Simon Backus, I

Biog. info.: 1701 - Born in Norwich, CT, son of Joseph and Elizabeth (Huntington) Backus; 1724 - Graduated from Yale College; 1727 - Ordained, served Newington parish in Wethersfield, CT; 1729 - Married to Eunice Edwards, sister of Jonathan Edwards.

1745 - Sent by colony authorities to Louisburg, Cape Breton as chaplain to the 350 Connecticut troops stationed there to prevent a recapture of the post by the French. Was taken ill and died there.

The Rev. Simon Backus, who succeeded Mr. Williams as minister of the Newington church, married in 1729 Eunice Edwards of East Windsor, daughter of the Rev. Timothy Edwards and sister of the great Jonathan Edwards, who used to visit her occasionally at Newington and occupy the pulpit when spending the Sabbath. In the fall of 1745 Mr. Backus was appointed chaplain of the Connecticut troops stationed at Louisburg, Cape Breton. During the following winter much sickness prevailed there, and Mr. Backus was one of the many victims, dying February 2, 1746, at the age of 45.

• Reference: Find A Grave Memorial - SmartCopy: Mar 25 2022, 16:53:48 UTC