View source for Baer, John (1797-1858)

John Baer, an early publisher of Mennonite writings, was born in Upper Leacock, [[Pennsylvania (USA)|Pennsylvania]], 31 January 1797, a son of Andrew Baer (d. 1805) and great-grandson of John Henry Baer, the Swiss Mennonite pioneer settler (1727). He grew up in [[Lancaster (Pennsylvania, USA)|Lancaster]]. In 1821 he was sole owner of <em>Der Volksfreund</em> and in 1834 he also purchased the <em>Lancaster Beobachter</em>. These he merged as the <em>Lancaster Volksfreund und Beobachter</em>, the only German newspaper in the city. This was continued by his sons. In 1819 he published the first large folio Bible published in America. In 1828 he continued the <em>Agricultural Almanac</em> started by William Albright and in 1833 started also the <em>German Pennsylvania Almanac</em>, continuing both for years. Later it became <em>Baer’s Almanac</em>, (later <em>Baer's Almanac &amp; Gardener's Guide</em>) the 189th issue (2009) of which was released by Gerald S. Lestz of the firm, John Bear's Sons.. For years he published many items for the Mennonites, succeeding [[Ehrenfried, Joseph (1783-1862)|Joseph Ehrenfried]]. Reuben A. and Christian R. Baer continued the firm as John Baer's Sons; grandsons John F. and Charles S. Baer continued the firm until the mid-20th century.
= Bibliography =
Ellis, Franklin, and Samuel Evans<em>. History of Lancaster County, Pennsylvania: with biographical sketches of many of its pioneers and prominent men</em>. Philadelphia, PA: Everts &amp; Peck, 1883: 500-501

Meginness, John Franklin. <em>Biographical annals of Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, containing biographical and genealogical sketches of prominent and representative citizens and of many of the early settlers ... </em>[Chicago, ILL]: J.H. Beers &amp; Co., 1903: 152-3.

Klein, Harry Martin John. <em>Lancaster county, Pennsylvania ; a history.</em> New York, NY: Lewis Historical Pub. Co., 1924: v. IV, 408.
= Additional Information =
Website: [http://www.johnbaer.com/ John Baer's Sons]
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