"Nathaniel3 (Backus), third son of William, Jr., and his second wife, Elizabeth (Pratt) Backus, was born at Norwich April 15, 1669, and lived out his life there, dying August 16, 1728. He married at Norwich, first, Lydia Edgerton, born April, 1675, daughter of Richard and Mary (Sylvester) Edgerton. Lydia died about 1701; and on July 7, 1702, Nathaniel married second, Elizabeth Tracy, born at Norwich July 7, 1676, and dying there Nov. 11, 1739, daughter of John and Mary (Winslow) Tracy. The Edgertons and Tracys were original proprietors at Norwich; Mrs. John Tracy was a niece of Governor Edward Winslow of Plymouth.
Nathaniel, like his elder full-brother Joseph, appears to have been well regarded by their father, and received a generous legacy of property, which he seems to have administered well. Along with his mother and Joseph he was named an executor of his father's will. Miss Caulkins notes that Nathaniel and his father were two of the original church members surviving and active in 1717. He is mentioned as one of the original proprietors at what became known as The Landing, later New Chelsea, his home being on 'Union, not far from the corner of Main Street.' One might assume that he was a good parent, for his immediate descendants are described as men of some means and influence.
Nathaniel's will, dated July 10, 1728, named his wife, Elizabeth, his sons Nathaniel, Josiah, Jabez, his daughters Lidia, Mary, Elizabeth, with Nathaniel as executor. The will was recorded December 25, 1728."
