Calman Baum
As president of one of the most important industrial plants in Grant County, as well a a very successful farmer, Calman Baum of Grant County, Indiana, is one of the leading men of this section. He ahs fine executive ability, and honesty and integrity of character, as well as the industry and thrift which a long line of German forebears bequeathed to him. His personal characteristics have won for him many friends and his business acumen has given him a high place in the regard of business men of this district.
The father of Calman Baum, Henry Baum, was born in Bavaria, and as a boy of eighteen, he came to the United States, and located in Clinton County, Ohio. He had a good education, and from the very first he was successful.
He married Elizabeth Terrell, a native of Clinton County, and in 1884, they came to Grant County, Indiana. Here he went into the mercantile business in Herbst, being thus engaged until 1889. He was proud of the fact that he was always his own master in a business way and this fact speaks highly for the courage and industry of the young German. He prospered in business and became a well known and influential citizen, loved by everyone for his generosity and kindliness. He was not a member of any church but gave liberally to all of the. His wife was a member of the Christian Church. He was keenly interested in the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and in the Masonic Order. In the former he was a member of the Encampment and a Past Grand. Mr. and Mrs. Baum became the parents of six children, two of whom are living, Gilbert A. and Calman Baum, the former a retired business man and banker.
Calman Baum was born in Clinton County, Ohio, on the 10th of July, 1852. He grew up in his native state and received his education in the public schools of Clinton County. He later attended a business college for a time and then became a grain merchant. In 1883 he removed to Indiana, locating in Grant County. Here he continued in business and bought a farm in Franklin Township. He built a plant for the manufacture of drain tile, building blocks and silo blocks and this industry has proved very profitable. It is incorporated, Calman Baum being president and his son, Fred Baum, being secretary and treasurer. The plant manufactures from one thousand to twelve hundred car loads of tile yearly, and the company also owns a gas well that supplies the town.
Submitted by: Gina Reasoner