William Grant Backer 1871-1934

BACKER BROWN

Posted By: Connie J Swearingen (email)
Date: 2/17/2011 at 20:04:07

W. Grant Backer Passed Away January 25, 1934 Of A Severe Heart Attack

Funeral Services Were Held at Lincoln, Nebraska, his Home on Wednesday—He Was Born February 28, 1871 and Came to Monona County With his Parents When Only Seven Years of Age.

William Grant Backer, son of Dr. Daniel and Samantha M. Backer, was born in Liberty, Clarke County, Iowa February 28, 1871.

At the age of seven years he came with his parents to Monona County and grew to young manhood on his parents farm at Sloan, Iowa. After finishing his early education in the Sloan school he attended Shenandoah Normal then to Drake University at Des Moines where he received his pharmacy certificate. He began the practice in Templeton, Iowa, later coming to Blencoe. Here on April 22, 1903, he married Gertrude C. Brown and to this union were born three daughters; Doris, Edna and Margaret.

In August 1922, the family moved to Lincoln, Nebraska which has been the home for the past 11 years.

Besides his widow he leaves to mourn him, Mrs. Doris Dawson of Linwood, Nebraska, Mrs. Edna Beachler of Beaver City, Nebraska and Margaret at home; three sisters, Mrs. A.J. Weems and Mrs. E.T. Sullivan of Whiting, Mrs. S.W. Luburgh of Sloan, one brother, A.W. Backer of Luverne, Minn. and two grandchildren, Richard and Marilyn Dawson, and Glenn Ruby, who made his home with the deceased and his wife during the past two years. Two sisters, Mary LaVisa Dobbs and Harriet Brown have preceded him in death.

He was stricken suddenly with a heart attack, January 25, 1934 and passed away after being ill one hour.

A funeral service was held at the chapel of Castle Roper Mathews Mortuary for Lincoln friends Saturday afternoon conducted by Dr. Murdick of the Trinity M.E. church.

Grant Backer as he was known to all his friends was a man of from words, reserved and quiet. He was always ready to listen to one’s troubles or pleasures with never a word of complaint about himself. He could always look on the bright side of life and had a cheerful manner and word for everyone. His main interest in life was his family.

He made many friends in his new home in Lincoln as was evidenced as soon as the news of his death became known. A few days before his death he told a friend, “The world as a whole today isn’t friendly enough.” And he practiced this belief in making friends in all walks of life and being true to them.

Mr. Backer was a member of Vesper Lodge A.F. & A.M. No 223 and demitted from this lodge in 1926.