The Backus Family of Bradford, Pennsylvania

The Backus family is one of the oldest families in this country and in England is traced to Egbert, first King of England, from him to Cedric, first king of the West Saxons, and tradition says that Cedric was a lineal descendant of Woden (or Odin), who was supposed to be a descendant of the eldest son of Noah. There have been many distinguished men in the American family, including Dr. Charles Backus, a president of Yale; Rev. Dr. A. Backus, a president of Hamilton College, New York; Rev. Backus, a noted minister of New England during the revolution; Rev. Simon Backus, who married a sister of the celebrated Jonathan Edwards, and others equally noted. The Smethport family came to Pennsylvania from Berkshire county, Massachusetts, their ancestors going there from Connecticut before the revolution.

(I) William Backus

William Backus is supposed to have come to this country from Norwich, England, his name appearing as crossing in the “Rainbow” in 1637. The town of Norwich, Connecticut, was so named as a mark of respect and esteem for William Backus, Norwich, England, having been presumably his birthplace. The fine Backus Hospital at Norwich also commemorates the early settler, William Backus. He was at Saybrook, Connecticut, in 1638, and was one of the thirty-five proprietors of Norwich who established the town in 1660. He died prior to May 7, 1664. He married (first) Sarah Chodes, (second) Ann (Stenton) Bingham, and had issue by both.

(II) Lieutenant William (2) Backus

Lieutenant William (2) Backus, son of William (1) Backus, the emigrant, died in 1721. He ranked high in the public life of Norwich, was lieutenant of the train band and representative many years. He married Elizabeth Pratt and left male issue. Three more generations of the family lived in Norwich, all conspicuous and honored.

(V) Lebbeus Backus

One of the fifth generation, Lebbeus Backus, born 1750, moved to Berkshire county, Massachusetts, settled in the town of Lee, married and had issue. He served in the revolutionary war from Pittsfield, attaining the rank of lieutenant.

(VI) Thomas L. Backus

Thomas L., son of Lieutenant Lebbeus Backus, was born in Berkshire county, Massachusetts, in 1785. He moved to Lansing, New York, where he became a farmer and landowner. He married Rebecca Couch.

Children of Thomas L. and Rebecca Backus

1. Cornelia.
2. Mary.
3. William, of whom further.
4. Seth A.
5. John Couch, a sketch of whom follows.

(VII) Rev. William Backus

Rev. William Backus, son of Thomas L. and Rebecca (Couch) Backus, was born in Lee, Massachusetts, where he was educated, died in Oklahoma in 1888. He studied for the ministry and became a regularly ordained clergyman of the Presbyterian church. He filled many pastoral charges in the west and gave his entire life to this holy calling. He had four wives. The first, Frances (Ward) Backus, who died May 14, 1842, six days after the birth of her fourth child, Frank Ward Backus.

Children of Rev. William Backus by his first wife

1. Frederick, born 1838, died in Cleveland, Ohio; was an oil operator, married and left issue.
2. Fanny, born 1840, died in New York City in 1902; married and no issue.
3. William, twin of Fanny, died in Colorado in 1911; was a miner, married and left issue.
4. Frank Ward, of whom further.

(VIII) Frank Ward Backus

Frank Ward, son of Rev. William and Frances (Ward) Backus, was born in the state of Connecticut, May 8, 1842. He was early adopted by his uncle, Seth A. Backus, who was childless, and his wife, Matilda (Goodwin) Backus, who brought Frank W. to Smethport when a child of six years. He was educated in the public schools, and has spent his life engaged in farming in the vicinity of Smethport, where he now resides. He is a Republican in politics, a member of the Presbyterian church, his wife of the Episcopal. He married Flora A. Hamlin, born in Smethport, October 22, 1852, now residing in Smethport, daughter of Asa Darwin Hamlin, born February 16, 1820, died in Smethport, February 2, 1880, was a civil engineer, son of Dr. Asa Hamlin, born in Sharon, Connecticut, March 30, 1780, died there December 26, 1802.

Children of Frank Ward and Flora A. Backus

• Harry Llewellyn, of whom further.
• Mattie, born in Smethport, July 28, 1874; was educated in Smethport high school and now assistant to her brother in the Miner offices.

(IX) Harry Llewellyn Backus

Harry Llewellyn, son of Frank Ward and Flora A. (Hamlin) Backus, was born in Smethport, Pennsylvania, September 13, 1872. He was educated in the Smethport public schools, and when fifteen years of age was obliged to leave school and go to work. In June, 1888, he began learning typesetting and printing in the office of the McKean County Miner, then under the editorship of Colonel Lucius Rogers, who founded the Miner in 1863, but later disposed of it to Bert Olson. Mr. Backus continued with the Miner several years, then spent one year on the McKean County Democrat, then returning to the Miner. He thoroughly mastered the mysteries of the printer’s art and continued an employee in various capacities until February 1, 1900, when he purchased the entire Miner plant and became sole owner and editor. Under his able management the paper has been not only a financial success, but has taken high position among the papers of Northern Pennsylvania, and is a source of weekly pleasure and profit to its many readers. The politics of the paper reflects the personal views of its owner, and has been a tower of strength to the Republican party of McKean county. Is now Progressive. Mr. Backus is interested in other Smethport enterprises and serves as a director of the Backus Novelty Company. Originally a Democrat, he lost faith in that party during the Cleveland administration and panic of 1892-96 and allied himself with the Republican party, and supported the Republican party up to the time of the Republican national convention in Chicago in June, 1912, could not stand for this convention and joined the Progressives. In 1905 he served as secretary of the judiciary general committee, continuing one term, and is now chief burgess of Smethport. He stands high in the Masonic order, belonging to McKean Lodge, No. 388, Free and Accepted Masons, and holding all degrees of Coudersport Consistory, Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite, including the thirty-second degree. He is also a Noble of the Mystic Shrine, belonging to Zem Zem Temple, Erie, Pennsylvania. He is a member of Bradford Lodge, No. 284, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. He is a member of the Smethport fire department and is an exempt in that organization, also a member of the Central Club. He is also a charter member of the beneficial order, Modern Woodmen of America. In religious faith he is an Episcopalian, having been baptized in that faith in early boyhood.

He married, September 11, 1907, Lillian Winifred Shattuck, born in Wellsville, New York, December 22, 1883. She was educated at Cherry Creek, New York, and Oberlin Conservatory of Music, Oberlin, Ohio. She is a member of the Order of Eastern Star and of the Presbyterian church.

Children of Harry L. and Lillian W. Backus

1. Clarissa Grace, born in Smethport, September 26, 1909.
2. Harry Llewellyn, born in Smethport, November 25, 1911.

Mrs. Backus is the daughter of Frederick J. Shattuck, born in Oswayo, Potter county, Pennsylvania, September 22, 1862, now a merchant of Linesville, Crawford county, Pennsylvania. He married Clarissa Richmond, born in the town of Independence, New York, November 3, 1863, now living in Linesville.

Children of Frederick J. Shattuck

1. Lillian Winifred, of previous mention.
2. Mabel, born at Cherry Creek, New York, August 25, 1893.
3. Grace M., born at Cherry Creek, January 17, 1897.

Frederick J. Shattuck is the son of John Shattuck, of Potter county, Pennsylvania, a carpenter and a veteran of the civil war, now living in Oswayo, Pennsylvania. He married Clementine Graves, born 1841, died in Wellsville, New York, 1894.

Children of John Shattuck

1. Frederick J., of previous mention.
2. Mabel, born in Oswayo, Pennsylvania, 1868, married William Phillips, of the firm of Shattuck & Phillips, dry goods merchants of Linesville, Pennsylvania.
   1. Wallace, born 1886.
   2. Marguerite, 1887.
   3. Glenn, 1891.

Clementine (Graves) Shattuck had three sisters:

1. Ann, born in Wellsville, New York; married (first) Ephraim Powers, (second) George Jones, a farmer, who survives her.
2. Sarah, died in Wellsville in 1908; married R. A. Wells, a clothing merchant, who survives her.
3. Phrone, died in Wellsville; married a Mr. Shattuck, a carpenter, who survives her.

Clarissa (Richmond) Shattuck is a daughter of Henry A. Richmond, born in Allegany county, New York, 1832, now a retired farmer, living in Whitesville, New York. He married Salina Jacobus, born 1841, now living in Whitesville.

Children of Henry A. Richmond

1. William, born 1859, now an optician of Wellsville, New York; married Nettie Baker and has children:
   1. Andrew.
   2. Sadie.
   3. Harry.
   4. Gladys.
2. Anson, born 1861, now a merchant of Whitesville, New York; married Oretta Potter and has children:
   1. May, married Dr. Probasco.
   2. Clara.
   3. Henry.
   4. Leland.
3. Clarissa, of previous mention.
4. James, born 1865, now a farmer of Genesee, Pennsylvania; married Orpha, and has four children.
5. Lena, born 1867, married G. F. Chapman, a merchant of Genesee, Pennsylvania.
   1. Norman, born 1900.
   2. Leona, 1903.
   3. Laura, 1906.
   4. Lois, 1907.
6. Lloyd, born 1869, now a merchant of Genesee, Pennsylvania; he married Maud; no issue.

The grandfather of Mrs. Mary Almira (Windsor) Backus was a farmer of Franklinville, Cattaraugus county, New York, where most of his life was spent. He married and had children:

1. Marvin.
2. Barnet.
3. Ebed.
4. Others.

(II) Ebed Windsor

Ebed Windsor was born in Franklinville, New York, where he was educated and grew to manhood. After his marriage and the birth of some of his children he moved to Smethport, Pennsylvania, where he was a farmer until his death in 1845 at the age of forty-three years. He was a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, as was his wife. He married Mary Ann King, who died in Smethport in 1865, aged fifty-five years, daughter of Isaac King, a farmer near Smethport, where he died. He married Phoebe Love.

Children of Isaac King

1. Horace, died in Smethport, a farmer; married Jerusha Rice, who died near Eldred, Pennsylvania.
   1. George, now living in East Smethport.
2. Joel, died in the west, a farmer; married Eveline Tubbs, deceased.
   1. Daelli, deceased.
   2. Fred, living in Chicago, Illinois.
3. Olive, died in Chicago, unmarried.
4. Sarah (Sally), died in Smethport; she married Solomon Sartwell. Besides rearing her own family Mrs. Sartwell provided a home for her niece, Mary Almira, of further mention. Children:
   1. Chester, deceased.
   2. George, deceased.
   3. Roswell, deceased.
   4. Mary, deceased.
   5. Samuel, deceased.
5. Mary Ann, of previous mention, married Ebed Windsor.
6. Huldah, died near Binghamton, New York; married a Mr. Hibbard, a farmer, and left issue.
7. Joshua, died in Smethport, a farmer; he married and had children:
   1. Chester, now living in Port Allegany, proprietor of the Sartwell House.
   2. Elmira, living in Bradford.

Children of Ebed and Mary Ann Windsor

1. James, born about 1840, was drowned at Smethport; a lumberman; married Mary Ann Gage, of McKean county; two daughters, both deceased.
2. Mary Almira, of whom further.
3. Isaac, born about 1844, died in Smethport; married a Miss Hall, of McKean county; no issue.
4. Phoebe, born 1846, died in Smethport; married Eben Gallup, of Potato Creek, McKean county, Pennsylvania, a farmer.
   1. Emma M., married Warley J. Gifford.
   2. Carrie.
5. Wesley, born 1848, now living in Boiseville, Wisconsin, a farmer, married and has issue.
6. Sarah, born 1850, now living in Rochester, New York; married Rood Bowers, of near Cuba, New York.
   1. Verdine, married a Mr. Merriman, deceased.
7. Anthony, born in 1853, now living in Bellefonte, Ohio, formerly a Methodist minister, now a farmer; married.
   1. Frank.
   2. Kate.
   3. Others.
8. Esther, born 1855, died in Iowa, married Cornelius Peet, deceased, an attorney, twice elected to the Iowa legislature.
   1. Lyle.
   2. A son.
9. Forbutus, died in Port Allegany, Pennsylvania, a wealthy farmer; married Matilda Abbey; no issue.

(III) Mary Almira Backus

Mary Almira, daughter of Ebed and Mary Ann (King) Windsor, was born in Franklinville, Pennsylvania, December 27, 1842. She was educated in the public schools of Smethport and the high school at Alfred Center, New York. She married, June 18, 1860, Major John Couch Backus, born at Lee, Massachusetts, March 13, 1817, died at Smethport, October 26, 1888. She survives him, a resident of Smethport.

Children, all born in Smethport

1. Frank, March 11, 1862, resides in Smethport, unmarried.
2. Alice Bell, born October, 1864, died February 5, 1866.
3. John Clayton, born March 14, 1866, now president of the Novelty Works Company of Smethport; married Lucy Blake, of Eldred, Pennsylvania.
4. George Anthony, born June 12, 1868, died unmarried, June 14, 1905; was a merchant.
5. Frederick William, born November 22, 1870, now a lawyer of Smethport; married Carrie Schott, of Olean, New York.
6. Lucy Mygatt, born November 11, 1873; married William Seger, of Emporium, Pennsylvania, now in the music business in New York City.
   1. Arthur Edward, born January 29, 1907.
7. Nellie Almira, born April 19, 1876; married Dr. Arthur Ward Cutler, a leading physician and surgeon of Oneonta, New York.
8. Ralph Eugene, born March 19, 1880, died November 14, 1880.
9. Merle Edwin, born April 19, 1882, resides at home.
10. Harold Eugene, born October 2, 1886, died June 26, 1910.

Both parents being members of the Episcopal church, all the foregoing children were baptized in that faith.

Major John Couch Backus

Major Backus was the son of Thomas L. Backus, a farmer and landowner of New York state, who made a wager that he could mow a certain field in a given time, won the wager, but died as a result of the over-exertion necessary to perform the feat, aged about forty years. His wife, Rebecca (Couch) Backus was also born in Massachusetts, died in Smethport, a very old lady.

Children of Thomas L. Backus

1. Cornelia, died in New York state; married a Mr. Davis, a farmer.
   1. Fred, deceased.
   2. Charles, deceased.
   3. Louisa, deceased, married Samuel Sartwell.
   4. Mary, deceased, married a Mr. Jennings.
2. Mary, died in Smethport in 1880; married John Melliken; their only living child is W. J. Melliken, an attorney of Bradford, Pennsylvania.
3. Rev. William, a sketch of whom precedes this.
4. Seth A.
5. John Couch, of whom further.

Major John Couch Backus was born in Massachusetts, but in his fourth year his parents moved to Lansing, New York, where his childhood and youth were spent and early education obtained. He was a graduate of Oberlin College (Ohio), and began life fully equipped educationally. After attaining his majority he engaged with his brother, Seth A., in the lumbering business at Wellsville, New York, and in 1845 moved to Tuttle Point, McKean county, Pennsylvania. There they purchased a sawmill and combined their lumbering operations until 1848, when becoming tired of the business and aspiring to a professional career, John C. moved to Smethport and began the study of law with N. W. Goodrich, then a prominent lawyer of the county. In 1851 Mr. Backus was admitted to the McKean county bar and in 1856 to practice in the supreme court. He at once began the practice of his profession in Smethport and for over twenty-five years was engaged in nearly every important case tried in the county. At the time of his death he had been in practice longer than any other lawyer. He also took an active part in politics. He was a life-long Democrat and in 1851 was elected register and recorder of McKean county; was a member of the state legislature in 1875 and 1876, and for ten years was chief burgess of Smethport. He was a veteran of the civil war, enlisting in 1861, and in December of that year was commissioned captain of Company E, Fifty-eighth Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry. He fought in all the battles participated in by his regiment until compelled by his failing health to resign. He had risen through successive promotion, and at the time of his resignation was holding the rank of major. In 1877 he formed a law partnership with Sheridan Gorton, of Friendship, New York, which continued until the death of Major Backus. He was a member of the Episcopal church, McKean Lodge, No. 338, Free and Accepted Masons, and of the Grand Army of the Republic.

Major Backus was noted for his generosity, and none ever appealed to him in vain. Positive and energetic by disposition, he pursued with untiring zeal every cause he championed and every work he undertook. He held a high place in the esteem of his townsmen and ever labored for the welfare of Smethport and its inhabitants. He was a prominent member of the Masonic order and was buried by his brethren according to the beautiful Masonic ritual. No more fitting tribute can be paid to his memory than that tendered by one of his brethren of the bar: “In him his country has lost one who proved by his acts that he fully appreciated the duty of a good citizen and a true patriot. In him his wife lost a kind husband, children, an indulgent father, and kin of every degree a generous friend.” He always held his army comrades in highest regard and was a charter member of the Smethport Post, Grand Army of the Republic, which post passed fitting resolutions of respect to his memory.

He married (first), in 1857, Mary, died 1860, only daughter of Solomon Sartwell, one of the oldest residents of the county.

Children of Major John Couch Backus and his first wife

1. Frank, died in infancy.
2. Cora, died in 1880.

He married (second) Mary A. Windsor, of previous mention.

See: Genealogy of the Allegheny Valley Pennsylvania

Source

Jordan, J. W. 1840-1921. (1913). Genealogical and personal history of the Allegheny Valley, Pennsylvania. New York: Lewis Historical Pub. Co.

This genealogy is based upon the source cited above. Only the structure and formatting have been changed for clearer presentation; the genealogical and biographical content