Illinois was one of nine children born to George Washington Bailey & Hester Williams. She was born in Tallahassee, FL in November of 1886. When Illinois was a teenager the family had to flee their 10-acre farm due to racial threats and violence. The family moved south and eventually settled in Punta Gorda, FL. Illinois married Mack Gollman on March 6, 1906. They had 16 children in total but 10 lived to be adults, 5 boys & 5 girls. After her husband passed Illinois continued to run the family businesses and expand to include a bar, cafe and ballroom. The Gollman Ballroom was a part of the chitlin circuit and many black musicians from all over the country would come and play. Many famous and well known people lodged at the family house called “The Big House”. Illinois was a lifelong member of the Bethel A.M.E. Church in Punta Gorda. She started The Gollman Corporation, Inc. for her descendants as a family trust. Illinois passed in 1959 at the age of 73 years old and was buried at the Lt. Carl Bailey Cemetery in Cleveland, FL.