BACKS, JOSEPH M. JR. -- Orange County points with pride to the rank and file of its public servants, nor need one be surprised in view of the record of such men as Joseph M. Backs, Jr., the efficient and popular county clerk. A native son, fortunate in starting life in intimate touch with the great commonwealth whose destinies he has been called upon to shape, he was born at Anaheim on April 17, 1876. His parents were Joseph and Catherine (Heyermann) Backs, the father being one of Anaheim's pioneers and prominent in the mercantile life of that city for many years; the birthplace of the mother was in Mexico, and she later removed to San Francisco with her father, Dr. A. F. Heyermann, who was at one time connected with the German Hospital, and also for many years engaged in the drug business in that city.
Coming to Los Angeles in December, 1869, then a straggling village, bearing little resemblance to its present metropolitan proportions, Joseph Backs, Sr., for a time worked at his trade of carpenter and cabinetmaker, and then, with his brother Ferdinand, embarked in the furniture business, conducting the same for a year, when it was sold. In 1871 the brothers came to Anaheim, where they assisted in furnishing and
equipping the two hotels there, after which they started a business of their own, under the firm name of F. & J. Backs, this partnership continuing until 1890, when the business was divided, Joseph Backs continuing in business for himself. He was a pioneer furniture dealer and the first undertaker and embalmer in Anaheim, and in this capacity, as well as in a general business way, he was widely known, not only in Orange County, but in neighboring environs. He continued actively in business until 1914, when he sold out, and now he is living retired at his Anaheim home, his beloved wife having departed this world in 1918. Mr. and Mrs. Backs were the parents of seven children: Joseph M., Sophia, Katie M., Frieda, Adolph, Clementina and Edward. All are living and are residents of Orange County.
The eldest of the family, Joseph M. Backs, Jr., attended the public schools, and also the Woodbury Business College in Los Angeles, where he received an excellent preparation for some of the work he has since been called upon do do. From boyhood he assisted his father in the business mornings and evenings and during his vacations, later working for two and a half years for H. A. Dickel in the general merchandise business. Another profitable year of good training was spent in the main post office at Los Angeles, when it was located at Eighth and Spring streets. Returning to Anaheim he entered the employ of the Union Telephone and Telegraph Company, first as manager for the northern half of Orange County, becoming district manager in 1909, having under his supervision all of Orange County, and maintaining his headquarters at Santa Ana. Continuing in this position until 1912, he resigned to become deputy county clerk under W. B. Williams. At the August Primary in 1918 he was elected to the office of county clerk for a four-year term, hence, there was no opposing candidate at the November election, and this office he is now occupying to the greatest satisfaction of all his constituents.
At Anaheim, April 15, 1903, occurred the marriage of Joseph M. Backs, Jr., when he was united with Miss Ella Warner, a native of Minnesota, who came with her parents to Anaheim in her girlhood, and there it was she received her education and was one of the popular belles of the place. One child has blessed this union, a daughter named Edna Inez. Fraternally, Mr. Backs is a member of the Elks, and in national politics is a Republican. About the time he reached his majority Joseph Backs, Jr., served as a member of Company E, Seventh Regiment, California National Guard, and being fortunate in the inheritance of a strong interest in and love for California and Orange County transmitted from parents, who are among the most highly esteemed pioneers of the section, it is little wonder that he loyally responded and served acceptably as a member of the registration board during the recent war and was active in all the bond and war drives, and as such sought to do his civic duty in the highest degree possible.
A splendid type of man, Mr. Backs is faithfully serving the citizens of the county, and through his affable manner and his readiness to assist anyone deserving information regarding the office or their affairs in connection with the county, as well as other investigations they may be making, has so endeared him to the people that he has become one of the most popular officials. His mind and heart have been engrossed in the well being of the county, and such has been his success in the solution of problems that his fellow citizens more and more have reposed confidence in him. Liberal and kind hearted, his pleasing personality has attracted hosts of friends, who appreciate and esteem him for his nobleness of mind and heart. Thus, still in the prime of life, with apparently many years of usefulness before him, Mr. Backs already enjoys a prestige and confidence accorded to but few.
