Richard G. Baer
One of the prosperous farmers of Crawford county, is Richard G. Baer, a son of Andrew J. and Jane (Kelly) Baer. His father was born in Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, and removed to Clinton county, Iowa, in 1862, later coming to Crawford county in 1871. He located in Denison township, two miles south of Denison, where he resided until his death in 1886. He was a member of the Presbyterian church. His wife, who was also a native of Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, is still living.
Ten children were born to them, three of whom are deceased. Those who survive are: Elias Henry, a resident of Portland. Oregon; Frank M., of Denison, Iowa; Martha, the wife of Francis Murdoch, of Denison township; Richard G., the subject of this sketch; Emma, the wife of Jesse Rank, of Denison; Susie, the deceased wife of E. S. Miles, of Dunlap, Iowa; ana George C., who resides in Vergin, Saskatchewan, Canada.
Richard G. Baer attended school in Denison township, although his birth occurred in Clinton county, Iowa, April 26, 1866. He resided at home until he was twenty-four years of age, at which time he bought the farm where he now resides. This consists of one hundred and twenty acres, located on section 36, Denison township, and on which he has made many modern improvements, both as to buildings and farm machinery.
In 1890 Mr. Baer was united in marriage to Miss Alice Riddle, a native of Crawford county, and they are the parents of eleven children, as follows: Lillian; Jetta, who is teaching school in this county; Laura, attending college in Denison; Florence, Robert, Pearl, Vernie, Paul, Elsie, Evelyn and Theodore, all living at home.
In politics Mr. Baer is a republican. Formerly he and his wife were members of the Baptist church but are now affiliated with the Holiness mission.
Source: History of Crawford County, Iowa. Vol. II. Chicago: The S. J. Clarke Publishing Co., 1911.