A Backus On Blennerhassett Island

Elijah Backus settled on Lower Blennerhassett Island in a Summer Home

"Elijah Backus began building his summer home in 1793.  Backus was the uncle of Dudley Woodbridge II, the business partner of Harman Blennerhassett, and he tied the history of the island... . .  But in 1807, shortly after Backus went to Kaskaskia, Indiana Territory, he sold the lower island to Aaron Waldo Putnam, of Washington county, Ohio."

Present day view looking towards Ohio from Blennerhassett Island 

"This deed was made by Backus and his second wife, Hannah Richards Backus, in August 1807... ."

Source:  Story of Lower Part of Blennerhassett Island by Minnie Kendall Lowther, published in the Parkersburg (W.VA.) News on Sunday, July 23, 1939.

Additional information:   ....convey for 250 pounds Virginia currency to Elijah Backus of Norwich, Conn. 269 and 297, equal 566 acres, by survey made May 17, 1784. (Page 97 B 7 of Wood County records.)
The property, after years, passes into the hands of George Neal, Jr., but not until Nov. 17, 1827, does he acquire full title, by deed from Hannah George (formerly Richards), late Hannah Backus, of Montgomery county, Ohio, relic of Elijah Backus, late of Randolph County, in the then territory of Illinois, deceased, conveying for $300 her dower in the east end of the island (Deed Book 7, page 128.)
Source:    Historic Blennerhassett Island home, near Parkersburg, W. Va. Expedition against Spain