Christian gentleman of the old school. Sunday and prayer-meeting nights found him at the old Middletown Presbyterian Church until within a short time ago when the infirmities of old age kept him away during cold or stormy weather. He was the oldest of the elders of the parish, was the clerk of the session as well as a teacher in the Sunday School. In the absence of the, minister, he often conducted the meetings.
    Mr. Bayles was a true friend, a kind neighbor and a courteous man- one never too busy to help any who came to him for help or advice. The time he spent in letter writing to people from far and near, the efforts he made to give help where needed, beside his other excellent qualities, makes his name stand out prominently in this age of hurry and money getting, as one of that fast disappearing, type whose simple, plain and kindly ways made them the true aristocracy of the nation.
    Funeral services are being held this afternoon at 2 o'clock in the Presbyterian church, the Rev. William Stewart officiating, with burial in the Middle Island Cemetery.