Biography:

Dr. Lorenzo Backus was born in Morpeth, Ontario on the 28th of April, 1855. Dr. Backus was the 4th of 5 children born to Thomas Backus and the former Cornelia Keyes.  His parents were farmers and his siblings were; William (1851-1856), Milton, Stephen and Anne (1859-1860).  His parents, his brother William and his sister Anne are buried at the Chatham Cemetery.  His grandfather Stephen Backus, emigrated from the United States to Elgin County.

Dr. Backus graduated M.B. from The University of Toronto Faculty of Medicine in 1883 and he began his medical practice in Chatham.  He joined the College of Physicians and Surgeons on the 7th of January, 1885 and in March he took over the practice of Dr. George Elvins Richardson located on Harvey Street.  (Dr. Richardson died on the 23rd of February, 1885).  Dr. Backus resided at 231 Wellington Street.  There were advertisements in Chatham Directories for Dr. Backus in 1887, 1895, 1896 and 1900.

He was remembered to have a pale complexion and a kind heart.  In 1896 Dr. Backus’ medical practice was located on King Street near Sixth Street.  According to the 1901 census, he was recorded as living with his brother Stephen Backus in Chatham.  Dr. Backus listed his medical practice in the 1900 – 1902 Vernon’s City of Chatham Business Directory at 117 King Street.

Dr. Backus died suddenly on the 12th of June, 1902 in Chatham. He never married.  Dr. Backus was buried at Maple Leaf Cemetery in Chatham.

*Dr. George Elvins Richardson also appears on the Chatham-Kent Physician Tribute website.