Tutty Baker

William "Tutty" Baker, credited as the founder of Freeport, Illinois, built a trading post on the banks of the Pecatonica River. A generous man, Tutty Baker began operating a free ferry across the river and even invited travelers into his home for meals and lodging. Word has it that is wife asked him if his river port was a "Free Port" because of the amount of people he didn't charge to ferry across the river. Which is how Freeport earned its name.

Freeport used to celebrate the founder of the town with Tutty Baker days in the downtown area.