Ledgers and combination personal and shop diaries kept by Thomas Bailey and his son, Henry J. Bailey (1853 - ?), who operated machine- and wood-turning shops at Fort Howard and De Pere. Both Baileys specialized in production of wood turnings (table and chair legs, bedsteads, etc.) for cabinet makers, and in manufacture of machine parts. The entries from 1852 to about 1890 illustrate the variety of output from local shops in Wisconsin before the development of the factory system. Both Baileys were also active in Baptist Church affairs, and there are frequent entries concerning church activities and members. Also noted is Henry Bailey's trip to Massachusetts in May 1860.
Entries from 1842 to 1845 record the establishment of the First Pittsburgh Baptist Church Donation Missionary Society in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and include a list of officers, a constitution, minutes, and other notations set down by the elder Bailey, recording secretary for the association.
