George Baadte, one of the successful German farmers of Silver Creek Twp. is a native of the Kingdom of Bavaria and born not far from the River Rhine, March 28, 1838. He came to this country with his parents when a lad 15 years of age, and after a brief residence in Ohio they emigrated farther westward and took up their abode not far from the present homestead of their son. The latter, since then, has been a resident of Stephenson County, where his industry and enterprise have received due recognition by placing him in a good position socially and financially. The farm embraces 131 acres and occupies a portion of section 33. He also owns forty acres on section 28.

Peter Baadte, the father of George, was also a native of the Rhine Province, where he continued until reaching manhood and learned the trade of blacksmithing, which he followed for some years. There also he was married to Miss Catharine Rohenbeck, who was born and reared like himself, in Bavaria. Some years later, with their three children, George, Anton F. and Francisco, they set sail for the U.S. which they reached after 37 days, landing in New York City. Thence they proceeded to Cleveland, Ohio, near which city the father engaged in farming for the next 3 or 4 years and later removing to Freeport IL. From there they came to Silver Creek Twp., locating on section 28 in the spring of 1857. The father improved a good farm from the uncultivated soil and established a comfortable homestead, which the parents occupied until the death of the mother, in November, 1885 at the age of 76. Since that time the father, now over 80, has made his home with his son, our subject. He is still strong mentally and physically, and possesses a large portion of the activity and energy which characterized him in his younger days. Both parents were members of the Catholic Church.

Our subject remained a member of his father's household until 27 years of age, and was married in Freeport Oct. 12, 1865 to Sophia Wichman, a native of Prussia, born Nov. 19, 1843. Her parents, Frederick and Sophia (Gerke) Wichman, spent their entire lives in their native land, where the former engaged in wagon-making. Both died in 1849. Mrs. B. came to the U.S. with a married sister, landing here in July 1862. They located in Freeport, where she remained until her marriage. She is now the proud mother of siz children - Peter J., Frank A., Katie, George William, Clara M. and Josephine S.

Mr. and Mrs. Baadte located on their present farm soon after their marriage and where they have since resided. Upon this farm Mr. B. has erected a comfortable frame residence, a good barn and all the other buildings necessary for his comfort and for the successful prosecution of his calling. Mr. Baadtke is a liberal Democrat, politically, and has served the people of his township as Assessor and Collector. Both he and his wife are valued members of the German Catholic Church of Freeport. The other children of his father's family are all living; Anton F. is farming in Carroll County Iowa; he married Catherine Blatton of Lancaster Twp. The youngest Frances, is the wife of Charles Rader who owns a good farm of 105 acres in Silver Creek Twp.
History of Stephenson County 1888 Portrait & Biographical Pg 212