William Woodbridge Backus

Biography

William Woodbridge Backus (1803–1892) spent his long life in the Yantic area, bearing witness to the slow but steady changes of the 19th century. He was known as a reliable neighbor who welcomed travelers, kept faith in hard work, and offered a calming presence during seasons of both plenty and challenge.

Friends and family remember him for the gentle way he encouraged younger generations to pursue honest labor, and he now rests in Yantic Cemetery where many in the town seek solace at his grave.