Faces of NextGen: Meet Chad Fred Bailey

Chad Fred Bailey, 24, Tennessee

What five words would you use to describe yourself? Busy, manageable, dependable, hardworking, and fun!

Why genealogy? Genealogy to me is just another chapter in a world of history, except more dirt, good people, and unique stories are available to be told!

What’s the coolest discovery you’ve made? My coolest discovery has to be the five siblings of my Grandmother Bailey that no one ever knew about! All five died before she was born, and her father was married to another woman, who also died. Her mother also had a child by another man as well, before they were married. Still, Grandma Bailey had her own unique story in life!  

What are you working on this week? This week, I am working on a historical marker for the recently finished Tweetsie Trail in Johnson City, Tennessee.  

What’s the number one secret to your success in genealogy? My number one secret to success in genealogy is talking with others, especially older people. One of my best friends is a 87-year-old historian who has done genealogy for forty plus years! Most of the time, the older generation knows more than they are telling!

What superpower would you want to help you uncover your family history? For me, I don’t know that I want a superpower! Usually the spirits talk when they want to be heard or found!

What are we most likely to find you doing when you’re not researching family history? Well, for me, I’m either in a cemetery, an archive, or driving around Washington County, Tennessee trying to find something new! Research and history has been in my blood, and nothing is more important than the loving family that surrounds me daily, whether in person or in spirit!

Anything else you’d like to share? I am currently a Masters of Arts in Liberal Studies student concentrating in Archival Studies at East Tennessee State University. I am also the Jonesborough Genealogical Society’s 1st Vice President, Webmaster, and Project Coordinator. I am very active in my community’s local history, whether it’s surveying a cemetery, working at the Heritage Alliance, or out on the road discovering new stories!


The NextGen Genealogy Network is made up of young genealogists with diverse backgrounds, interests, and experiences. Faces of NextGen showcases a different member of our community each month. If you would like to be considered for an upcoming feature, simply complete our questionnaire and submit a selfie.

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