History of Lincoln, Oneida and Vilas Counties

"History of Lincoln, Oneida, and Vilas Counties Wisconsin"

Compiled by George O.Jones, Norman S. McVean and Others. Printed in 1924 by H.C.Cooper. Jr. & Co., Minneapoli-Winona MN. ill. 787 pages. The first two hundred pages are history of the three counties, the remainder of the book is biographies.

Biography

Backstrom, Charles A., who for the greater part of his life has been industrially active in connection with the lumber business and for a number of years has been a resident of Rhinelander, born in Sweden, March 7, 1863, son of Andrew and Tina BACKSTROM. Both parents died in that country, and it was there, in his native land, that Charles A., or "Charlie" as he is familiarly called, attended school and acquired his education. The year 1880 saw him an emigrant on his way to America. After his arrival in this country he located at Muskegon, Mich., where he attended night school to learn the English language, during the day being employed in lumber yards. In 1882 he went to Grand Rapids, Mich., where he worked in lumber yards as a grader, remaining until 1890. He then came to Rhinelander, entering the employ of the Underwood Lumber Co. and was a grader in their yards for two years. The next 15 years of his life were spent as lumber inspector for Brown Bros., after which he worked two years for the Badger Lumber Co. in the same position. He then returned to Brown Bros., was with them two years more as inspector, and at the end of that time became inspector for the Thunder Lake Lumber Co., with whom he has since continued. He is recognized as a thoroughly practical man in his line of business and is a well known and popular resident of the city. In 1896 he bought a good residence at 614 Mason Street, which he has remodeled and improved. He is a member and deacon of Immanuel Lutheran Church and also belongs to the Modern Woodmen of America. On April 14, 1893, Mr. BACKSTROM was married in Rhinelander to Christina LINDMAN, who was born in Sweden, July 16, 1867, daughter of John and Elizabeth LINDMAN, and who came to the United States in 1888; both her parents died in their native land. Four children of Mr. and Mrs. BACKSTROM are living: Sylvia E., born Sept 30, 1896; Gertrude A., Aug. 22, 1898; Carl W., Dec. 17, 1900, and Vernon A., Oct. 14, 1912. Sylvia E., who was graduated from Rhinelander High School in the class of 1915; Bushey's Business College in 1916, and the Whitewater Normal School in 1923, is a teacher in the New Richmond High School. Gertrude A., a graduate of the local high school in 1917 and Stevens Point Normal in 1920, is a teacher in Rhinelander. Carl and Vernon are living a home, the latter being a pupil in the high school. All are members of the Immanuel Lutheran Church. Mr. BACKSTROM is both a member of that church, and of the camp of Royal Neighbors in Rhinelander. Carl W. BACKSTROM enlisted in the United State army, and at the expiration of his term of service was honorably discharged at Fort Sam Houston, Texas, June 16, 1921.

Transcribed by Susan Swanson, from page 221-222 (with picture); History of Lincoln, Oneida and Vilas Counties Wisconsin; Compiled by George O. Jones, Norman S. McVean and Others 1924, H. C. Cooper, Jr. & Co.

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