Bernhard Baer, son of Isaac and Sarah (Wanberg) Baer, was born in West Prussia, Dec. 22, 1825. He was educated in his native land. When twenty years of age, having lost both his parents, he emigrated to America; landed in New Orleans, and from there went to St. Louis, where he remained a few months; then went to Paducah, and remained nine months. In July, 1847, he went to Louisville, and two years later moved to Croft Creek Springs, Ky., where he was in business till 1852; he then removed to Hopkinsville, and remained till 1861, when he came to Owensboro, and started a dry-goods store. Dec. 16, 1865, he lost all of his stock by fire, but started again, and continued till 1868, when he was obliged to close out his store, never having recovered from the effects of the fire. In November, 1868, he started a saloon and restaurant, which he continued six years, when he sold out, and engaged in the grocery business two years. He then went into the dry-goods business again, and was successful. After two years he sold out, and has since that time been dealing extensively in ice. He was married in 1850 to Fannie Kahn, a native of Guttenberg, Germany. They have had eight children, only six now living – Isaac, Abel, Louie, Mary, Rosa, and Tilla. Sarah and Benjamin died in infancy. Mr. Baer has been a member of the City Council four terms, the last term acting as Mayor pro tem. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity, I.O.O.F., Harigari, and B’nai Brith. Politically he is a Democrat. Mr. and Mrs. Baer are both members of the Jewish Synagogue.

Source: History of Daviess County, Kentucky. Chicago: Interstate Publishing Co., 1883. Print.