My Genealogy Hound

FREDERICK BACKHAUS, farmer, post office Talley Cavey, was born March 21, 1833, in the city of Muhlhausen, Preussen, Germany, son of Andrew and Mary (Ginder) Backhaus. Andrew was in the French-German war of 1812-13 with Napoleon Bonaparte, receiving a medal for bravery. In his later years he was one of the five only living members of Napoleon’s army in that part of Germany, and the late Emperor William visited him, extending to him the honor of shaking his hand. Andrew Backhaus was a member of the Presbyterian Church. He died in 1879, aged ninety-three years; his wife was born in 1780, and died at the age of seventy-two years. Frederick was educated in Germany, and learned the locksmith’s trade. After coming to Pittsburgh in 1852 he was engaged for some time in the Novelty works, and was employed for fifteen years in the Allegheny arsenal. He was drafted twice in the war of the rebellion, the first time paying three hundred dollars, and the second time was exempted through being a government employe. In 1879 he bought his present farm of 240 acres, and erected good buildings. He was married, in 1863, to Julia Heer, of Pittsburgh, daughter of G. and Mary (Haver) Heer, and they have four children: George, Freddie, Edward and Martha. Mr. and Mrs. Backhaus are members of the Presbyterian Church.