Bryn,
It is an interesting twist about the spelling.Conrad was the only one to spell it Bailer, could have been a census takers mistake since Conrad could not read or write. All of his children in recent census records spell the name Boehler. There is always a link somewhere - right?
I found a John B that owend land in CHippewau CO. in 1875 could this be yours? My John would have been only 12 yrs old, a bit young I think to own land.
I'll keep in touch, just keep watching the board.
thanks, karla