The Hartington Herald, NE, Thursday, March 17, 1938, pg. 1, col. 3; pg. 6, cols. 2-3
EARLY RESIDENT OF CEDAR COUNTY DIED AT WYNOT SUNDAY
Henry Backman, 89, Succumbed at Home of Son, Edward H. Backman
10 Children Survive
Pioneer Experienced Many Trials and Plagues---Possessed Determination
Final rites were conducted in St. James Wednesday morning for Henry Backman, 89, an early day resident of northern Cedar county, who died Sunday evening at the country home of his son, Edward H. Backman, and family near Wynot.
The solemn requiem mass was read at 10 o'clock at Sts. Phillip and James church by the rector, Rev. A. J. Paschang. Burial was made in the St. James cemetery under the direction of the Jones Funeral Service.
Six grandsons served as the pallbearers. They were Albin, Cletus, Gerald, Florian, Dennis and Claude Backman,
Bedfast Three Months
The late Mr. Backman died at the age of 89 years, nine months and 5 days. His health had been failing the past few months but his condition was not serious and he was able to be up about his home daily.
He had the misfortune for fall three months ago, in so doing, he injured his right hip. The injury was of such serious nature that he was bedfast from that time until his death. Complications of advanced age developed, and the aged county pioneer died at 5:20 o'clock Sunday afternoon.
Born in Germany
Henry Backman was born in Oldenburg, Germany June 18, 1848. His father was drowned in a nearby river a short time prior to his birth. He received his early education and training in the school of his native country. During his youth, he learned the trade of cigar making which business he practiced several years.
When he was 17 years old, he became instilled with the idea of leaving Germany and locating in America. In compnay with an aunt, Mrs. Josephine Schwers, now deceased, he sailed from the foster land and located at Irene, Iowa. He resided in the Irene and Dubuque, Iowa, communities five years, being engaged partially in cigar making.
He then moved to Nebraska and settled near St. Helena, then a pioneer village of Cedar county. His first year in this country was spent in working as a laborer for John Lammers who was engaged in farming and brick making.
After he worked one year for Mr. Lammers, he expressed his desire to own a team of oxen and a log cabin on a claim which he might call his own. Mr. Lammers prevailed upon him to stay with him as a laborer another six months.
Built Log Cabin
In another six months' time, the dream of Henry Backman became a reality, he became the sole owner of a yoke of oxen and a claim of land. Neighbors helped cut down logs, haul them and hew them into boards. A foundation of bricks and mud was constructed for the log house. To insure the young bachelor from the damp weather, the slab roof was sprinkled with sand. His dream had been realized and the future looked bright for the young man who possessed determination and was very optimistic.
His optimism was not daunted during the first year when the grasshoppers came in large numbers. He had planted seven acres of wheat and 10 acres in corn that year. Like a cloud darkening the blue sky, the grasshoppers in hoards landed in his fields, and, within a period of 10 minutes, the crops had been wiped away. He was still determined, and the following year, he purchased two sacks of wheat at the price of $1.25 per sack. That price was very high in consideration of the fact that eggs were selling at six cents a dozen and cattle were being sold at two cents per pound on the markets.
Married in 1873
He endevored the third time. In March of 1873, he married his sweetheart of Cedar county, Miss Mary Rupiper. The marriage ceremony was solemnized at the Catholic church in Menominee. United in marriage the same day were two other young couples who were equally optimistic. They were George Cass and Elizabeth Roland, and Anton Roland and Mary Beste. Of the six member of the triple wedding party, Mr. Backman was the last survivor.
Mr. and Mrs. Backman settled on a homestead near Menominee which is now the farm operated by Theodore Kleinschmitt. They held great confidence that their first year would be a success, but the grasshoppers returned in still larger numbers and ate the growing crops. The young bridegroom and his bride were left to face another cold winter with cornmeal forming the basis of most of their meals. The county pioneer often stated "There was no bread because there was no grain, and there was no meat to eat as we had no corn to feed our livestock." Too, in later years, he would relate to his children, grandchildren, neighbors and friends the story of how he suffered when his young wife was almost forced to go hungry. He stated "It was terrible seeing her hungry. She was so young,"
Gripped with determination to succeed and make a living for his bride of a few months, he told his [bride] if the hoppers returned, they (sic) wife that he would find work, and, would be unable to wipe them out the third time.
Worked on Boat
Leaving his home, he awaited the whistle of the first steamship, Key West, just below St. Helena. As the steamship pulled into the village harbor, he went into the house and bid his wife goodbye. He quickly changed his clothes and hurried to meet that boat near Yankton. He reached the deck shortly before the arrival of the ship. He selected as his mate a farmer from near Sioux City, who, too, had suffered the loss of his crops by the grasshoppers.
The young farmer took his wife to Green Island where she was going to make her home in a store until he returned. Young Backman left on the boat with the agreement that his pay would be $50 from Yanton to Bismark, N. Dak. and $60 from the North Dakota point to Fort Beauforte in Canada. Four months and three days passed, and then, one day, the young man returned to Green Island with a bullet wound in his neck, a souvenir of an encounter with Indians, and $87 savings for his wife.
Located Near Wynot
Mr. and Mrs. Backman spent remainder of the winter on the little island, returning to their farm the following spring. In the spring of 1890, they left the community of Menominee and moved to a farm south of Wynot where the son, Edward H. Backman, now resides and where the esteemed Mr. Backman died.
Surviving are three sons and seven daughters. The children are: Edward H. Backman, Wynot, Louis and Barney Backman of Hartington; Mrs. Henry Klug (Ida) of Wynot, Mrs. A. T.. Duman (Theresa) and Mrs. George H. Koch (Pauline) of Sioux City, Mrs. Melvin Rossenbach (Christina) of Fremont, Mrs. Andrew S. Foulk (Anna) and Miss Josephine Backman of Hartington, and Mrs. Bruno Pinkelman (Elizabeth) of the Obert community.
Also surviving are 49 grandchildren and 13 great--grandchildren.
One son, Jake Backman, died at his Hartington home April 19, 1935, and two children died in infancy. Mrs. Backman died in September, 1924. Since her death, Mr. Backman had made his home with his son, Edward H., and family.
Deceased was a member of the Sts. Philip and James church at St. James, which church he helped to build many years ago. He served many years ago. He seer (sic) and supervisor in the territory near Wynot.
In the death of Henry Backman, Cedar county loses another of its few remaining pioneers---those people who possessed the strong spirit of succeeding by hard labor despite the many trials and tribulations which faced them during many lean years -- those people who saw Cedar county develop from a prairie into a rich agricultural section of the state of Nebraska.
+++
HENRY BACKMAN, 89, BURIED WEDNESDAY
OLDEST RESIDENT OF WYNOT DIES SUNDAY AFTER A LONG ILLNESS
WYNOT---Henry J. Backman, 89, oldest citizen of this community, died Sunday afternoon at the home of his son, Ed Backman, following a lengthy illness of complications due to old age. He suffered a stroke about a year ago and had been in failing health for many months. He lost his sight several months ago.
Funeral services were held Wednesday morning from the Catholic church at St. James with Rev. Anthony Paschang officiating. Burial was in the Catholic cemetery under the direction of the Jones mortuary.
Pallbearers were six grandsons---Gerald, Florian, Alvin, Cletus, Clark and Dennis Backman.
Mr. Backman was born in Oldenburg, Germany June 18, 1848. Had he lived until June he would have been 90 years of age. (unreadable)
He was married to Mary Rupiper of Menominee and they were one of the first couples to be wed in the Menominee church. Mrs. Backman died in 1924.
Surviving are three sons and seven daughters: Ed and Mrs. Henry Klug of Wynot, Mrs. A. T. Duman and Mrs. Pauline Wagers of Sioux City, Mrs. Alvin Rosenbach of Fremont and Mrs. Andrew Faulk, Louis, Barney and Miss Josephine of Hartington and Mrs. Bruno Pinkelman of Obert.
+++
His real name is Johann Hinrich Böckmann (Boeckmann),
born 18. Jun 1849 Lohne, part Südlohne.
Emigrated 1866 regarding Census 1900
Parents: Arnd Hinrich Franz Böckmann - Maria Catharina Schweers
contributed by Werner Honkomp FAG member #48844522
Researcher for Lohne, Oldenburg province
EARLY RESIDENT OF CEDAR COUNTY DIED AT WYNOT SUNDAY
Henry Backman, 89, Succumbed at Home of Son, Edward H. Backman
10 Children Survive
Pioneer Experienced Many Trials and Plagues---Possessed Determination
Final rites were conducted in St. James Wednesday morning for Henry Backman, 89, an early day resident of northern Cedar county, who died Sunday evening at the country home of his son, Edward H. Backman, and family near Wynot.
The solemn requiem mass was read at 10 o'clock at Sts. Phillip and James church by the rector, Rev. A. J. Paschang. Burial was made in the St. James cemetery under the direction of the Jones Funeral Service.
Six grandsons served as the pallbearers. They were Albin, Cletus, Gerald, Florian, Dennis and Claude Backman,
Bedfast Three Months
The late Mr. Backman died at the age of 89 years, nine months and 5 days. His health had been failing the past few months but his condition was not serious and he was able to be up about his home daily.
He had the misfortune for fall three months ago, in so doing, he injured his right hip. The injury was of such serious nature that he was bedfast from that time until his death. Complications of advanced age developed, and the aged county pioneer died at 5:20 o'clock Sunday afternoon.
Born in Germany
Henry Backman was born in Oldenburg, Germany June 18, 1848. His father was drowned in a nearby river a short time prior to his birth. He received his early education and training in the school of his native country. During his youth, he learned the trade of cigar making which business he practiced several years.
When he was 17 years old, he became instilled with the idea of leaving Germany and locating in America. In compnay with an aunt, Mrs. Josephine Schwers, now deceased, he sailed from the foster land and located at Irene, Iowa. He resided in the Irene and Dubuque, Iowa, communities five years, being engaged partially in cigar making.
He then moved to Nebraska and settled near St. Helena, then a pioneer village of Cedar county. His first year in this country was spent in working as a laborer for John Lammers who was engaged in farming and brick making.
After he worked one year for Mr. Lammers, he expressed his desire to own a team of oxen and a log cabin on a claim which he might call his own. Mr. Lammers prevailed upon him to stay with him as a laborer another six months.
Built Log Cabin
In another six months' time, the dream of Henry Backman became a reality, he became the sole owner of a yoke of oxen and a claim of land. Neighbors helped cut down logs, haul them and hew them into boards. A foundation of bricks and mud was constructed for the log house. To insure the young bachelor from the damp weather, the slab roof was sprinkled with sand. His dream had been realized and the future looked bright for the young man who possessed determination and was very optimistic.
His optimism was not daunted during the first year when the grasshoppers came in large numbers. He had planted seven acres of wheat and 10 acres in corn that year. Like a cloud darkening the blue sky, the grasshoppers in hoards landed in his fields, and, within a period of 10 minutes, the crops had been wiped away. He was still determined, and the following year, he purchased two sacks of wheat at the price of $1.25 per sack. That price was very high in consideration of the fact that eggs were selling at six cents a dozen and cattle were being sold at two cents per pound on the markets.
Married in 1873
He endevored the third time. In March of 1873, he married his sweetheart of Cedar county, Miss Mary Rupiper. The marriage ceremony was solemnized at the Catholic church in Menominee. United in marriage the same day were two other young couples who were equally optimistic. They were George Cass and Elizabeth Roland, and Anton Roland and Mary Beste. Of the six member of the triple wedding party, Mr. Backman was the last survivor.
Mr. and Mrs. Backman settled on a homestead near Menominee which is now the farm operated by Theodore Kleinschmitt. They held great confidence that their first year would be a success, but the grasshoppers returned in still larger numbers and ate the growing crops. The young bridegroom and his bride were left to face another cold winter with cornmeal forming the basis of most of their meals. The county pioneer often stated "There was no bread because there was no grain, and there was no meat to eat as we had no corn to feed our livestock." Too, in later years, he would relate to his children, grandchildren, neighbors and friends the story of how he suffered when his young wife was almost forced to go hungry. He stated "It was terrible seeing her hungry. She was so young,"
Gripped with determination to succeed and make a living for his bride of a few months, he told his [bride] if the hoppers returned, they (sic) wife that he would find work, and, would be unable to wipe them out the third time.
Worked on Boat
Leaving his home, he awaited the whistle of the first steamship, Key West, just below St. Helena. As the steamship pulled into the village harbor, he went into the house and bid his wife goodbye. He quickly changed his clothes and hurried to meet that boat near Yankton. He reached the deck shortly before the arrival of the ship. He selected as his mate a farmer from near Sioux City, who, too, had suffered the loss of his crops by the grasshoppers.
The young farmer took his wife to Green Island where she was going to make her home in a store until he returned. Young Backman left on the boat with the agreement that his pay would be $50 from Yanton to Bismark, N. Dak. and $60 from the North Dakota point to Fort Beauforte in Canada. Four months and three days passed, and then, one day, the young man returned to Green Island with a bullet wound in his neck, a souvenir of an encounter with Indians, and $87 savings for his wife.
Located Near Wynot
Mr. and Mrs. Backman spent remainder of the winter on the little island, returning to their farm the following spring. In the spring of 1890, they left the community of Menominee and moved to a farm south of Wynot where the son, Edward H. Backman, now resides and where the esteemed Mr. Backman died.
Surviving are three sons and seven daughters. The children are: Edward H. Backman, Wynot, Louis and Barney Backman of Hartington; Mrs. Henry Klug (Ida) of Wynot, Mrs. A. T.. Duman (Theresa) and Mrs. George H. Koch (Pauline) of Sioux City, Mrs. Melvin Rossenbach (Christina) of Fremont, Mrs. Andrew S. Foulk (Anna) and Miss Josephine Backman of Hartington, and Mrs. Bruno Pinkelman (Elizabeth) of the Obert community.
Also surviving are 49 grandchildren and 13 great--grandchildren.
One son, Jake Backman, died at his Hartington home April 19, 1935, and two children died in infancy. Mrs. Backman died in September, 1924. Since her death, Mr. Backman had made his home with his son, Edward H., and family.
Deceased was a member of the Sts. Philip and James church at St. James, which church he helped to build many years ago. He served many years ago. He seer (sic) and supervisor in the territory near Wynot.
In the death of Henry Backman, Cedar county loses another of its few remaining pioneers---those people who possessed the strong spirit of succeeding by hard labor despite the many trials and tribulations which faced them during many lean years -- those people who saw Cedar county develop from a prairie into a rich agricultural section of the state of Nebraska.
+++
HENRY BACKMAN, 89, BURIED WEDNESDAY
OLDEST RESIDENT OF WYNOT DIES SUNDAY AFTER A LONG ILLNESS
WYNOT---Henry J. Backman, 89, oldest citizen of this community, died Sunday afternoon at the home of his son, Ed Backman, following a lengthy illness of complications due to old age. He suffered a stroke about a year ago and had been in failing health for many months. He lost his sight several months ago.
Funeral services were held Wednesday morning from the Catholic church at St. James with Rev. Anthony Paschang officiating. Burial was in the Catholic cemetery under the direction of the Jones mortuary.
Pallbearers were six grandsons---Gerald, Florian, Alvin, Cletus, Clark and Dennis Backman.
Mr. Backman was born in Oldenburg, Germany June 18, 1848. Had he lived until June he would have been 90 years of age. (unreadable)
He was married to Mary Rupiper of Menominee and they were one of the first couples to be wed in the Menominee church. Mrs. Backman died in 1924.
Surviving are three sons and seven daughters: Ed and Mrs. Henry Klug of Wynot, Mrs. A. T. Duman and Mrs. Pauline Wagers of Sioux City, Mrs. Alvin Rosenbach of Fremont and Mrs. Andrew Faulk, Louis, Barney and Miss Josephine of Hartington and Mrs. Bruno Pinkelman of Obert.
+++
His real name is Johann Hinrich Böckmann (Boeckmann),
born 18. Jun 1849 Lohne, part Südlohne.
Emigrated 1866 regarding Census 1900
Parents: Arnd Hinrich Franz Böckmann - Maria Catharina Schweers
contributed by Werner Honkomp FAG member #48844522
Researcher for Lohne, Oldenburg province
The Hartington Herald, NE, Thursday, March 17, 1938, pg. 1, col. 3; pg. 6, cols. 2-3
EARLY RESIDENT OF CEDAR COUNTY DIED AT WYNOT SUNDAY
Henry Backman, 89, Succumbed at Home of Son, Edward H. Backman
10 Children Survive
Pioneer Experienced Many Trials and Plagues---Possessed Determination
Final rites were conducted in St. James Wednesday morning for Henry Backman, 89, an early day resident of northern Cedar county, who died Sunday evening at the country home of his son, Edward H. Backman, and family near Wynot.
The solemn requiem mass was read at 10 o'clock at Sts. Phillip and James church by the rector, Rev. A. J. Paschang. Burial was made in the St. James cemetery under the direction of the Jones Funeral Service.
Six grandsons served as the pallbearers. They were Albin, Cletus, Gerald, Florian, Dennis and Claude Backman,
Bedfast Three Months
The late Mr. Backman died at the age of 89 years, nine months and 5 days. His health had been failing the past few months but his condition was not serious and he was able to be up about his home daily.
He had the misfortune for fall three months ago, in so doing, he injured his right hip. The injury was of such serious nature that he was bedfast from that time until his death. Complications of advanced age developed, and the aged county pioneer died at 5:20 o'clock Sunday afternoon.
Born in Germany
Henry Backman was born in Oldenburg, Germany June 18, 1848. His father was drowned in a nearby river a short time prior to his birth. He received his early education and training in the school of his native country. During his youth, he learned the trade of cigar making which business he practiced several years.
When he was 17 years old, he became instilled with the idea of leaving Germany and locating in America. In compnay with an aunt, Mrs. Josephine Schwers, now deceased, he sailed from the foster land and located at Irene, Iowa. He resided in the Irene and Dubuque, Iowa, communities five years, being engaged partially in cigar making.
He then moved to Nebraska and settled near St. Helena, then a pioneer village of Cedar county. His first year in this country was spent in working as a laborer for John Lammers who was engaged in farming and brick making.
After he worked one year for Mr. Lammers, he expressed his desire to own a team of oxen and a log cabin on a claim which he might call his own. Mr. Lammers prevailed upon him to stay with him as a laborer another six months.
Built Log Cabin
In another six months' time, the dream of Henry Backman became a reality, he became the sole owner of a yoke of oxen and a claim of land. Neighbors helped cut down logs, haul them and hew them into boards. A foundation of bricks and mud was constructed for the log house. To insure the young bachelor from the damp weather, the slab roof was sprinkled with sand. His dream had been realized and the future looked bright for the young man who possessed determination and was very optimistic.
His optimism was not daunted during the first year when the grasshoppers came in large numbers. He had planted seven acres of wheat and 10 acres in corn that year. Like a cloud darkening the blue sky, the grasshoppers in hoards landed in his fields, and, within a period of 10 minutes, the crops had been wiped away. He was still determined, and the following year, he purchased two sacks of wheat at the price of $1.25 per sack. That price was very high in consideration of the fact that eggs were selling at six cents a dozen and cattle were being sold at two cents per pound on the markets.
Married in 1873
He endevored the third time. In March of 1873, he married his sweetheart of Cedar county, Miss Mary Rupiper. The marriage ceremony was solemnized at the Catholic church in Menominee. United in marriage the same day were two other young couples who were equally optimistic. They were George Cass and Elizabeth Roland, and Anton Roland and Mary Beste. Of the six member of the triple wedding party, Mr. Backman was the last survivor.
Mr. and Mrs. Backman settled on a homestead near Menominee which is now the farm operated by Theodore Kleinschmitt. They held great confidence that their first year would be a success, but the grasshoppers returned in still larger numbers and ate the growing crops. The young bridegroom and his bride were left to face another cold winter with cornmeal forming the basis of most of their meals. The county pioneer often stated "There was no bread because there was no grain, and there was no meat to eat as we had no corn to feed our livestock." Too, in later years, he would relate to his children, grandchildren, neighbors and friends the story of how he suffered when his young wife was almost forced to go hungry. He stated "It was terrible seeing her hungry. She was so young,"
Gripped with determination to succeed and make a living for his bride of a few months, he told his [bride] if the hoppers returned, they (sic) wife that he would find work, and, would be unable to wipe them out the third time.
Worked on Boat
Leaving his home, he awaited the whistle of the first steamship, Key West, just below St. Helena. As the steamship pulled into the village harbor, he went into the house and bid his wife goodbye. He quickly changed his clothes and hurried to meet that boat near Yankton. He reached the deck shortly before the arrival of the ship. He selected as his mate a farmer from near Sioux City, who, too, had suffered the loss of his crops by the grasshoppers.
The young farmer took his wife to Green Island where she was going to make her home in a store until he returned. Young Backman left on the boat with the agreement that his pay would be $50 from Yanton to Bismark, N. Dak. and $60 from the North Dakota point to Fort Beauforte in Canada. Four months and three days passed, and then, one day, the young man returned to Green Island with a bullet wound in his neck, a souvenir of an encounter with Indians, and $87 savings for his wife.
Located Near Wynot
Mr. and Mrs. Backman spent remainder of the winter on the little island, returning to their farm the following spring. In the spring of 1890, they left the community of Menominee and moved to a farm south of Wynot where the son, Edward H. Backman, now resides and where the esteemed Mr. Backman died.
Surviving are three sons and seven daughters. The children are: Edward H. Backman, Wynot, Louis and Barney Backman of Hartington; Mrs. Henry Klug (Ida) of Wynot, Mrs. A. T.. Duman (Theresa) and Mrs. George H. Koch (Pauline) of Sioux City, Mrs. Melvin Rossenbach (Christina) of Fremont, Mrs. Andrew S. Foulk (Anna) and Miss Josephine Backman of Hartington, and Mrs. Bruno Pinkelman (Elizabeth) of the Obert community.
Also surviving are 49 grandchildren and 13 great--grandchildren.
One son, Jake Backman, died at his Hartington home April 19, 1935, and two children died in infancy. Mrs. Backman died in September, 1924. Since her death, Mr. Backman had made his home with his son, Edward H., and family.
Deceased was a member of the Sts. Philip and James church at St. James, which church he helped to build many years ago. He served many years ago. He seer (sic) and supervisor in the territory near Wynot.
In the death of Henry Backman, Cedar county loses another of its few remaining pioneers---those people who possessed the strong spirit of succeeding by hard labor despite the many trials and tribulations which faced them during many lean years -- those people who saw Cedar county develop from a prairie into a rich agricultural section of the state of Nebraska.
+++
HENRY BACKMAN, 89, BURIED WEDNESDAY
OLDEST RESIDENT OF WYNOT DIES SUNDAY AFTER A LONG ILLNESS
WYNOT---Henry J. Backman, 89, oldest citizen of this community, died Sunday afternoon at the home of his son, Ed Backman, following a lengthy illness of complications due to old age. He suffered a stroke about a year ago and had been in failing health for many months. He lost his sight several months ago.
Funeral services were held Wednesday morning from the Catholic church at St. James with Rev. Anthony Paschang officiating. Burial was in the Catholic cemetery under the direction of the Jones mortuary.
Pallbearers were six grandsons---Gerald, Florian, Alvin, Cletus, Clark and Dennis Backman.
Mr. Backman was born in Oldenburg, Germany June 18, 1848. Had he lived until June he would have been 90 years of age. (unreadable)
He was married to Mary Rupiper of Menominee and they were one of the first couples to be wed in the Menominee church. Mrs. Backman died in 1924.
Surviving are three sons and seven daughters: Ed and Mrs. Henry Klug of Wynot, Mrs. A. T. Duman and Mrs. Pauline Wagers of Sioux City, Mrs. Alvin Rosenbach of Fremont and Mrs. Andrew Faulk, Louis, Barney and Miss Josephine of Hartington and Mrs. Bruno Pinkelman of Obert.
+++
His real name is Johann Hinrich Böckmann (Boeckmann),
born 18. Jun 1849 Lohne, part Südlohne.
Emigrated 1866 regarding Census 1900
Parents: Arnd Hinrich Franz Böckmann - Maria Catharina Schweers
contributed by Werner Honkomp FAG member #48844522
Researcher for Lohne, Oldenburg province
EARLY RESIDENT OF CEDAR COUNTY DIED AT WYNOT SUNDAY
Henry Backman, 89, Succumbed at Home of Son, Edward H. Backman
10 Children Survive
Pioneer Experienced Many Trials and Plagues---Possessed Determination
Final rites were conducted in St. James Wednesday morning for Henry Backman, 89, an early day resident of northern Cedar county, who died Sunday evening at the country home of his son, Edward H. Backman, and family near Wynot.
The solemn requiem mass was read at 10 o'clock at Sts. Phillip and James church by the rector, Rev. A. J. Paschang. Burial was made in the St. James cemetery under the direction of the Jones Funeral Service.
Six grandsons served as the pallbearers. They were Albin, Cletus, Gerald, Florian, Dennis and Claude Backman,
Bedfast Three Months
The late Mr. Backman died at the age of 89 years, nine months and 5 days. His health had been failing the past few months but his condition was not serious and he was able to be up about his home daily.
He had the misfortune for fall three months ago, in so doing, he injured his right hip. The injury was of such serious nature that he was bedfast from that time until his death. Complications of advanced age developed, and the aged county pioneer died at 5:20 o'clock Sunday afternoon.
Born in Germany
Henry Backman was born in Oldenburg, Germany June 18, 1848. His father was drowned in a nearby river a short time prior to his birth. He received his early education and training in the school of his native country. During his youth, he learned the trade of cigar making which business he practiced several years.
When he was 17 years old, he became instilled with the idea of leaving Germany and locating in America. In compnay with an aunt, Mrs. Josephine Schwers, now deceased, he sailed from the foster land and located at Irene, Iowa. He resided in the Irene and Dubuque, Iowa, communities five years, being engaged partially in cigar making.
He then moved to Nebraska and settled near St. Helena, then a pioneer village of Cedar county. His first year in this country was spent in working as a laborer for John Lammers who was engaged in farming and brick making.
After he worked one year for Mr. Lammers, he expressed his desire to own a team of oxen and a log cabin on a claim which he might call his own. Mr. Lammers prevailed upon him to stay with him as a laborer another six months.
Built Log Cabin
In another six months' time, the dream of Henry Backman became a reality, he became the sole owner of a yoke of oxen and a claim of land. Neighbors helped cut down logs, haul them and hew them into boards. A foundation of bricks and mud was constructed for the log house. To insure the young bachelor from the damp weather, the slab roof was sprinkled with sand. His dream had been realized and the future looked bright for the young man who possessed determination and was very optimistic.
His optimism was not daunted during the first year when the grasshoppers came in large numbers. He had planted seven acres of wheat and 10 acres in corn that year. Like a cloud darkening the blue sky, the grasshoppers in hoards landed in his fields, and, within a period of 10 minutes, the crops had been wiped away. He was still determined, and the following year, he purchased two sacks of wheat at the price of $1.25 per sack. That price was very high in consideration of the fact that eggs were selling at six cents a dozen and cattle were being sold at two cents per pound on the markets.
Married in 1873
He endevored the third time. In March of 1873, he married his sweetheart of Cedar county, Miss Mary Rupiper. The marriage ceremony was solemnized at the Catholic church in Menominee. United in marriage the same day were two other young couples who were equally optimistic. They were George Cass and Elizabeth Roland, and Anton Roland and Mary Beste. Of the six member of the triple wedding party, Mr. Backman was the last survivor.
Mr. and Mrs. Backman settled on a homestead near Menominee which is now the farm operated by Theodore Kleinschmitt. They held great confidence that their first year would be a success, but the grasshoppers returned in still larger numbers and ate the growing crops. The young bridegroom and his bride were left to face another cold winter with cornmeal forming the basis of most of their meals. The county pioneer often stated "There was no bread because there was no grain, and there was no meat to eat as we had no corn to feed our livestock." Too, in later years, he would relate to his children, grandchildren, neighbors and friends the story of how he suffered when his young wife was almost forced to go hungry. He stated "It was terrible seeing her hungry. She was so young,"
Gripped with determination to succeed and make a living for his bride of a few months, he told his [bride] if the hoppers returned, they (sic) wife that he would find work, and, would be unable to wipe them out the third time.
Worked on Boat
Leaving his home, he awaited the whistle of the first steamship, Key West, just below St. Helena. As the steamship pulled into the village harbor, he went into the house and bid his wife goodbye. He quickly changed his clothes and hurried to meet that boat near Yankton. He reached the deck shortly before the arrival of the ship. He selected as his mate a farmer from near Sioux City, who, too, had suffered the loss of his crops by the grasshoppers.
The young farmer took his wife to Green Island where she was going to make her home in a store until he returned. Young Backman left on the boat with the agreement that his pay would be $50 from Yanton to Bismark, N. Dak. and $60 from the North Dakota point to Fort Beauforte in Canada. Four months and three days passed, and then, one day, the young man returned to Green Island with a bullet wound in his neck, a souvenir of an encounter with Indians, and $87 savings for his wife.
Located Near Wynot
Mr. and Mrs. Backman spent remainder of the winter on the little island, returning to their farm the following spring. In the spring of 1890, they left the community of Menominee and moved to a farm south of Wynot where the son, Edward H. Backman, now resides and where the esteemed Mr. Backman died.
Surviving are three sons and seven daughters. The children are: Edward H. Backman, Wynot, Louis and Barney Backman of Hartington; Mrs. Henry Klug (Ida) of Wynot, Mrs. A. T.. Duman (Theresa) and Mrs. George H. Koch (Pauline) of Sioux City, Mrs. Melvin Rossenbach (Christina) of Fremont, Mrs. Andrew S. Foulk (Anna) and Miss Josephine Backman of Hartington, and Mrs. Bruno Pinkelman (Elizabeth) of the Obert community.
Also surviving are 49 grandchildren and 13 great--grandchildren.
One son, Jake Backman, died at his Hartington home April 19, 1935, and two children died in infancy. Mrs. Backman died in September, 1924. Since her death, Mr. Backman had made his home with his son, Edward H., and family.
Deceased was a member of the Sts. Philip and James church at St. James, which church he helped to build many years ago. He served many years ago. He seer (sic) and supervisor in the territory near Wynot.
In the death of Henry Backman, Cedar county loses another of its few remaining pioneers---those people who possessed the strong spirit of succeeding by hard labor despite the many trials and tribulations which faced them during many lean years -- those people who saw Cedar county develop from a prairie into a rich agricultural section of the state of Nebraska.
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HENRY BACKMAN, 89, BURIED WEDNESDAY
OLDEST RESIDENT OF WYNOT DIES SUNDAY AFTER A LONG ILLNESS
WYNOT---Henry J. Backman, 89, oldest citizen of this community, died Sunday afternoon at the home of his son, Ed Backman, following a lengthy illness of complications due to old age. He suffered a stroke about a year ago and had been in failing health for many months. He lost his sight several months ago.
Funeral services were held Wednesday morning from the Catholic church at St. James with Rev. Anthony Paschang officiating. Burial was in the Catholic cemetery under the direction of the Jones mortuary.
Pallbearers were six grandsons---Gerald, Florian, Alvin, Cletus, Clark and Dennis Backman.
Mr. Backman was born in Oldenburg, Germany June 18, 1848. Had he lived until June he would have been 90 years of age. (unreadable)
He was married to Mary Rupiper of Menominee and they were one of the first couples to be wed in the Menominee church. Mrs. Backman died in 1924.
Surviving are three sons and seven daughters: Ed and Mrs. Henry Klug of Wynot, Mrs. A. T. Duman and Mrs. Pauline Wagers of Sioux City, Mrs. Alvin Rosenbach of Fremont and Mrs. Andrew Faulk, Louis, Barney and Miss Josephine of Hartington and Mrs. Bruno Pinkelman of Obert.
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His real name is Johann Hinrich Böckmann (Boeckmann),
born 18. Jun 1849 Lohne, part Südlohne.
Emigrated 1866 regarding Census 1900
Parents: Arnd Hinrich Franz Böckmann - Maria Catharina Schweers
contributed by Werner Honkomp FAG member #48844522
Researcher for Lohne, Oldenburg province
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