BACKUS, Henry T.

Weekly Journal Miner, Arizona 07/20/1877 Death of Judge Backus Judge Henry T. Backus, well and favorably known to Many of the citizens of Arizona, died at Greenwood, in Mohave county, died at 13th inst., and was there buried. Judge Backus was born in the State of Connecticut, about the year 1819, consequently was, at the time of his death, in the neighborhood of 58 years of age. The Judge, when yet a young man, emigrated to Michigan, where he grew up and identified himself with that country, and where he has continued to reside, with the exception of two years that he occupied the position of Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of Arizona, and a short period traveling in Europe, until about four months since when he once more came to Arizona for sanitary purposes. The Judge occupied the Bench in this Territory during the years 1867-8. During his recent visit to Arizona he has been the guest of Judge C. T. Hayden, of Tempe, in Maricopa county, and has, as a general thing, accompanied Mr. Hayden on his visits to different parts of the Territory, and it was while traveling with Mr. H. on a trip to Greenwood that he was taken suddenly ill, on the 12th, with what was thought to be sun stroke, which terminated so seriously and quickly, only lasting about 24 hours. The Judge was taken ill some fifteen miles from Greenwood and three miles from water. It was with difficulty that Judge Hayden succeeded in getting him into the town before death clasped him to her bosom, on account of the extreme heat of the day, the unparalleled roughness of the road and the very low condition of Judge Backus, who rather desired to die beside the water, 12 miles from Greenwood, as he seemed to realize that death was fast approaching, and told Judge Hayden that he was confident his hours were numbered, and that he was soon to pass away. We believe Judge Backus was a member of the Masonic Order, and stood high in its ranks he was considered a good lawyer and judge and has always taken an active interest in the State of Michigan politics; was a good scholar and conventionalist, and had many excellent qualities. In his death Michigan loses a bright citizen and Arizona a good friend; Mrs. Backus a devoted husband and his two sons a kind parent. Judge Backus' family reside during the heated season at their Summer residence near Detroit, and in the winter they have a magnificent residence in that city.