Person:Wilhelmina Backus (1)

The following obituary contributed by Dr. Anthony Troha, Ph.D.: The Brooklyn Daily Eagle, Friday, March 1, 1940, Page 13, Column 7:

“Wilhelmina Backus Of Forest Hills Member of 2 Old Queens Families Ill Only 10 Days

Miss Wilhelmina Backus, a member of two families long prominently identified with the growth of Queens County, died today in the old Backus family home at Queens Boulevard and 69th Road, Forest Hills. She was 62 and had been ill for ten days. The Backus family at one time owned the greater part of what is now known as Forest Hills. It was part of the old farm which her grandfather, the late Ascan Backus, operated for many years. Ascan Ave. in the section was named after him. Miss Backus was the daughter of the late Frederick D. Backus, former president of the Cord Meyer Development Company, and banker, who died three years ago. Mr. Backus was prominent in the development of Forest Hills.

SERVICES MONDAY Miss Backus was born in Newtown on July 10, 1877, and lived all of her life in Queens. Her mother, the late Alice Jackson Backus, was a member of a noted Queens family whose farm adjoined the Backus farm. She died in 1926. Miss Backus is survived by a brother, Ascan Backus. The services will be held at the home at 2:30 p.m. [on] Monday, with the Rev. C. Lawson Willard Jr., rector of St. James P. E. Church, Elmhurst, officiating. Burial will follow in Maple Grove Cemetery.”

1. ↑ ^{1.0 1.1 1.2} Obituary.
2.   Research of Anthony L. Troha, Ph.D..