Biography of Henry Baum (1834-1896) of Morris, Illinois

Baum, Henry (deceased) – Grundy County never had a more public-spirited man than the late Henry Baum of Morris. He was born in Saxony, Germany, October 26, 1834, a son of John Baum, who married a Miss Kirchner. After serving in the German army, Henry Baum came to America, being at that time twenty-five years old. He made the trip in a sailing vessel to New Orleans, from whence he came direct to Grundy County. A musician, he enlisted as such in a Grundy County company, when the Civil War broke out, having just returned from a short trip to the South and realizing therefrom how great was the need of the North triumphing in the struggle. After serving and being mustered out, he returned to Grundy County and for years conducted a first class buffet in Morris, but retired later. During his long and busy life he accumulated considerable realty and other property, and when he died January 12, 1896, he was a well to do man. He was a member of the G. A. R. post, and was also prominent as an Oddfellow. Mr. Baum was also a director of the Cemetery association of Morris.

On January 14, 1864, Mr. Baum was married at Morris to Elizabeth Zorrmann, daughter of Jacob and Saloma (Eatel) Zorrmann, who was born in Bavaria, on the Rhine River, May 16, 1844. Mr. and Mrs. Baum became the parents of four children: Henry and Louise, both deceased; William L., who is a leading physician of Chicago; and Bertha, who is Mrs. A. H. Hilliker of Morris. In 1874 Mr. Baum built his beautiful residence at No. 311 E. Washington street, Morris, where Mrs. Baum now resides. A man of sympathetic impulses, Mr. Baum was exceedingly generous, and many benefited from his charity, who joined with his family and other friends in mourning his loss.