Background
Backus, Isaac was born on January 9, 1724 in Norwich, Connecticut, United States. Son of Samuel and Elizabeth (Winslow) Backus.
Backus, Isaac was born on January 9, 1724 in Norwich, Connecticut, United States. Son of Samuel and Elizabeth (Winslow) Backus.
Educated by a local clergyman.
Ordained to ministry Separatist (New Light) Congregational Church, Middleborough, Massachusetts, 1748. Withdrew from New Light connection over question of infant baptism. Established Baptist Church, Middleborough, 1756-circa 1802.
Gained fame as itinerant preacher to other Baptist settlements in New England, made nearly 1,000 trips away from home to preach. Agent Warren Association (governing body of Baptist Church in New England). Advocate of religious liberty in Massachusetts, vigorously opposed establishment of Congregational Church in state.
Sent to speak for religious liberty in Massachusetts to 1st Continental Congress, 1774. An organizer Baptist chs. in Virginia, 1788. Member Massachusetts Convention to ratify United States Constitution, 1789.
Author: A History of New England, with Particular Reference to the Denomination called Baptists, 3 vols., 1777, 84, 96.
Member Massachusetts Convention to ratify United States Constitution, 1789.
Married Susannah Mason, November 29, 1749.