Biography - Rev. Charles A. Backman

Rev. Charles A. Backman, pastor in charge of the First Swedish Lutheran Church, Galesburg, is the son of John and Charlotte (Hammarback) Backman. May 28, 1853, and Dalarne, Sweden, are the date and place of his birth. He came with his parents to America in 1868. He is a graduate of Augustana (Rock Island) College, in the Class of 1881, and from the Theological Seminary of the same place in the Class of 1883.

He has been preaching since his first school year, and was ordained regularly at Red Wing, Minn., June 17, 1883. His first charge was at Ishpeming, Mich., where he remained two years, coming thence to Galesburg in 1885. The church over which he here presides has a congregation of nearly 1,000 communicant members, and he preaches in both the English and Swedish languages. Mr. Backman was married at Swedona, Mercer Co., Ill., Oct. 25, 1883, to Miss Helena Hoogner, born in this country, and their little daughter bears the name of Lillie Angelica.

Contributed by Bob Miller, extracted from the 1886 Portrait and Biographical Album of Knox County, Biographical Publishing Company, Chicago, page 778

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