Silas M. Baily

Silas Milton Baily was an American Brevet Brigadier General during the American Civil War. Throughout his career, he was one of the commanders of the 8th Pennsylvania Reserve Regiment, commanding Company I of the regiment. He was also the Treasurer of Pennsylvania from 1882 to 1884, serving only one term.

Early years Silas was born on January 4, 1836. Before the war, he had gained a liberal English educated as well as a career as a jeweler at Waynesburg, Pennsylvania.

American Civil War When the American Civil War broke out, Baily assisted with mustering soldiers and finally became captain of what would become the 8th Pennsylvania Reserve Regiment on June 20, 1861, at Company I. He was promoted to Major of the regiment due to Jesse B. Gardner resigning on June 4, 1862. During the Battle of Gaines' Mill, Baily was severely wounded in the face and had to be carried back to Washington, D.C. Despite his surgeon telling him that he was unfit for battle by the time the Maryland campaign broke out, Baily was willing to command the regiment again through sheer determination. Baily went on to participate at the Battle of South Mountain and the Battle of Antietam and was described as leading with "distinguished gallantry".