John Alexander Baer, son of Jacob Baer and Honorah Wells, was b. in Missouri
in 1841. He had at least a brother Joseph and a sister (name unknown to me).
John A. was orphaned at an early age and returned to Indiana to live with
an aunt and uncle. He was a farmer in Sheffield and Lauramie townships.
During the Civil war, he enlisted in the 10th Ind. Vol. Rgt. Co. A. and the
40th Ind. Vol. Rgt. Co A. He was taken prisoner at Kenesaw Mt and spent
time in Andersonville Prison. He kept a diary while in prison. When he
returned to this area he married first Jenette Johnson. The couple had five
children (Irene, Frank M., Charles E., John S., Jessie A.); Jenette died in
1881. John then married Sarah Elizabeth Baer, apparently a cousin, who died
in 1892 after having five children: Roscoe A., Joseph A., Clarence H.,
Bertha M, and Ada. John then married Martha J. Payne. John Alexander Baer
died in 1901. There used to be a picture of him in the upstairs hallway of
the Fowler House. I don't know if it is still there or not. Information
from: Biographical Record and Portrait Album, p. 763; Diary of John
Alexander Baer; an article in Weatenotes; assorted newspaper items, maps,
directories, and correspondences, especially with Maureen Johnson.
Susan