L.J.
Backer, one of the proprietors of the Smethport Extract Works, East Smethport,
son of Peter and Lovisa Backer, was born in Tioga County, Penn., in 1836, where
he was reared and educated and began his business career. For several
years he was in the employ of a large hemlock extract company, and as their
traveling agent and salesman visited nearly all the territories of the United
States, also Europe. While in their employ he contemplated the establishing
of a company, and the erection of works for the manufacture of an extract for
tanner's that would be in every way serviceable and reliable. With that
purpose in view he devoted a year's time, and expended over $1,000 in traveling
through the hemlock districts in search of a location. Finally his attention
was called to Smethport, which is located in one of the finest white hemlock
districts in the world, and he decided to make this the place of his operations.
He accordingly had the necessary buildings erected, supplying them with the
latest improved machinery, and in 1877 began the manufacture of extract.
In 1883 the buildings were destroyed by fire, but were immediately rebuilt,
and greatly enlarged, having now a capacity of 300 barrels weekly, being the
largest works of the kind in the United States, and affording employment to
a large number of men. The factory is now under the superintendence of
Mr. Backer's son, Clarence A., mr. Backer and his family residing in Boston,
Mass. Mr. Backer was married in 1860 to Miss H.E. Peters, and they have
three children, two daughters and one son: Minnie E., Effie L. and Clarence
A. In religion, Mr. Backer is a Methodist, and in politics a Republican.
2008 View of Former Smethport Wood Chemical Site
Source: Diana Phalon