Milton V. Backman
Milton Vaughn Backman Jr. (June 11, 1927 – February 6, 2016) was a historian of American religions with particular emphasis on the early history of the Latter Day Saint movement. Biography. Backman was a professor of church history at Brigham Young University. Following his retirement, he briefly taught at the BYU-affiliated Joseph Smith Academy. Backman was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church) and served in various positions in the church, often related to teaching and welfare. He served as a member of a bishopric and on a stake high  council. As a young man, Backman served as a missionary for the LDS Church in South Africa. Backman died on February 6, 2016, at the age of 88. Writings. Backman also compiled a collection of diaries and biographies of people who knew Joseph Smith with the assistance of Keith W. Perkins.