Carl Otto Edvin Backman

Carl Oto Edvin Backman is the son of Oliver Anders Backman and Engelena Johannesson, both of Sweden. The family immigrated to America by sailing on the ship “Humboldt.” After their arrival they traveled to Nebraska. Along with other members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, they joined the Peter Nebeker Company, departing for the Salt Lake Valley on August 7, 1866.

While on the trail, Oliver would play his violin and his daughter Sophia, played the accordion to entertain members of the company. Engelena (mother) and 2-year-old Carl, were ill during the entire journey. Carl died on the plains in early September. He is buried in Nebraska.

From a journal of a grandchild of one of Carl's sisters: “She was a very happy little girl, but had one very sorrowful scene, which she often tells her children and grandchildren, her sweet little baby brother [Carl], the pride and joy of the family took very sick and died after a few days illness, and oh! How broken hearted she and her parents, brother and sister all were to bury the dear little soul on the wild desert.

“The company dedicated a grave after the body was washed, dressed, and sewed up in a sheet. Little Carl was gently lowered into the grave without a box, some sage brush was spread over the body, then the grave was filled with mother earth and a rock placed on top. As they stood with heads uncovered watching the little white object gradually lowered into the cold lonesome grave, they could think, but scarcely feel, how sad the poor mother's heart must be, to witness her babe being buried in the lone grave to remain unmarked by even a slab.”