Biography

11/25/1932 - 06/02/2022

BACKENSTOE, John E., "Jeb,", a Representative from Lehigh County; born in Allentown, Lehigh County, Pa., November 25, 1932; graduated, Lawrenceville High School, NJ, 1950; B.A., Trinity College, 1954; LL.B, University of Pennsylvania School of Law, 1957; J.D., University of Pennsylvania School of Law, 1958; captain, JAG Corps, United States Army Reserves; attorney (1958-1971); director, Allentown Bethlehem Home for Children; elected as a Republican to the Pennsylvania House of Representatives for the 1961 and 1963 terms; unsuccessful campaign for reelection to the House for the 1965 term; gubernatorial appointee, special assistant Attorney General (1965-1966); referee, Workman's Compenstation Board (1967-1970); elected, judge, Pennsylvania Court of Common Pleas, Lehigh County (1971-1990; president judge, 1983-1990); senior judge, Pennsylvania Supreme Court (1991); died, June 2, 2022 in Bethlehem, Northampton County, Pennsylvania.