Valentine Bauer
Valentine Bauer, merchant tailor, London, was born at Gerbach, Rhine Bavaria, Germany, April 14. 1838. His father, Peter Bauer, came to America in 1849. He located in Columbus, Ohio, where he was engaged in keeping tavern, and died in 1868. He married Catherine Bauer, also a native of Germany. Of their eight children, four are now living -- two sons and two daughters -- and only two residents of Madison County. Mrs. Bauer departed this life in Germany, January 12, 1848. Our subject was fourteen years of age when his father removed to Columbus, and he resided in that city eight years. He there finished learning his trade, which he had previously commenced in Germany. On October 9. 1860, he came to London, and for eleven years was superintendent of the merchant tailoring department in the house of J. M. Winchester. On June 25, 1871, he commenced business for himself. Although having met with some reverses, Mr. Bauer still presses forward, and now enjoys a good patronage. He is a member of Chandler Lodge, No. 138, Chapter No. 73 (Masonic), Madison Lodge, No. 70 (Odd Fellows), of London, and Palestine Commandery, No. 33, Knights Templar, of Springfield, Ohio. Politically, Mr. Bauer is Republican, and has served several terms as member of the City Council. He was once the Republican nominee for Treasurer of London and defeated by only thirteen votes. He was married, April 23, 1859, to Eva Michel, a native of Stahlberg, Rhine Bavaria, Germany. Ten children have been born to them, six living -- Emma, Frank, Clara, Edward, Eva and Robert. Mrs. Bauer is a member of the Presbyterian Church.
From HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY - W. H. Beers [Chicago, 1883]