The Bakers and the Champions

I spent a few hours this afternoon at the Los Angeles Public Library and found the following book: "The History of McLean County, Illinois," published by William Le Baron, Jr., & Company in Chicago in 1879. It contains a history of Normal Township which I will summarize later. In the business directory under Normal it lists Hiram Baker as a dealer in real estate. George Champion is listed as a dealer in hardware and tinware.

On page 831 the biographical sketch of HIRAM BAKER states:

"HIRAM BAKER, real estate, Normal; was born near Troy, N. Y., Sept. 27, 1818; son of B. and Lucy (Ives) Baker, who were of English descent. During his early life, he obtained a good business education, laying the foundation for future usefulness. He came to Illinois in 1837, locating in Fulton Co.; then, in 1841, removed to Peoria Co. where he was engaged in real estate some twenty-seven years; in fact, Mr. Baker has been a successful dealer in real estate thus far through life. He has improved a large amount of land; now owns 230 acres in the homestead located near Brimfield, Ill., and a large tract of land in Henry and Ford Cos.; altogether he owns 2,200 acres of improved land. He enjoys the reputation of being a public-spirited and highly respected citizen, having always taken an active part in all matters pertaining to the good of the community. He married Miss Sarah Frye, of Peoria, Ill., Feb. 16, 1847; they have raised two children -- Hattie P., now Mrs. George Champion, of Normal, and Frank R.; he married Miss Delia A. Sheton [Shelton], of Normal, June 3. 1875."

On page 832 the biographical sketch of GEORGE CHAMPION states:

"GEORGE CHAMPION, hardware, Normal; was born in the city of Bristol, England, Feb. 24, 1840, where he was educated; he came to this country with his parents in 1854, locating in Elgin, where he learned the trade of machinist, also that of a carpenter; he enlisted with the 69th I.V.I.; went out in 1862, and served to the expiration of his enlisted term (100 days), after which he located in Chicago, where he followed his trade until 1867, when he came to Normal and embarked in the hardware and tinware business, in company with his brother Thomas; this partnership continued until 1878, since which time he has managed the business. He is a practical business man, industrious and accommodating, and has built up a large trade. He married Miss Hattie Baker, of Normal, Jan. 6, 1869; they have three children -- Gertie B., George and Frank B."

Originally published on the MyFamily.com website on 3 June 2000. Edited for clarity. Comments are in brackets.