George Sigfried Backman, fourth son of Samuel and Anna was born in Sweden and came to the United States with his parents when they emigrated. I have learned just late that I had several preconceived ideas about his life.
Almost all records I have heretofore seen showed him as clerk or accountant. Only recently have I seen the memory posted on his www.familysearch.org profile that filled in details of his work life. I did know he has served with the Scandinavian Mission of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, because I have researched this family before. Also that he had served in the Spanish-American War, returning with shadows of war, I believed.
This is the advantage of research and re-research and research again: one does not know what they do not know, but challenge what you believe you know until you do know. Fortunately I understand what I mean.
George's granddaughter Ophelia Orlene Peterson has submitted this biographical information for our understanding of this man:
"George Sigfrid Backman was born February 15, 1866 in Gottenburg, Sweden. He was baptized on December 7, 1877. In July 1878 he came to Salt Lake City, Utah from Sweden with his parents and his sisters Anna and Bertha. Soon after Bertha died.
He married Mary Ophelia Allred on August 18, 1891 in the Manti Temple and was sealed to her on September 10, 1891. On July 7, 1892 his only child was born, a girl, Lola Juanita Backman. The next year November30, 1893 his beloved wife died in salt Lake City, Utah and was buried in spring City, Utah, her home as a young girl, and near parents, James Anderson Allred and Mary Ann Pollard who were raising her child."
This record goes on to give dates of his LDS mission (1894-1896). It informs us as well that in this service he was called to serve as President of the Jonkaping Branch in Gothenburg. Following this he was employed in Salt Lake City as bookkeeper.
George volunteered with the Utah Volunteers Battery A, 1st Artillery in the Spanish American War during which he he saw battle with Spaniard forces in the Philippines, including their surrender in Manila. George rose in responsibility as Chief of Section One and then Acting Police Sergeant. When his deployment came he had seen several of the South Pacific nations and territories before mustering out at the Presidio of San Francisco.
George's death came on April 4, 1908. He was just over 42 years of age. His death certificate gives his address on Sixth West, property own by his brother William Jacob but the informant is listed as his brother Gustave Hilmer. Originally cause of death had been given as spotted fever but was amended to show alcoholism.
Where the disturbances of alcohol abuse began is not ours to say. But it is clear that it took grace and dignity away from the life of an obviously intelligent man, who demonstrated the ability to lead and serve. My grandmother claimed he could carve ships with precision and detail - perhaps the natural creativity of a man from Sweden's coastal areas. So we will let him rest.
He is recognized in the Salt Lake City Cemetery with the white marble stone of a soldier.
Lola Juanita Backman grew up and married, having seven children.
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