- Tutty Baker
William "Tutty" Baker, credited as the founder of
Freeport, Illinois , built atrading post on the banks of thePecatonica River . A generous man, Baker began operating a freeferry across the river and even invited travelers into his home for meals and lodging. According to one story, Freeport earned its name after Baker's wife 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.Freeport celebrates the founder of the town with Tutty Baker days in the downtown area.
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