Tutty Baker

William "Tutty" Baker (1793-1855), was an American pioneer credited as the founder of Freeport, Illinois. Originating from the southern United States, he claimed the land which would become Freeport, then occupied by the Ho-Chunk tribe, in 1827, though he did not immediately build a homestead.[1] He received the nickname "Tutty" from the tribe, which he was on good terms with, on account of his stutter. He built a trading post on the banks of the Pecatonica River. A generous man, Baker began operating a free ferry across the river and even invited travelers into his home for meals and lodging.[2] According to one story, Freeport earned its name after Baker's wife, Elizabeth Phoebe Baker, asked him if his river port was a "Free Port", because of the number of people he didn't charge to ferry across the river.[3]

A monument to him was erected in Freeport by the Daughters of the American Revolution.[4]

References

  1. ^ "Looking Back: Freeport's founder: Who was he?". Gustason, Harriett. Retrieved 26 January 2021.
  2. ^ "History of Freeport". City of Freeport. Retrieved 15 January 2013.
  3. ^ Illinois, written by the Federal Writer's Project of the Work Projects Administration for the State of (1939). Illinois; a descriptive and historical guide. St. Clair Shores, Mich.: Somerset Publishers. pp. 520–521. ISBN 0403012929. {{cite book}}: ISBN / Date incompatibility (help)
  4. ^ "Tutty Baker Monument". Freeport/Stephenson County Convention & Visitors Bureau. Retrieved 15 January 2013.
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