Woman of the Century/Libbie C. Riley Baer

LIBBIE C. RILEY BAER.
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BAER, Mrs. Libbie C. Riley, poet, born near Bethel. Clermont county. Ohio, 18th November, 1849. Her ancestors on the paternal side were the two families Riley and Swing. From the original family of the former descended the distinguished poet and humorist, James Whitcomb Riley, and from the latter the eminent philosopher and preacher. Prof. David Swing, of Chicago. On the maternal side Mrs. Baer is a descendant of the Blairs, an old and favorably known family of Southern Ohio. It is not surprising, therefore, that through early associations, combined with a natural taste and aptitude for literary work, her genius for poetry was shown during childhood. Her first poem, written when she was scarcely ten years of age, was a spontaneous and really remarkable production for one so young. In November, 1867, she was married to Capt. John M. Baer, an officer with gallant military record. She went with her husband to Appleton, Wis., where they still reside. Upon the organization of the Woman's Relief Corps, as allied with the G. A. R., Mrs. Baer took an important part in the benevolent work of that order, and has held various responsible positions connected therewith, devoting much time and energy to the cause, solely as a labor of love. Though always proficient in poetical composition, she really began her literary career during the last decade, and the favor with which her poems have been received proves the merit of her productions.