People

Russell Backus served six years on Bratenahl Village Council from 1932 through 1937. In 1938 he became marshal and served in that capacity through 1942.

Russell Backus, a mechanical engineer, was a manufacturers’ agent since 1944. He formed the firm of Backus & Spencer, in which he was a partner with Joseph W. Spencer of Willoughby. He later became associated with his son-in-law at J. W. Spencer and Associates.

Russell Gould Backus was born on April 21, 1880, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. He married Daisy Taylor Gilmore on November 16, 1908, in Luzerne, Pennsylvania. Daisy was born on September 1, 1887, in Hazelton, Pennsylvania. They had two children: Kathryn Jane (Spencer) born on February 28, 1910, in Milwaukee and James Gilmore born on February 25, 1913, in Cleveland.

Backus was a member of the Cleveland Athletic Club and the Glenville Masonic Lodge.

Russell was vacationing in Redington Beach, Florida when he became ill. He died on May 3, 1954, in St. Petersburg, Florida. Daisy died on Mary 5, 1959, at her home in Redington Beach. Both are buried in Prospect Hill Cemetery in Caldwell, New Jersey. James was the only surviving member of the family. Katherine Backus Spencer died on January 14, 1957, at Harbour Island, Bahamas.