Lydia Bailey was a hands-on printer. Somewhere along the line, she learned to set type. She knew her way around a type case, and eventually became the most successful woman printer in 19th century America.
Lydia probably learned to set type here in Lancaster. According to Bailey genealogist Mal Humes, Lydia was 19 years old when she married Francis Bailey's son Robert. (Lydia was born here in Lancaster County in 1779.)
Approximately two years after Lydia's wedding, her husband Robert Bailey and her father-in-law Francis Bailey printed numerous publications here in Lancaster, in 1800, including official reports for Pennsylvania's state government.
Many women have been un-named partners in their familys' print shops. Wives often set type, while their husbands worked the presses.
In 1804, Lydia Bailey's husband Robert printed several books here in Lancaster. By this time, his father-in-law Francis was no longer listed as co-printer.
Also by this time, Lydia probably was helping her husband set type. When Lydia's husband Robert died a few years later, in 1808, Lydia immediately took over the business in Philadelphia. She soon became the most productive women printer in 19th century America. Lancaster had given her a good head start.
P.S. This Latin textbook was edited and proofread by three professors at Lancaster's Franklin College, today's Franklin and Marshall College: George Ross, Dr. Henry Muhlenberg, and Dr. C. L. Becker.
