I. M. Bailey (1891-1951)
Isaac Mayo Bailey was born in Johnston County in 1891. After receiving his A. B. degree from the University of North
Carolina in 1914, he studied law while acting as principal of Jacksonville High School in Onslow County. He was admitted
to the bar in 1916.
During the 1925 legislative session, I. M. Bailey served as a member of the North Carolina House of Representatives
representing Onslow County. Following his legislative term, the Governor appointed Bailey as General Counsel to the
Corporation Commission, predecessor of the North Carolina Utilities Commission. Mr. Bailey later became a Corporation
Commissioner and Securities Commissioner until 1930, when he again served as General Counsel.
In 1931, I. M. Bailey resigned as Corporation General Counsel to concentrate on corporate and business law with some
lobbying before the General Assembly. Clients valued his advice and counsel as evidenced by his representation of the
Atlantic Greyhound Corporation, State Bankers Association and North Carolina Merchants Association for legal and legislative
matters.
Mr. Bailey devoted significant time to professional and civic activities, helping to found the North Carolina State Bar,
serving as its first President for two terms, 1933 to 1935. He also served as President of First Federal Savings and Loan
Association, Rotary Club and Raleigh Chamber of Commerce.
I. M. Bailey enjoyed practicing law with his son J. Ruffin Bailey, for three years, before dying unexpectedly of a
stroke in 1951 at age 59.