Biographies
HENRY BACKER
HENRY BACKER.—An enterprising and
successful farmer, who has been a resident of Sacramento County since he was a
youth of seven years, is Henry Backer, who was born in Rhein,
Pfalz, Bavaria, Germany, July 12, 1879, a son of Henry
and Barbara Backer, who were farmers in their native Bavaria. Leaving his
wife and children for the time being, in 1880, the father came to California,
where a brother, Fred Backer, had preceded him. He remained for a period
of four years, and being impressed with the country and opportunities in the
Golden State, determined to make it his future home. In 1884 he returned
to his home and, disposing of his interests brought his family to Sacramento
County in 1886. Leasing land, he engaged in raising grain and stock until
his death in 1896, being survived by his widow, who now lives in comfort in the
home of our subject. She was the mother of six children, three of whom are
living: Jacob died at the age of eighteen years; Barbara passed away when nine
years old; Bevela died when very young; Maggie is the
wife of Jacob Backer; Adam is a farmer in the vicinity of Franklin; while the
youngest is Henry, the subject of our interesting review.
As already
stated, Henry Backer came to California the year he was seven years of
age. Attending the public school, he received a good education, at the
same time assisting his father on the home farm, learning to drive the big
teams in the grain fields and to follow farming as it is done in
California. After his father passed away he assisted his mother until he
started for himself, leasing land and growing grain. He was successful,
and as soon as he acquired some capital above his equipment he purchased 320
acres and later added to his holdings until he now owns a large farm all
devoted to grain-raising, except twenty-five acres which is in producing
vineyard; and he also runs a dairy. His large crops are harvested with a
combined harvester propelled by a tractor. In all of his farming
operations Mr. Backer uses the most modern equipment.
Mr.
Backer was married in the vicinity of his home to Miss Louise Miller, who was
also born in Germany, but came when a child with her parents to Missouri, being
raised near St. Louis, and their union has been blessed with three children:
Henry, Freda, and Laura. Mr. Backer is a very energetic man and is never
idle; his close application and good business methods have brought him success,
so that while still a comparatively young man he has become a man of affluence
and influence, his example being well worthy of emulation. Politically, he
is a Republican, and fraternally he is a member of Franklin Lodge, Modern
Woodmen of America.
Transcribed 5-26-07
Marilyn R. Pankey.
Source: Reed, G.
Walter, History of Sacramento County,
California With Biographical Sketches, Pages 841-842. Historic Record Company,
© 2007 Marilyn R. Pankey.