John O. Bailey

John Ora Bailey (September 26, 1880 – February 16, 1959) was an American judge and politician in the state of Oregon. He was the 27th Chief Justice of the Oregon Supreme Court, serving on Oregon’s highest court from 1933 to 1950. Bailey also served in the Oregon House of Representatives and the Oregon State Senate. A native of Iowa and Harvard graduate, he began his public service as an assistant attorney general.

Early life John Baily was born on September 26, 1880, in Grinnell, Iowa. There he received his education in the local schools before attending college at Harvard University. Beginning that year he was a deputy attorney general, serving until 1920. Beginning with 1929 legislature he served in the state senate for two sessions. Bailey served on the Portland Public Schools's board from 1927 to 1930, including as its chair in 1930. John Bailey won additional six-year terms in 1938 and 1944 before resigning on November 15, 1950. Bailey served as chief justice during World War II from 1943 to 1945. He wrote the opinions on cases involving the 10-hour work day for factory workers, the constitutionality of the worker's compensation program, and several cases involving interstate commerce, among others.

Later years and family Bailey's children were two sons, Robert & Jason and two daughters, Mrs. Francis(Fran)White and Mrs.(Barbara) Hedges. John Ora Bailey died in Portland on February 16, 1959, at the age of 78 years.