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Jonas H. Baer

Source: Portrait & Biographical Album of Whiteside County, Illinois
Originally Published 1885
Chapman Brothers, Chicago, IL
Reproduced on CD purchased from Old Glory
Transcribed by: Denise McLoughlin
Tampico Area Historical Society
www.tampicohistoricalsociety.citymax.com

Pages 386-387

Jonas H. Baer, farmer, section 26, Jordan Township, is the son of Martin Baer, of whom an extended personal sketch appears on other pages. He was born Jan. i6, 1853, in the township of Manor, in Lancaster Co., Pa. He is the second of seven children born to his parents, and the entire family are living: the household circle is still unbroken by death.•

Mr. Baer was four years of age when his father removed to Illinois. The family located in Jordan Township, on the section on which they have since resided without intermission. The farm purchased by the senior Baer was almost wholly unimproved,and the sons gave their attention and efforts to the work of converting the place into a homestead of value and beauty with all possible speed.

Mr. Baer continued at home until he was 22 years of age, attending the public schools during the winter seasons. His marriage took place at Sterling, Sept. I2, 1876, when Anna H. Rutt became his wife. Mrs. Baer is the daughter of Jacob and Fannie (Harnley) Rutt, who were born in Lancaster Co., Pa., of German ancestors. They were married in that county, and became farmers in Franklin County, in the same State, locating near Chambersburg, whence they removed in 1865, on account of the unpleasant condition arising from the rebellion of the South, which the loyal people found so distasteful,and from which many fled to relieve themselves of the honors of war. The family located in Palmyra Township, Lee Co., III., where they lived 20 years.

Mr. and Mrs. Rutt are quite aged. Their eight children are all living, and are all married. Mrs. Baer is the youngest, She is the mother of two children: Roy R., born July 7, 1877, and Bert R., born March 1, 1883.

After his marriage Mr. Baer managed 160 acres belonging to his father, on section 26, working it on shares until 1885 (current year), when he became the proprietor of the property by purchase. It is all under tillage, and is stocked with graded Short-horn  cattle. Politically, Mr. Baer is a Republican, and he has officiated six years as School Director. He is now serving a term as School Trustee.

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