Message #:	1086
Date Posted:	11-04-2001
Subject:	Backhaus, Louis (History - 1863)
Posted by:	Transcriber
Email:	Posted4U@Charter.net
Surnames:	BACKHAUS MEICHIER HANSAN YESS

1918 HISTORY OF CLARK CO., WIS.

LOUIS BACKHAUS, a thriving farmer, until lately residing in Worden Township, Clark County, who made big strides on the road to prosperity coming to this county in 1887, was born in Sheboygan County, Wis.. 13, 1863, son of Christ and Minnie (Meichier) Backhaus. The mother the subject of this sketch died in 1873, at the comparatively early age 35 years, but Christ Backhaus is still living, being a resident of Kiel. He has been active in local affairs, holding office at various times and in politics is a Republican. He has been the father of fourteen children. Louis Backhaus arrived in Clark County, in November, 1887, when he bought 120 acres of land in Worden Township, of which tract only twelve acres were cleared. During his subsequent residence on it of nearly thirty years he increased the cleared area to 100 acres. His first residence on this farm was a log dwelling, but a more commodious and modern dwelling was erected by him in 1901. In 1904 he built a barn, 42 by 88 feet in size, with room for fifty head of cattle and twelve horses. He raised Guernsey cattle, having a full-blooded, registered bull, and milking twenty cows. He also raised Chester-White -hogs, and grew corn, hay, oats, barley and potatoes. In 1914 Mr. Backhaus built a stave silo with a stone foundation, measuring 14 by 294 feet, and having a capacity of eighty-eight tons. He took an interested part in local affairs, having served three terms on the local school board. On Sept. 11, 1917, Mr. Backhaus sold his farm with all its appurtenances for 15,000, to Paul Hoffman, who came here from Indiana, and he and his wife moved to Kiel, Wis., Oct. 20. He is a member of the Farmers' National Equity Society and of the Lutheran Reformed Church. Mr. Backhaus was married June 19, 1888, to Mary Hansan, who was born in Holstein, Germany, daughter of Wilheim and Catherine (Yess) Hansan. She came to America with her parents in 1883, the family residing at Hayton, Wis., for four years, whence they removed to Clark County. Her father died April 9, 1916, but his wife is still residing on their farm in Worden Township.