Historical encyclopedia of Illinois, Volume II, part 2, Part 5

Author: Bateman, Newton, 1822-1897; Selby, Paul, 1825-1913
Publication date: 1912
Publisher: Chicago, Munsell Pub. Co.
Number of Pages: 774

USA > Illinois > Sangamon County > Historical encyclopedia of Illinois, Volume II, part 2 > Part 5

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Seven children were boru to Mr. Bachmaun and his wife: Lonis died when about thirty-five years of age; Bertha, wife of Henry Utinzere, of Highland, Ill .; Henry, operating a farm in Cartwright Township; Minnie, wife of Williamu Blumeustein ; Mary married Charles Long; Lizzie, wife of R. Blumenstine at Lebanon, Ill. ; and Charles Bachmaun, Jr. Mr. and Mrs. Long were parents of five children, namely : Carl, of Quincy. Ill .; William, a druggist of St. Louis; Agnes M .; Adolph, of Des Moines, Ia .; Louise M., with her mother. Mr Long died December 14. 189S, and after his death his widow con- tinued in the hotel business, which he had fol- lowed during his life, purchasing a good build- ing for this enterprise, aud continued it with profit until her marriage to Dr. Lewis D. Wiley, a leading physician and surgeon of New Berlin, a sketch of whom also appears in this work. By this union there was one child, Cecil. Mrs. Wiley is an estimable and capable woman and is descended from a long liue of well-to-do German ancestors. Many of her family be- came leading citizens of Sangamon County. She is a useful and active member of the Bap- tist Church of New Berlin, of which she is serving as Church Clerk. Like her brothers and sisters, she was reared in the Lutheran falth, but later in life united with the Baptist Church. Both her father and Mr. Long's father were largely instrumental in building and maintaining the first Lutheran Church at New Berlin.

The youngest son. Charles, still resides on the old home farm in Cartwright Township.

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HISTORY OF SANGAMON COUNTY

BAHR, Henry J .- A half-century is indeed a long period to spend in one line of business in one city, and still to be in active service at the end of this length of time denotes an enterpris- ing, energetic spirit, as well as an appreciation of the congeniality of one's profession. Most men, having built up a successful and remn- nerative business, are content to retire from ac- tive pursnits on reaching the age of three score years, but this is not the case with Henry J. Bahr, proprietor of the tonsorial parlors at No. 1327 East Washington street, Springfield, who, while he has not been in business here for quite fifty years, is rapidly approaching that distinc- tion. Mr. Bahr is a native of Germany, having been born near Frankfort-on-the-Oder, December 29, 1845, and is a son of Christlan and Wilhel- mina (Graber) Bahr, the former born December 17. 1816, and the latter in February, 1810. The family came to the United States in 1853, land- ing at New York City after a thirty-two days' voyage on the sailing vessel IIermon, soon re- moved to Haverstraw and later to Long Island, where Mr. Bahr carried on gardening. Christian Bahr died at Greenport, L. I .. September 7, 1897, at the age of eighty-one years, his wife having passed away many years before, in 1862, when fifty-two years of age. They were parents of five children, as follows: Dora, born March 9, 1844; Ilenry J .; John, born March 4, 1848; William C., born March 29, 1850; and Minnie, born June 19, 1853.

Ilenry J. Bahr was but eight years of age when he was brought to the United States by his parents. Being tlie eldest son, he had few chances for securing an education, as the family was in rather humble circumstances and the youth's earnings were needed to help in the support of the family and the proper rearing of his younger brothers and sisters. Consequently, at an early age, he was sent out to work on the farnı in the vicinity of his home, and in addi- tlon to this he labored at whatever he could find to do, including entting and hauling wood, and other expressage, and in making toy tor- pedoes.

In 1857 Mr. Bahr decided to learn a regular trade and in that year started under the tnte- lage of Bernard Bush to learn the occupation of barber, which he has since followed. He continned on Long Island until the year 1866, when he came to Springfield to assist in open- ing the barber shop in the Leland Hotel, and in this position he remained for twelve years, becoming intimately acquainted with the guests of that hostelry. Deciding to go into business on his own account, in 1878 he opened parlors at No. 519 East Monroe Street, but later for ten years was engaged at the St. Nicholas barber shop in Springfield. Again opening a business establishment of his own at Monroe Street. Mr. Bahr successfully continned there until 1899, at which time he purchased the building at No. 1327 East Washington Street, opened tonsorial parlors and has conducted a well-paying bnsi- ness to the present time. Mr. Bahr's is an up-to-

date establishment, including the latest and most highly improved fixtures and paraphernalia to be found in any barber shop in Springfield, and among his patrons are to be found some of the Capital City's most distinguished guests. His long experience in this line of business has inade Mr. Bahr well-known thronghont the city, and he has countless friends and acquaintances.

On September 7, 1876, Mr. Bahr was united in marriage with Miss Anna M. Dexheimer, of Dearborn County, Ind., and to them there were born three children : Raymond V., manager of the Pure Ice & Cold Storage Company, of Springfield, who married Annie Brocklesby ; HIarry E., married Emma Margaret Meyer and is employed at the Illinois Watch Factory ; and Elmer L., also employed at the watch factory.

In his political beliefs Mr. Bahr is a Demo- crat and for the past three years he has served as Judge of Elections of the First Precinct of the First Ward of Springfield.

BAILHACHE, Arthur Lee. (Vol. I, pp. 31-32.) BAILHACHE, Preston Heath. (Vol. I. p. 31.)

BAILHACHE, (Maj.) William Henry. (Vol. I, p. 31.)

BAKER, Edward,-In the list of Sangamon County pioneers occur many names that are familiar to the present residents. These hardy forerunners of a later civilization did not shrink from the hardships incident to frontier life, but fought bravely to conquer the wilder- ness and found substantial homes for those who came after them. The Baker family was promi- nent in early days, as it is now, and one of its best known representatives is Edward Baker, of Clear Lake Township, a successful farmer of the county. Mr. Baker was born in that township, November 28, 1853, a son of Alvin and Hester (Hornbaker) Baker, and grandson of the grand old pioneer, Jacob Baker. The latter was one of the very early settlers of the county, who during the Black Hawk War defended his home from the attacks of the hostile Indians, serving as a valiant soldier. He came from Kentucky, where he had become experienced in Indian warfare and In over- coming pioneer difficulties, so that the Illinois wilderness had no terrors for him. The good man lived to see many changes and died re- spected by a large circle of friends.

Alvin Baker located in Clear Lake Township when the land was in a wild state. He was a native of Illinois and was always loyal to it. His wife was a native of Pennsylvania and survives her husband who died many years ago, on his farm. She has attalned the age of seventy-four years and is in good health. She and her husband had three children, all sons, and one, Alonzo, is also a farmer of Clear Lake Township.

Edward Baker was educated in his native township, attending the country schools, and at the same time worked to assist his father. Until his marriage he was a farmer, but then

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HISTORY OF SANGAMON COUNTY

embarked in a milk business that engaged his atteutlon for five years. In 1902 he establisbed himself in a grocery business in Springfield, where he had operated his milk aud dairy enter- prise, and remained in it until 1908, when he located on his present farm. His property com- prises ninety-four acres of as rich farming land as can be found in all of Sangamon County, aud he is raising a general crop, with a good grade of stock. Owing to bis early training, he is a practical farmuer, who understands thor- oughly every detail of his work and is thus enabled to make it pay a good return on his investment.

The marriage of Mr. Baker took place in the township iu which he now resides, May 28, 1876, to Delceua Bell Snodgrass, born in the township, where her mother still resides. The Suodgrass family also early located in the county. Five children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Baker: Nora, wife of Frank Wallace, of Springfield ; Bertha, Mrs. Bashaw, resides with her father; Claude resides at home, and two who are deceased. The one grandchild, Velma Bashaw, resides with her mother at the home of Mr. Baker aud is her grandfather's pet. The political affiliations of Mr. Baker are with the Republican party, and while he has been earnest In his support of its principles aud candidates, he has not permitted the use of his name on the ticket, preferring to exert his influence as a private citizen.

The secret of Mr. Baker's success in life has been that he has never shirked the duty that lay nearest his hand, but performed it as well as lay in his power. As his carefully accumu- lated savings permitted, he has made wise In- vestments, that have turned out successfully, and is now in comfortable circumstances. His children have been carefully reared, given every advantage that lay within his power, and fitted to cope with the reallties of life. Quiet and unassuming, he has made muany friends, while he has never failed to gain the confidence and respect of all with whom he has been associated.

BAKER, Edward Dickinson. (Vol. I. p. 33.) BAKER, Edward L. (Vol. I, p. 32.)

BAKER, George C., one of Sangamon Connty's representative men and a leading agriculturist of hls county, is carrying on operations on a 705-acre tract of land which is located on Sec- tion 17, Townshlp 13, Range 4 West. Pawnee, Township, and is known as the Old Pawnee Indian Camp Grounds. Mr. Baker was born on the farm on which he now lives and where he has spent ali his life, February 4, 1800, a son of Michael and Fannie (Hinkle) Baker. Mr. Baker's grandfather on the paternal side-was a native of Bavaria, Germany, whence he came to the United States, and died in Sangauion County. Ill. His grandfather on the maternal side was one of Sangamon County's earllest set- tlers, a native of Virginla and a soldier during

the Black Hawk War. Michael Baker was born in Germany and was six years old when he accompanied his parents to the United States. They first settled in St. Louis, Mo., but a few years later removed to Springfield, Ill., locat- ing on what was known as the old Leland farm. Shortly afterwards, however, they came to the present home of George C. Baker, and there Michael Baker was engaged in farming until 1890, at which time he retired and went to Spring- field, and he and his wife now reside at the corner of Fourth and Allen Streets in that city. Mr. Baker was married iu February, 1859, to Fannie Hiukle, and to them there were born two children : George C. and John W., the latter of whom died when one year old, in 1862.

George C. Baker started his education in the public schools of Pawnee, Ill., and during the years 1880 and 1881 attended business college at Jacksonville, Ill. He has lived at home all liis life and worked for his father until his marriage, at which time he took charge of the farm, his father retiring. His land Is In an excellent state of cultivation, yielding large crops, and Mr. Baker operates it scientifically, having studied much along these lines, as he is a firm believer in new methods. This farm was ouce the camping gronuds of the Pawnee Indian tribe, and even now arrow heads and other interesting relics are often found dur- Ing the plowing season.

Mr. Baker is a member of the Anti-Ilorse- Thief Association, the Modern Woodmen of America and the Loyal Americans. With his family he attends the Methodist Church. In political matters he has always voted for the luan rather than the party. but. other things being equal, favors the Prohibitionists. He has always been ready and willing to give of his means or time to help forward any movement which he believes will be of assistance in building up or advancing his community in any way, and has been willing to serve his township in the office of School Director.

Ou August 24, 1881, Mr. Baker was married. at Divernon, Iil., by the Rev. Knowles, to Alice Dodds who was born at Divernon, February 14, 1860, a daughter of Ewing F. and Paullna K. (Fletcher) Dodds. Mr. Dodds was born in Sangamon County, Ill., and after a long life spent in agricultural pursuits, died in October. 1880. His widow, who was born In 1837, is now residing with Mr. Baker. Mrs. Baker's grandparents were natives of Kentucky and it is a matter of record that her grandmother rode horseback from Kentucky to Illinois when a girl.

To Mr. and Mrs. Baker there have been born four children, of whom three died in infancy. The surviving child is Chester D., who was born on the home farm Angust 6, 1887. and who, since completing his educational training. has been working for his father. He is un- married. The Baker and Dodds families are old and prominent in Sangamon County, and members of both are held in the highest esteem throughout that section.

HISTORY OF SANGAMON COUNTY

1021

BAKER, Martin E., Jr .- The Baker family has every reasou to be proud of its record among the pioneers of Sangamou County, for since 1828 it has been represented there, and ever since that date its representatives have labored to advauce the material and intellectual develop- ment of this part of the State. One of the mem- bers of the family who Is numbered among the substantial farmuers and stockmen of Illiopolis Township, is Martin E. Baker, Jr., born in the towuship December 25, 1860. He Is a son oť Martin E. Baker, Sr., born January 27, 1820, near Carlisle, Ky. In 1828 he was brought by his parents to Sangamon County and in 1831 location was made in Rochester Towusbip. Still later Christian County became the family home, but upon his marriage, in 1852, Mr. Baker returned to Sangamon County, to take up his residence in Illiopolis Township, where he lived until his death, April 22, 1911. IIis wife bore the maiden name of Mary Catherine Williams, was born in 1826 near Hagerstown, MId., and died February 16, 1880. Eight chil- dren were boru of this marriage : James, Horace, Martin, Charles, Cornella, Margaret, Nancy and Florence. Mr. Baker was a farmer all his life and sometimes was very successful. One of the last law cases of Abraham Lincoln was defend- ing Mr. Baker in a contest for possession of some land. When Mr. Baker asked Mr. Lincoln what he thought the outcome would be. the great man gave one of his characteristic replies : "Mr. Baker, God Almighty can't tell what those twelve men will do."

Martin E. Baker Jr. was educated in the com- mon schools of his township, and continued . farming all his life, preferring that occupation to any other. He bought his present farm about 1907, and expects to make it one of the model properties of this locality. His modern house contains thirteen rooms, and is surrounded by a large lawn, with a rock and iron fence. The farm is called Maple Hill Stock Farin, and he prides himself on the quality of his stock. His land is very productive, in 1910 his corn crop averaging 125 bushels to the acre, while some of the land produced 130 bushels per acre. He has thirteen acres in fine apple trees. This farm Is in what is known as the geographical center of the State, where Gov. Duncan drove the stake for a town site, intending building the capital there, and came within two votes of getting it there.

On March 22, 1905, Mr. Baker was married in Illiopolis, to Ida Bell Roberts, born November 16. 1868, In Illiopolis Township, daughter of William P. and Mary E. (Boyd) Roberts, the former born in Schuyler County, Ill., January 26, 1830, and the latter being a daughter of Milton Boyd. Mrs. Baker is the youngest of nine children born to her parents. Mr. and Mrs. Baker became parents of three children, two of whom died in infancy, the one living being Catherine Elizabeth, born October 22, 1908.

Mr. Baker has been School Director and Road Commissioner and served acceptably in

both capacities. He and his wife belong to the Christian Church. For elght years he has been a Knight of Pythias and for twelve years a modern Woodman. In addition to his farming interests Mr. Baker served for three years as President of the Illiopolis Bank,' is now its Vice-president and one of the Directors, aud owns stock iu two grain elevators. He is one of the live, progressive men of his township and oue who is very ambitious to carry out the inany plans he has made for a loug and useful future.

Mr. Baker's grandfather was the first white child born iu Nicholas County, Ky. His great- grandfather was a companion of Daniel Boone, and they fought Indians together. He was in the War of 1812.

BAKER, Peter, a substantial and respected citi- zen of Springfield, was born In Baskingridge, N. J., September 23, 1844, a son of George and Sophla (Kunz) Baker, the former born at New Byern, Germany, January 2, 1824, and the lat- ter In Alsace, Germany, April 12, 1817. The father was a blacksmith by trade and came to the United States in 1839, living ten years in New Jersey. In 1849 George Baker moved West and located in Springfield, making the trip to that elty from Peoria overland. He worked two years in J. C. Lamb's foundry, two years for Mr. Henkel, and theu lived for two years on a farm near the city. after which he bought a farm in the Mckinney Settlement and lived there several years. Ile then moved to Riverton, where he lived fourteen years, spent a year in Springfield and then moved with his son Jacob to a farm west of the city, where he died.

The education of Peter Baker was received in Springfield subscription schools and he worked on his father's farmu until he was seven- teen years of age, when he learned the trade o carpeuter, which he has since followed. He was employed many years by the Illinois Watch Company and was later employed by Des Noyer Shoe Company. When first locating in Spring- field the family lived on West Reynolds Street five years, then lived on a farm on the Jackson- ville Road two years, and then moved to the McKinney Settlement, after which Peter Baker moved to Springfield and has since made that city his home. Iu his youth he used to go swimming in Spring Creek near Ilickox Mill, with Abraham Lincoln, and has played marbles with the latter's son, Robert Lincoln.

Mr. Baker marrled, at Springfield, February 1. 1866. Miss Christina Danner, who was born May 19, 1844, daughter of Andrew and Martha Danner. the former born in 1808 and the latter in 1827. Mr. Danner and his wife came from Germany, and lived for a time in Pittsburg, Pa., where Mr. Danner worked at his trade of blacksmith. Later they moved to Illinois and be worked at his trade at Mt. Pulaski.

Children were born to Mr. Baker and his wife as follows: John F., born October 4, 1868;

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HISTORY OF SANGAMON COUNTY

Anna M., wife of Henry Ladager, a farmer liv- ing near Divernou, Ill .; Lena P., wife of James Vandervoort, living at 520 West Carpenter Street, Springfield ; Peter A., a carpenter, living on West Reynolds Street; Mary C., wife of Ralph Locher, living on West Carpenter Street ; Elizabeth, living at home. Fourteen grandchil- dren were born to Mr. and Mrs. Baker, and all live in Sangamon County.

In politics Mr. Baker is a Democrat and he is a member of Trinity Lutherau Church. Fra- ternally he belongs to Camp No. 872, M. W. A., ot Cantrall, Ill., and to Carpenters' Uuion No. 16. He is a skilled workman and has been suc- cessful at his chosen trade. He is a mau of in- dustrions and sober habits and has been able to accumulate some real estate, owning a beautiful residence at 321 West Carpenter Street, which has been the family home for the past forty-one years. He has mauy warm personal friends and is considered a useful, representative citizen.

BAKER, Richard, a veteran of the Civil war and for the past five years custodian in charge of the Chautauqua Society grounds at Mechanics- burg, Ill., is a native of Lincoln County, Ky., born April 9, 1833, a son of Henry and Sallie (Martin) Baker, the former a native of Tennes- see and the latter of Georgia. The former was a farmer by occupation and in an early day moved from Tennessee to Kentucky. There he carried on farming many years, then removed to Vermilion County, Ill., where he again took up farming, and later located in Sangamon County. He died on a farm near Auburn. His father, John Baker, was a soldier of the War of 1812. Seven sons and three daughters were born to Henry Baker and wife, of whom four sons and one danghter uow survive: namely : Richard ; Thomas, a retired farmer reslding at Buffalo, Ill .; John, living in the West; Perry, living near Jacksonville, and Mrs. Susan Marion, living on a farm uear Jacksonville.

Richard Baker was a small child when the family came to Illinois and he received most of his education in Sangamon County. He worked for his father until he enlisted, from Mechanicsburg, In Company A, Seventy-third Illinois Volunteer Infantry, under Captain Smith, later serving under Captain Cross, now of Mechanicsburg. He was mustered out at Naslıville, Tenn., June 12, 1865, having served nearly three years and taken part in twenty-three battles. At the battle of Chickamauga where several thousand men were slain in seven hours. Mr. Baker was wounded. He bore himself with credit to himself and company, and at the close of his service returned to Mechanicsburg and engaged in farming, which occupation he has since followed successfully, in connection with his duties at the Chantauqua grounds.

Mr. Baker was married, at Arcola, Ill., Jan- uary 28, 1856, to Lucina Sanders, a native of Vigo County, Ind., her parents being early set- tlers of Coles County, Ill., and farmers by occu- pation. Mr. Baker and his wife had two chil-

dren, both of whom died in infancy, and Mrs. Baker died in 1857. In October, 1866, Mr. Baker married (second) Mrs. Jane Sargent, Rullitord, who was born in London, England, and to this uniou three children were born, all of whom are deceased, and the mother of these children died in 1870. In November, 1893, Mr. Baker mar- ried (third) Mary Bullock, born near Green- castle, Ind., whose parents are deceased, and no children were born of this union.

Mr. Baker is a substantial and much re- spected citizen of Mechanicsburg, where he owns somne property. He is a member of the Christian Church and in politics is a Repub- lican. He belongs to the G. A. R. Post at Buf- falo. lIe is well known in his part of the county and has many friends. He well remembers the days when Lincolu lived in Springfield and often saw him before his election to the Presidency.

BAKER, William G., a successful business man of Springfield, Ill., successor to the firm of Power & Baker, belongs to a family that has been well known in the city since an early day. His grandfather, Hiram Baker, was a native of New York State and was an early settler oť Springfield, where he became a successful contractor and builder. He furnished Govern- ment supplies during the war and died at Jacksonville, Ill., where he had lived but a short time. William G. Baker was born in Spring- field, December 27, 1878, son of William D. and Rachel (Howard) Baker, the former also a native of Springfield, born In 1857.

William D. Baker worked many years at the Illinois watch factory, where he became fore- man, and in later life worked twelve years as postal clerk on the Illinois Central road. He was killed in a railway accident in 1896, and his widow still resides in Springfield. Their children were: William G .; Fred, of Spring- field ; Ethel, Mrs. Arthur Koenigstein, of Fort Smith, Ark .; John and Roy, of Springfield.

William G. Baker received his education in the public schools of Springfield and at the age of seventeen years took up the plumbing trade, serving as apprentice five years. He worked three years as jonrneyman and in 1901 formed a partnership with J. T. Power, buying his partner's interest five years later. He has secured many large jobs in his line and has won a reputation for expert work and high-class goods. He is a self-made man, having em- barked in the enterprise with a small capital and built np his business by degrees, throngh good service and business enterprise. He is considered a man of reliability and honesty and his prospects for future business prosperity are very good.

Mr. Baker' was married in Springfield May 21, 1902, to Miss Nellie Whittaker, daughter of Simon and Sarah (Pendergast) Whittaker, of Springfield, and they have three children : Ethel. born in 1903, died September 30, 1910; Fred, born 1905; and William, in 1907.

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HISTORY OF SANGAMON COUNTY

BALDWIN, Wesley, a retired farmer residing at Mechanicsburg, Ill., was born iu Greene County, Ind., November 17, 1832, and Is a son of Elija and Rachel (Bland) Baldwin, the former born in Kentucky and the latter in Indiana. Ellja Baldwin was a farmer by occu- pation and as a young mau moved to Indiana, locating in Clark County, where he remained several years, then removed to Greene County, where he lived until 1855, then came to Illinois and settled on a farm in Christian County, where he remained until his death. His wife also died in Christian County. They were parents of four sons and three daughters, of whom Wesley is the only survivor. The latter received his education in Indiana and Illinois country schools and as a young man assisted his father in the work of carrying on the farm.

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Historical encyclopedia of Illinois, Volume II, part 2, Part 5

Author: Bateman, Newton, 1822-1897; Selby, Paul, 1825-1913 Publication date: 1912 Publisher: Chicago, Munsell Pub. Co. Number of Pages: 774

Author: Bateman, Newton, 1822-1897; Selby, Paul, 1825-1913
Publication date: 1912
Publisher: Chicago, Munsell Pub. Co.
Number of Pages: 774