Biography of Theodore R. Bahner of Morris, Illinois

In the career of Theodore R. Bahner, of Morris, here is exemplified the fact that exceptional educational advantages, financial assistance or influential friends are not necessarily essential to the youth who is seeking fortune and position, but that industry and energy, properly directed and combined with honesty and integrity, will not fail to reward the persevering youth with success. Mr. Bahner is a native of the Hoosier State, having been born in the city of Logansport, December 16, 1861, a son of Christopher and Elizabeth (Heileman) Bahner. His parents, natives of Wurttemberg, Germany, emigrated to the United States as young people, and soon met and married in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Later they removed to Hannibal, Missouri, where Mr. Bahner was engaged in the banking business for some years, but finally settled in Logansport, Indiana, and there his death occurred in September, 1872, the mother passing away the year previously.

Theodore R. Bahner received but slight educational advantages, as he was but eleven years of age when his father died, and he at once went to work in the baking business of his guardian. He continued there for nine years in Logansport, and then went to Kenton, Indiana, for two years, and in 1883 came to Morris, Illinois, where he worked for one year for Mr. Southcomb in the livery business. Succeeding this he was employed by H. H. Hamilton in his meat market, and in 1887 went to work for Wagner & Loraman. On July 1, 1890, with Mr. Loraman he bought the business, but in the following March disposed of his interest to his partner and went to Omaha, Nebraska, where he worked in a meat market until November, 1892, when he returned to Morris and again engaged in business with Mr. Loraman, this partnership continuing until Mr. Loraman‘s death. Since that time Mr. Bahner has continued the business alone, and in the handling of meats and provisions has met with a decided success. His industry has been constant, his integrity unquestioned and his good management has served to make the business one of the leading enterprises of Morris. He has not failed in his duties as a citizen and since 1889 has been a member of the Morris Fire Department.

In May, 1891, Mr. Bahner was married to Miss Agnes Robinson, daughter of Noble and Isabelle (Lindsey) Robinson, of Morris, and to this union there have come two children: Arthur Raymond and Isabelle Robinson. Mr. and Mrs. Bahner are consistent members and liberal supporters of the German Lutheran Church. In political matters he is a Republican, and his fraternal affiliation is with the Knights of the Maccabees, Lodge No. 205; Modern Woodmen of America, Lodge No. 281, and Star Lodge No. 75, Independent Order of Odd Fellows.