Gideon M. Backus
Aug. 9, 1900; Oregonian, p 8 (portrait sketch)
"Death of Gideon M. Backus"
Hood River, Aug. 8
 
   Gideon M. Backus, a pioneer of 1848, died here this morning, after an illness of about three months. He was well known in this state, having settled in Linn County when he first came to Oregon, living on a farm there for 23 years. He sold out there and 23 years ago came to Hood River, where he has since resided. He was born in Butler County, Ohio, in 1817, but came to Oregon by ox team in 1848 from Indiana. He left seven children, among whom is a daughter, Mrs. F. A. Mauzey, of this city; Judge Backus, of Spokane; Aaron and Vess Backus, of Idaho; Mrs. E. S. Olinger, of Hood River; Mrs. Vince Circle, of Paulina, Or., and Mrs. Lucinda Kyger, of Tucson, Ariz. The burial will take place here Friday.