Herman A. Backhaus: Robbery

Herman A. Backhaus AKA Donald Ralph Backus

He was born 5 Apr 1900 in Wausk, Nebraska to William Gustave Backhaus & Bertha Alvina Lierman. He was married to Florence A McClary 19 Jul 1923 in Sioux City, Iowa. They had two children Norman Lloyd Backhaus & Bonnie Jean Backhaus (both diseased). He married Thelma Ruth Dewitt on 19 Dec 1936 in Fall River, South Dakota. They had a son named Gary Charles Backhaus.

He was place in the South Dakota State Prison for robbery as inmate #6989 for five years. He applied for a pardon 23 Nov 1932.

On the night of the 11th of April 1932 along with his accomplice Lawrence Walz, they went to the Meridian Highway Bridge Company toll house, armed with a revolver they robbed the caretaker of about $67.00. They loaded the caretaker into the car and took him across the bridge from the State of South Dakota to the State of Nebraska and let him out.

 

The Hartington Herald

Thu, Jun 30, 1932 ·Page 1

The Hartington Herald

Thu, Sep 22, 1932 ·Page 1

The Hartington Herald

Thu, Dec 01, 1932 ·Page 1

Herman Married Florence Adeline McClary 19 Jul 1923 in Sioux City, IA. They had two children, Norman & Bonnie. His second wife he married 19 Dec 1936 to Thelma Ruth Dewitt (1914-1997). They had a son Gary. His occupation was a barber.

Previously he was jailed for fighting in Hardington, NE in 1928 and was fined $26.

3 Mar. 1920 he crossed into Canada and went to Emerson. The record says he had been there in 1917 & 1918.

He died 8 Feb 1970 in Reno, Nevada.

I am wondering how he could afford to travel so much on a barber's salary.

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