Backer, August H.

August H. Backer, born in Sierra County in 1866, was a highly successful viticulturist and president of the Backer Vineyard Company in Fresno County, California. The son of a Dutch sailor turned California gold miner, he moved to Fresno County in 1878 and later graduated from business college before taking over the management of his family agricultural estate. Alongside his brothers, he dramatically expanded the family vineyard holdings across the Temperance and Kutner colonies, eventually overseeing hundreds of acres of vineyards and grain lands. His progressive approach to farming and land development established him as a premier figure in the growth of California agriculture.

Beyond standard farming, Backer achieved historical significance by pioneering new shipping methods, helping to send the first carload lot of table grapes packed in redwood sawdust to the East Coast in 1910. This successful venture established a major industry precedent, leading to highly lucrative commercial shipments to eastern markets in the following decades. Deeply involved in his community, he served as a long-time trustee and clerk for the Temperance Colony school district and was a member of the California Associated Raisin Company. Married to Mary A. Gee in 1894 and the father of three children, his life demonstrates how intelligent application and innovation helped shape the early twentieth century California fruit industry.