Robert D. Bailey, Sr.
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Robert D. Bailey, Sr. (July 26, 1883 - 1963), better known as R.D. Bailey or "Judge Bailey", was a Democratic politician in West Virginia.
Bailey was a lawyer, representing timber and railroad companies, when he was elected judge, then a part-time position. In tha capacity he presided over the trials of coal miners involved in the "Matewan Massacre", the events of which are depected in the movie Matewan. His diaries and notes formed the basis of the script for the movie.
In 1944 and 1952, he ran for Governor but lost the primary election on both occasions. He died in 1963.
The R.D. Bailey Lake is named for him.
His son, Robert D. Bailey, Jr., served as West Virginia Secretary of State in 1965-69.
