Martin Baer is one of the leading farmers of Whiteside County, owning a large and valuable farm on section 26, Jordan Twp., was born Nov. 7, 1824 in Manor Township, Lancaster Co., PA. His father, Martin Baer was born in the same county and was of Swiss lineage. The latter was a farmer and a man of unblemished rectitude of character, holding an honorable position in the German Reformed Mennonite Church. He died in Lancaster County in October 1875 at 86 years and 6 monts. Elizabeth Harnish was the name of the mother of Mr. Baer of this sketch, before her marriage. She was of German origin and was born in Lancaster County. Her father was a prominent and wealthy farmer in Lancaster County. She died in June 1880 in the city of Lancaster, and was upwards of 83 years of age.

Mr. Baer is the oldest of seven children. David his brother, next younger, is deceased. Esther, Lydia, Susana, Francis and Franklin are named in the order of their birth. Mr. Baer is the only one who has left his native State. He attended school till he was 18 years old and also assisted on the homestead farm. After the age named he devoted his attention exclusively to the business of a farmer until he wsa 26 years of age.

He was married Dec. 17, 1850 in Lancaster City, PA to Mary Herr, daughter of Henry and Catherine Herr. Her parents lived and died in their native county of Lancaster, where they were prominent farmers. Her father died Dec. 20, 1884, being nearly 84 years of age. The mother was 59 years old when she died, in Feb. 1863. Mrs. Baer was born July 13, 1825 in Manor Township, Lancaster County and is the oldest child of her parents. She resided at home until her marriage and received a good education in both German and English. The seven children of which she is the mother were born as follows - Henry, Oct. 2, 1857 and resides in Ogle County, Jonas was born Jan. 16, 1853. His personal record is given on another page. Elizabeth was born Jan. 1, 1854 and married John P. Hey, a farmer in Jordan Township (see sketch). Ezra, born Aug 19, 1859 is engaged in farming and bee culture in the township of Palmyra, Lee Co IL. Abraham, born March 19, 1861 lives on a farm in Hopkins Township. Catherine born Aug. 13, 1863; Franklin Aug 15, 1866.

Subsequent to his marriage Mr. Baer conducted the affairs of his father's farm six years. In April, 1857 he came to IL, going at first to McDonough County. In August following, the family came to Whiteside County, to the city of Sterling. In the same year the father purchased 160 acres of land in Jordan Township, to which he removed his family in March of the 1858. The places has been improved until it ranks with the best farms in the county, and is supplied with a good and commodious residence, excellent arm buildings and stock. Mr. Baer is justly estimated as a skillful and judicious farmer. He is an adherent of the Republican party, and has served as Township Clerk and in several other official positions of less importance. The entire family has strong predilections for books, and are accordingly well red and intelligent. Mrs. Baer is a member of the Reformed Mennonite Church.

Portrait and Biographical Whiteside Co IL 1885 Pg 509

Illinois - "Our Way"