The Backus Family
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Edward A. Backus was living in Arcadia, Wayne County, New York in 1900 with his wife, Fannie (Mary F). He had been married for twenty five years. His parents, William and Sarah were born in England. I am unable to find his father William in any census, but I did find him (at findagrave.com) buried in the East Palmyra Cemetery, a death date of 1848 is noted. Sarah, William's wife, died in 1877. I came to the conclusion his father's name was William from the obituary of his brother. I was able to find Sarah and her children in the 1850 census of Waterloo, Seneca County, New York. In 1860 they had moved to Phelps, Ontario County, New York. By 1870 they lived in Manchester, Ontario County, New York. By 1880 Edward lived in Arcadia as a farm laborer, but he is not listed as living with his wife. In 1892, however, they are listed here. As far as I can tell, Edward and Mary had no children. Edward has many siblings they were named: William, James, John, Sarah (middle name Ann....buried with her parents), Arthelia (buried with her parents), and Maria (buried with her parents, married surname Hergett). A marriage record for Maria Backus and William Hergett can be found by clicking here (it is not the actual record). Another death write up (with limited information) on James Backus can be found here. I do believe there were probably older children as well, but I am unable to prove that. Edward, John, and James are all buried in Phelps (Ontario County) in the Riverview Cemetery.
From searching for records of this family in England, I have come to the conclusion that the name Backus was originally Backhouse, and there are an extensive listing of records for Backhouse in Manchester (including but not limited to the birth of a Sarah Ann Backhouse around 1844 (which is about 3 years off). I'm hoping to hear from someone related so if you are related please use the contact page to get in touch with me, thanks! |