The Biographical Dictionary of America/Backus, William Woodbridge

BACKUS, William Woodbridge, philanthropist, was born in Norwich, Conn., Oct. 22, 1803; son of James Backus. He successfully conducted a large grain and stock farm in Norwich, and amassed a fortune. He gave $75,000 to endow the W. W. Backus hospital at Norwich, and bequeathed about $85,000 to Norwich institutions, the rest of the estate going to the Backus hospital. He died in Norwich. Conn., July 13, 1892.