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which was conducted as the Vienna
Bakery. At that time there were three
members of the firm, and in 1883 Mr.
Backes bought the interests of one part-
ner, acquiring- the remaining interest a
few years later, becoming sole owner of
the business. In 1889 Mr. Backes purchased
the building at Nos. 167-169 Asylum
street and remodeled it, fitting it
with the most modern equipment of that
time. From the time Mr. Backes became
associated with the business, it was a con-
stantly growing success. He gave it his
undivided attention, and worked as if
there was no limit to his strength and
endurance. Naturally such diligent efforts
were rewarded and Mr. Backes acquired
a competence, and decided wisely to take
a rest from his arduous labors, and in
1903 he retired from the bakery business.
In 1905 he made a trip back to the
scenes of his youth and early boyhood,
visiting his relatives and also those of his
wife. Returning to Hartford, an advan-
tageous opportunity to reenter business
life presented itself, and Mr. Backes was
unable to resist the promptings of that
instinct which lay at the foundation of
his success. He formed a partnership
with Max Strassen under the firm name
of Max Strassen & Company, and they
opened a bakery and restaurant on 125th
street, near Lenox avenue, New York
City, Mr. Backes being in charge of the
financial end of the business. This part-
nership continued for over a year and a
half, at the end of which time Mr. Backes
sold his interest to his partner and returned
to Hartford. In 1905, the same
year he became interested in the New
York business, Mr. Backes also purchased
an interest in the sugar business of E. G.
Blake, under the firm name of Blake &
Backes. They sell to grocers and large
consumers, and handle more sugar than
any other firm in the State. The record
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
146
of Mr. Backes in all its phases is an
honorable and manly one, and he is dis-
tinguished for his high-minded integrity,
sagacity, and generosity, which qualities
are richly blended and developed in him.
His fraternal affiliations are with the Masonic
order. He is a member of Lafayette
Lodge, No. 100, Ancient Free and
Accepted Masons ; Washington Commandery,
No. 1, Knights Templar; Connecticut
Consistory of Norwich ; Sphinx
Temple of Hartford. Mr. Backes is also
a member of the Hartford City Club and
of the Hartford Chamber of Commerce.
On September 21, 1877, Mr. Backes married
Marie, daughter of Anton Schwarz,
born in Sweibriicken, and she died December
7, 1914. Mrs. Backes was a true
helpmeet to her husband throughout the
years he was striving to attain success.
She was ever ready with encouraging
words to cheer him when clouds overshadowed,
and her optimism and wifely
counsel proved a bulwark against the discouragements
and trials which beset him.
Mr. and Mrs. Backes were the parents of
three children: 1. William J., graduated
from Sheffield Scientific School, 1899, is
now chief of the maintenance department
of the New York, New Haven & Hartford
Railroad Company ; he married Elsie
Goer, and is the father of four children
Edward, now a student in Pennsylvania
Military College, Chester, Pennsylvania
Frederick, Helen and Gertrude. 2. May
C, educated at Simmons College, Boston
married Karl Peiler, mother of a daugh-
ter, Louise Peiler. 3. Mrs. Helen B.
Stearns, educated at Vassar, mother of a
son, Putnam Stearns.
Mr. Backes and his family were active
members of Emmanuel Congregational
Church, and to its charities and worthy
causes he has always been a cheerful and
generous contributor. Courteous and unassuming
as a man, with a quiet de-
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