Liberty Hyde Bailey (1858-1954) was an American botanist and cofounder of the American Society for Horticultural Science. Born in South Haven, Michigan, he taught in Cornell University, where he was director of the College of Agriculture. He wrotes scores of books, including scientific works, efforts to explain botany to laypeople, and a collection of poetry.
Bailey is credited with being instrumental in starting agricultural extension services, the 4-H movement, parcel post and rural electrification. He was considered the father of rural sociology and rural journalism.
