HENRY BAIER, of the firm of Baier & Seyfarth, proprietors of the Freeport Brewery, corner of Adams and Jackson streets, is a native of Germany, being born in Bavaria on the 7th of May, 1836. When about seven years of age he emigrated to America with his parents, Jacob and Margaret Baier. Upon their arrival they came almost immediately to Freeport, in the year 1843, where in 1849 the father died. The mother is still living.

Henry Baier was reared and educated in Freeport. He first began business on his own account in 1855, engaging in various occupations until 1869, when he became associated with Mr. Seyfarth, and engaged in his present business. The present firm succeeded C. F. Beck, who was the successor of Mr. Hedrick. The brewery was first established in 1849, by the McGee Brothers, and at first was used for the manufacture of ale exclusively; later they began the manufacture of beer. In 1869 the brewery was purchased by Messrs Baier & Seyfarth, who erected a large brick building, 40x55 feet, five stories high, with a basement. Steam power is used and all the most modern and improved appliances have been adopted. The output of the establishment is now about 6,000 annually, and the entire product finds ready market, on account of its purity and reputation for being honestly made. The firm is one of the most responsible and reliable in the city of Freeport, and enjoys the confidence of the business community to the fullest degree.

In 1860 Mr. Baier was married to Miss Johanna Seyfarth, of Freeport, but a native of Germany. They have two children living, Charles H. and Alma, both of whom are at home. In 1867 Mr. Baier was elected Alderman for his ward, in which capacity he served two years, during that time he looked closely after the interests of his constituents. He is Vice President of the German Insurance Company, one of the solid institutions of Freeport, which has met with eminent success. He is a member of a German Lodge of Odd Fellows. In all his business undertakings Mr. Baier has been a success, and has accumulated property and means to make the remaining years of his life and those of his family unexceptionally comfortable. His business is established on a firm basis and increases year by year.

Contributed by Carol Parrish - Portrait and Biographical Album of Stephenson County, Ill. (1888)