Charles Baum

Charles Baum , an extensive farmer of Colona Township , was born Feb. 22, 1840 , in Jefferson Co., N.Y., and was eight years of age when his parents came to the State of Illinois . John J. Baum, his father, was a pioneer of Henry County and was born in Herkimer Co., N.Y., June 4, 1805 . He went to Jefferson County before he had attained to the estate of manhood, and when he was ready to settle in life he bought a farm in that county. He was its owner and occupant until 1848. In that year he came to Illinois . He had exchanged his land in Jefferson County for prairie in Colona Township , and the latter tract included 127 acres of farming land and 43 acres of timber situated on section 2. The property was wholly untilled and without a house. Mr. Baum built a board house, 12 x 14 feet in dimensions, into which his family removed, and he turned his attention with all possible vigor and energy to the work of placing his land in a state of cultivation. He afterward made and addition to the house, and it was occupied by the family until their removal to the village of Colona in 1854. In that year they made the transfer referred to, and the father bought 75 acres adjoining the village plat, on which he erected a large frame house, and it was his home until his death. His decease occurred in December, 1874. He had been successful in all his business operations, and had an estate of more than 500 acres.

   His wife before her marriage was Maria Petrie. She was born Aug. 1, 1802 , in Herkimer Co., N. Y., and died April 8, 1876 . Of the eight children born of their union but two are living. Franklin is a resident of Hutchison Co., Neb. , and is engaged in farming.

   Mr. Baum of this sketch grew to manhood in the township of Colona , and he acquired his education in the public schools. The first eventful period of his life was his marriage, which took place in 1867. His wife, who was Miss Angelina Meer before her marriage, was born in Ohio . At the time of their union in the bonds of matrimony, they settled on the homestead, and were associated with the parents as long as their lives continued. Three children were born to them, -- Harvey, Amos and Ettie. The mother died Dec. 29, 1873 , at the age of 26 years.

   Mr. Baum is the owner of about 500 acres of land and it is all in first-class agricultural condition. He is largely interested in growing stock.

Transcribed by Jan Roggy

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Illinois Ancestors