His father, born in Boston, son of Robert Bacon, a native of Barnstable, of an early Cape Cod family, and prominent in his day as a manufacturer at Baconville (now part of Winchester), was a Universalist clergyman and editor, who died in Philadelphia when the son was 12 years old.

[1] Bacon's early education was mainly attained in private schools in Providence, Philadelphia, and Boston.

He finished his studies in an academy at Foxboro, Massachusetts, a private and boarding school, which flourished for many years under James L. Stone as principal, and which fitted many boys for college.

Prepared for college, he determined not to enter, but at once to engage in the work of his chosen profession.

[6] His body was cremated at Mount Auburn Cemetery, and his ashes were buried in Saco, Maine.