LUCY (BACKUS) PADDOCK

Lucy (Backus) Paddock (photo courtesy of Vernon B. Paddock)
Dr. Robert Paddock (photo from “Historical Souvenir of Barre, Vt.” By Nickerson & Cox. 1894)

Lucy (Backus) Paddock gravestone
(Photo by Vernon B. Paddock)

B. April 7, 1784 in Connecticut
D. March 28, 1860 in Wauconda, Lake County, IL
Find A Grave memorial (click here)

  • Father: Stephen Backus born November 27, 1759 in Plainfield, Windham County, CT, son of Andrew Backus (1733-1796) and Louis (Pierce) Backus (1732-1815); Revolutionary War Veteran, 8th Regiment, Company 2, Connecticut Continental Line; married Polly Shepard in 1782; he was a blacksmith and farmer; Stephen died August 31, 1845 in Royalton, Windsor County, VT; buried in North Royalton Cemetery, North Royalton, Windsor County, VT

According to The New England Ancestry of Dana Converse Backus by Mary E.H. Backus:

Sixth Generation – Stephen Backus, son of Andrew and Lois (Pierce) Backus was born in Plainfield, Conn. November 27, 1759, their first child. The name Stephen comes from the Pierce family; his mother’s brother, Stephen Pierce, had died in 1751, in his 25th”  “July 11, 1775, when only fifteen years old, Stephen Backus enlisted as fifer in the 2nd Co. (John Douglas, Capt) 8th Regt. (Col. Judediah Huntington’s Regt… adopted as Continental).  This regiment was recruited mainly in New London, Hartford and Windham Counties.  Stationed on the Sound until September 14th, it was then ordered to the Boston camps and took part of Roxbury in Col. Spencer’s Brigade, remained until expiration of term of service in December.  The next year Stephen’s name appears as fifer in his father’s company.  Pension records show that at some period during the war he served as seaman on a privateer.”  “He married, September 29, 1782, Polly Shepard (born April 5, 1760, daughter of Simon and Rachel (Spalding) Shepard of Plainfield).  Their elder children were born in Connecticut.  Late in 1790 he bought land in Royalton, Vt. (of Bradford Kinne 100 acres bordering on John Billings) and the 1790 census, which was not takin in Vermont until 1791, lists one son and one daughter in his family.  Perhaps one reason for the move to Vermont was that his wife’s elder sister, Sarah Shepard, had with her husband, Benjamin Parkhurst, been one of the earliest settlers in Royalton.  The Parkhurst house was, fortunately, not destroyed when the British and Indians burned the town the 16th of October 1780, while the family hid in a swamp all night.  The next day they returned to their home, and the following morning Captain Shepard arrived to visit his daughter – the raid had been a total surprise – and he took her and the children back to Plainfield, Conn. With him for the winter.  Simon Shepard had been one of the original grantees of Royalton but he never lived there and sold out in 1786.”  “Stephen Backus was placed on the Revolutionary War pension list in Vermont in 1833.  In November of that year he would be seventy-four years old.  A census of pensioners, published in 1841 by authority of the Secretary of the State, shows him, aged eighty-two, as living with his son Andrew.  His wife died March 12, 1843.  She would have been eight-three years old the next month.  Stephen died August 31, 1845, in his eight-sixth year.  They are buried in the old North Royalton cemetery.”

  • Mother: Polly (Shepard) Backus born April 5, 1760 in Plainfield, Windham County, CT, daughter of Simon Shepard (1731-1813) and Rachel (Spaulding) Shepard (1728-1816); Polly died March 12, 1843 in Royalton, Windsor County, VT; buried in North Royalton Cemetery, North Royalton, Windsor County, VT
  • Husband: Dr. Robert Paddock born April 29, 1768 in Mansfield, Tolland County CT, son of John Paddock (1741-1831) and Zerviah (Royce) Paddock (1745-1777); A sixth generation of the Paddock family to have lived on American soil since the arrival of Robert Paddock, a blacksmith, arrived in the Plymouth Colony about 1632 from Ireland; married (1) Abigail Mathews (about 1770-died after 1789) about 1788; married (2) Lydia Drew Powers (1772-1815) about 1793 daughter of Dr. Stephen Powers and Lydia (Drew) Powers; Dr. Powers cared for the wounded at the battle of Bunker Hill in the early states of the Revolutionary War; married (3) Lucy Backus on June 25, 1816 in Royalton, Windsor County, VT; Robert and his second wife, Lydia moved from Pomfret, VT to Wildersburgh (now Barre), VT in 1793; he served as Justice of the Peace in Barre, VT from 1801 to 1807; Robert died in December 23, 1842 in Barre, Washington County, VT; buried in Elmwood Cemetery, Barre, Washington County, VT. Paddock was a physician and surgeon and a leading citizen of Barre, Vermont.  Dr. Paddock wrote a number of important papers for the Vermont State Medical Society.  As a successful practitioner in the disease of smallpox he gained great renown.  A physician and surgeon present at the battle of Plattsburg during the War of 1812

According to the Weekly Wanderer (Randolph VT) Saturday, September 24, 1803, page 3:

“Small Pox.

   The fubfscriber hereby informs the public, that he fhall commence INOCULATION of the SMALL POX, in the town of Barre, in Orange County, on or about the firft of October next, where all perfons who with to have faid diforder, by the fafe and eafy method of inoculation, may depend upon being faithfully attended to by applying to the fubicriber in faid Barre.          R. PADDOCK.”

According to “Early Barre History: Somber, Sensational and Otherwise” a historical article by Richard Bottamini:

“First a farmer and then a doctor, Barre’s first physician, Dr. Robert Paddock, came to the new town of Wildersburgh in 1793, just in time to watch the memorable fist fight over the naming of Barre. Not only did he watch the Thompson-Sherman scrap, which took place on a new hemlock barn floor, but after the fight, he removed hemlock splinters from the back and buttocks of Sherman, the winner.”  “A man of action, he was described as being “exceedingly wroth” when deacons of the Congregational Church refused to permit the funeral of a non-member to be held in church.”  “Dr. Paddock enlisted the aid of a sturdy buddy in the person of Judge Chapin Keith. Neither man was a member of the church, but that didn’t stop them. Armed with axes, they marched right up to the church doors on the day of the funeral. They were met by the church deacons, who barred the way. But seeing the glint in the eyes of the doctor and the judge and noting the axes, the deacons decided to retreat. However, they let it be known that they had done their duty toward protecting the church of God from invasion, and that all responsibility rested on the heads of the “invaders.”  “Dr. Paddock took care of the ailments of his fellow Barreites for 49 years (1793-1842), after which his son, Dr. Lyman Paddock, took over the practice. In 1814, the elder Dr. Paddock built a brick colonial house that was perhaps the finest dwelling in Barre at the time. It still stands, majestically, at the corner of South Main and Circle Streets.”

According to the Universalist Watchman (Montpelier VT) Saturday, January 7, 1843, page 3:

“DIED.

   In Barre, on the 23d ult. Robert Paddock, M.D. age 74.
   Dr. Paddock was highly respected as a citizen and a physician.  He was a native of Connecticut, but had been a resident of Barre 49 years, and the principal physician in town until a few years past.

According to the Barre Daily Times (Barre VT) Tuesday, January 20, 1931, page 4, an article written by D. H. P. titled: “Barre in Review For a Century and a Half”:

“(Third Installment)

   The first doctor to practice in Barre was Dr. Robert Paddock, who came in 1794 from Connecticut and for 48 years was not only the pioneer physician but also a most influential citizen.  In 18144 Dr. Paddock erected a brick mansion in the open space which is now South Main street, corner of Circle street.  This house, therefore, is 117 years old.
   Dr. Robert Paddock had a son, Dr. Lyman Paddock, who in his day and generation was almost as prominent as his father.  The younger Dr. Paddock, in 1827, erected a home on Main street where the Rogers clothing store and Walk-over shoe store are now located.  This building was torn down some years ago to permit the erection of the present building.  Dr. M. D. Lamb, who at the age of 80, is still in practice in Barre, at one time occupied the Dr. Lyman Paddock house.
   Dr. Robert Paddock seems to have been a forceful man as well as careful guardian of the healthy of the people.  An incident that has come down through the generations serves to emphasize his forcefulness.  As related, this incident tells of the death of a young son in a prominent Barre family, who were not members of the early Congregational church but who desired, on the death of the young son, to have the funeral in the Congregational church on Gospel hill, later known as Gospel village.  The deacons of the church demurred.
   Dr. Paddock, a member of the church, was wroth.  He enlisted the support of another Barre man, Judge Chapin Keith (to be spoken later) and, armed with axes, they went to the church at the appointed hour of the funeral.  They were met at the door by the deacons of the church, who, seeing the determine faces of Dr. Paddock and Judge Keith, and the weapons they carried, surrendered the key to the church.  Then the funeral went on, but with the declaration by the deacons that they had done their part toward protecting the church and that all responsibility thereafter rested on the shoulders of the invaders.  There is no record that anything dire fell upon Dr. Paddock and Judge Keith.
   Oddly enough, the next year (1795) after the coming of Dr. Paddock, the town had its first epidemic after having been “remarkably healthy.”  The epidemic was scarlet fever, or canker rash.  It ran for a year.  Almost every child had the disease, as well as many older persons.  The disease proved fatal only to the children.”

According to the Times Argus (Barre VT) Thursday, May 16, 1968, page 13:

“Dr. Robert Paddock
Barre’s First Doctor

   The first medical practice in Barre was established by Dr. Robert Paddock.  A native of Connecticut, he came to the community in August of 1793, almost 175 years ago.
   He built the handsome brick house at 188 S. Main St., which is still occupied and is one of the oldest homes in the city not to be altered to a considerable degree.
   It is recorded that he was “educated and energetic and had a successful practice.”
   During his nearly 50 years of service here there were several epidemics which demanded his attention.  They included a scarlet fever epidemic in 1795, the years 1808 to 1810 when there was a small pox epidemic to the “extent that four ‘pest houses’ were occupied with its victims.”  The following year there was an epidemic of “spotted fever” or typhus.  And, again, during the years 1812 to 1813 there was an outbreak of what was called “typhoid pneumonia.”
   The elder Dr. Paddock died in December, 1842.
   His son, Dr. Lyman Paddock, who had been born in Barre, in 1789, continued his practice.  It is recorded that “the lancet and calomel were his favorite remedies and, when a patient failed to be cured, he would say, ” have done the best i could and have no apology to make.”  His charged for a professional visit was 25 cents to $1, according to the distance traveled.  he lived to the age of 94.
   Dr. Amaziah Patterson, a student of Dr. Lyman Paddock, practiced for 20 years in Barre, then moved to East Orange.
   Between 1812 and 1827, Dr. James Van Sicklen was located in the “lower village” (South Barre).
   A brother of Mrs. Robert Paddock, Dr. Charles Backus, practiced in Barre in the years around 1828.  He taught school in his off hours after “several teachers had been ‘turned out’ because of unruly pupils.”

  • Children:
    1. Lucy Backus Paddock born about 1818 in Vermont; unmarried; Lucy died April 22, 1854 in Barre, Washington County, VT; buried in Elmwood Cemetery, Barre, Washington County, VT
    2. Ellen Jane (Paddock) Loomis born in 1821 in Washington County, VT; married Chauncey Loomis on August 27, 1844 in Barre, Washington County, VT; Ellen and Chauncey had one child, Robert J. Loomis; Ellen died August 4, 1850 in Northfield, Washington County, VT; buried in Elmwood Cemetery, Barre, Washington County, VT

According to the Green-Mountain Freeman (Montpelier VT) Thursday, August 8, 1850, page 3:

“Died. – In Northfield Aug. 4th Ellen Jane wife of Chancey Loomis aged 29 years.”

3. William Robert Paddock, known as Robert Paddock, born April 25, 1827 in Barre, Washington County, VT; married Nancy S. Stickney on January 1, 1850 in Berlin, Washington County, VT; Children of Robert and Nancy: (1) Jennie “Jane” P. (Paddock) Smith (1852-1936), educated in Evanston University, wife of Charles Deveraux Smith, (2) Nellie “Ellen” P (Paddock) Wood (1854-1934), wife of William W. Wood, (3) Alice Lucy (Paddock) Smith (1857-1938), wife of William B. Smith, (4) Senator Robert William Paddock (1861-1944), husband of Mary French Nicholls, educated in Northern Indiana Normal University in Valparaiso, a member of the Michigan House of Representatives from Charlevoix, MI, owner of eight hundred acres in Charlevoix County, (5) Lois “Lola” E. (Paddock) Avery (1863-1930), wife of Sidney R. Avery, (6) Albert “Bert” E. Paddock (1865-1946), husband of Josephine “Josie” L. Mutaw (Josephine is the granddaughter of Jonathan and Wealthy (Buell) Harvey, early settlers of Warren Township and builder of the current “Mother Rudd’s Home” in Gurnee), (7) Senator Ray Elliott Paddock (1877-1953) husband of Irma Grace Huson (See section pertaining to Senator Ray Elliot Paddock buried in the Fort Hill Cemetery) (See section pertaining to Irma Grace (Huson) Paddock buried in the Fort Hill Cemetery); Robert died December 20, 1904 in Lake County, IL; (See section pertaining to William Robert Paddock buried in the Fort Hill Cemetery) (See section pertaining to Nancy (Stickney) Paddock buried in the Fort Hill Cemetery)

  • Stepchildren: (Dr. Robert Paddock and Abigail Mathews)
    1. Lyman Paddock born June 2, 1789 in Barnard, Windsor County, VT; married Lydia Drew Richardson (1786-1867) on July 6, 1824 in Barnard, Windsor County, VT; Lyman and Lydia had one child, Origen R. M. Paddock (1823-1830); Lyman died December 31, 1883 in Berlin, Washington County, Vt; Lyman and Lydia are buried in Elmwood Cemetery, Barre, Washington County, VT

According to the Argus and Patriot (Montpelier VT) Wednesday, January 2, 1884, page 3:

“Dr. Paddock, a former well-known resident, and for the last few years a town charge, died on Monday, aged 96 years.”; According to the Argus and Patriot (Montpelier VT) Wednesday, January 9, 1884, page 3: “It was communicated to the last “Bundie,” that Dr. Paddock, a former well-known resident, who died recently at the advanced age of 96, had for a few years at the advanced age of 96, had for a few years past been a “town charge.” This, as Deacon. A. M. Jackman informs the writer, was not the fact.  Dr. Paddock died in Berlin, where for some time past he had been boarding, having been placed there by an absent daughter, and left more than sufficient property to pay all the expenses of his last sickness and funeral.”

  • Stepchildren: (Dr. Robert Paddock and Lydia Drew Peterson)
    1. Mary P. (Paddock) Scovell born December 31, 1798; married Rev. Ezra Scovell (1798-1874) on October 14, 1828 or May 26, 1828 in Barre, Washington County, VT; Mary died November 3, 1847; buried in Mexico Primitive Cemetery, Mexico, Oswego County, NY; Ezra married (2) Julia A. House (1810-1871) Ezra and Julia are buried in Riverside Cemetery, Saugatuck, Allegan County, MI
    2. Abigail “Abbie” Mathews (Paddock) Hurlbut born January 7, 1802 in Barre, Washington Co, VT; married Rev. Thaddeus Beman Hurlbut (1800-1885) on December 2, 1832 in Barre, Washington County, VT, son of Josiah H. Hurlbut and Lucy (Narramore) Hurlbut; He was a founder of the Upper Alton Presbyterian Church, organized the Illinois Anti-Slavery Society in 1837 and close friend of Elijah Parish Lovejoy who was shot and killed in Hurlbut’s home by a 150 pro-slavery mob; children of Abigail and Thaddeus: (1) Ellen Mary Isabella (Hurlbut) Young (1834-1880) married Joseph Lindley Murray Young (1835-1899), (2) Frances Abigail Hurlbut, (3) Wilberforce Lovejoy Hurlbut (1841-1864) who was Civil War Veteran fighting at Fair Oaks, Malvern and Antietam, badly wounded at Gettysburg but his remains never located; Thaddeus was a clergyman and resided in Alton, IL; Abigail died December 16, 1884 in Illinois; Abigail and Thaddeus are buried in Alton Cemetery, Alton, Madison County, IL

According to the Alton Evening Telegraph (Alton IL) Saturday, December 28, 1884, page 4:

OBITUARY – Mrs. A. M. P. Hurlbut, wife of Rev T. B. Hurlbut, of Upper Alton, died the morning of the 16th. Those who were blessed with her acquaintance knew her as a lovely and consistent Christian.  Together with her Christian character she was a women (sic) possessed of a superior mind.  In reformatory movements she is remembered as a leader, and with her many opportunities, as a minister’s wife, she blessed all whom she met.  The fortitude with which she bore the intense pain of her protracted illness, is a no weak proof of the power of the Christian faith when brought to a test.  AT the age of 83 she died a death as noble as the life she lived. – College Review.”

3. Lydia P. (Paddock) Stone born November 1808 in Barre, Washington County, VT; married Rev. John Fitch Stone on May 26, 1828 in Barre, Washington County, VT; Lydia died August 5, 1884 in Washington, Orange County, VT; Lydia and John are buried in Greenmount Cemetery, Montpelier, Washington County, VT

According to the Vermont Watchman and State Journal (Montpelier VT) Wednesday, August 6, 1884, page 1:

“Lydia Paddock, wife of Rev. J. F. Stone, died at her home on Main street yesterday afternoon at about five o’clock. She was seventy-six years of age and had been an invalid for several years.”

According to the Vermont Watchman and State Journal (Montpelier VT) Wednesday, August 13, 1884, page 1:

“The funeral services of Mrs. Lydia Paddock, wife of Rev. John F. Stone, were attended by a large circle of relatives and friends of the family.  The services were conducted by Rev. J. H. Hincks, and the closing prayer was offered by Rev. T. P. Frost, a near neighbor of Mr. Stone’s.  The remains were interred in Green Mount cemetery.”

4. Susan Maria (Paddock) Rood Wattles born about 1815 in Barre, Washington County, VT; married (1) Josiah R. Rood (1812-1851) on July 25, 1836 in Barre, Washington County, VT; married (2) David C. Wattles (1821-1911) on February 5, 1851 in Michigan; David and Susan were the first settlers of North Branch Township, Lapeer County, MI in 1854. David was the Township Supervisor in 1860, 1861 and 1864.  Susan died in 1871; Susan, Josiah and David are buried in Mount Hope Cemetery, Lapeer, Lapeer County, MI

According to the Universalist Watchman (Montpelier VT) Saturday, September 3, 1836, page 3:

“Married. – In Barre, Mr. Josiah R. Rood of Lapier (sic Lapeer) Michigan to Miss Susan M. Paddock, daughter of Dr. R. Paddock.”

  • Siblings:
    • Harriet Backus born January 17, 1791 in Royalton, Windsor County, VT; Harriet died 1845 in Royalton, Windsor County, VT; buried in North Royalton Cemetery, North Royalton, Windsor County, VT
    • Eunice Backus born December 5, 1792 in Royalton, Windsor County, VT; Eunice died May 23, 1864 in Forest Dale, Rutland County, VT; buried in North Royalton Cemetery, North Royalton, Windsor County, VT

According to the Vermont Record (Brandon VT) Friday, May 27, 1864, page 6:

“DEATHS. – In Forestdale, at the residence of her brother Dr. Charles Backus, May 23, suddenly of heart disease, Miss Eunice Backus, aged 71 years. She was a native of Royalton, to which place her remains were conveyed for interment.”

    • Erastus Backus born May 27, 1794 in Royalton, Windsor County, VT; married (1) Cynthia Hall (1799-1829); married (2) Martha Higgins; married (3) Sophrona Dodge (1805-1902); children from 1st marriage: (1) Charles Backus born 1819, (2) Charlotte V. (Backus) Barrett (1822-1886), (3) Stephen Cornelius Backus (1827-1906); children from 2nd married: (4) Cynthia W. (Backus) Stafford (1835-1895), (5) Eunice (Backus) Adrain (1839-1929), (6) Sylvanus Louis Backus (1842-1903); children from 3rd marriage: (7) Silas W. Backus (1844-1872), (8) Erastus P. Backus (1845-1918), (9) Foster L. Backus (1848-1907), (10) George T. Backus (1849-1928), (11) Lester Lucius Backus (1854-1908); Erastus died September 15, 1860 in Russell, St. Lawrence County, NY; Erastus and Sophrona are buried in Balsam Cemetery, Russell, St. Lawrence County, NY
    • Andrew Backus born December 3, 1798 in Royalton, Windsor County, VT; married Diane C. Foster (1805-1840); Andrew died September 23, 1857 in Royalton, Windsor County, VT; Andrew and Diane are buried in North Royalton Cemetery, North Royalton, Windsor County, VT
    • Charles Backus born September 12, 1801 in Royalton, Windsor County, VT; married Mary Palmer Mansfield (1807-1887) on May 13, 1829 in Randoph, Orange County, VT, daughter of John Mansfield and Abigail (Converse) Mansfield; children: (1) Mary Elizabeth Backus (1830-1847), (2) Jane Lyman (Backus) Curtis (1834-1912), (3) Abigail Arabella (Backus) Whipple (1836-1925), (4) Harriet Letitia Backus (1839-1839), (5) Dana Converse Backus (1840-1887), (6) Charles Darwin Backus (1842-1916); (7) Annah Dina (Backus) Douglas (1844-1869), (8) Charlotte Oliva (Backus) Lerow (1847-1926), (9) William Mansfield Backus (1853-1916); Charles died May 11, 1876 in Forest Dale, Rutland County, VT; Charles and Mary are buried in Pine Hill Cemetery, Brandon, Rutland County, VT

According to the Spirit of the Age (Woodstock VT) Wednesday, May 17, 1876, page 3:

“Royalton. – Dr. Charles Backus died in Brandon on Thursday, May 11th. He was born in Royalton, Sept. 12th, 1801, and removed to Brandon in 1834.  He was the father of twelve children, – the patriarchal number, – seven of whom and the mother are still living.

Additional Information:

According to the History of Royalton, Vermont with Family Genealogies, page 291, Chapter XIX. “Educational Matters.:

”The intelligence and enterprise of any community can be gauged by the interest shown in the education of its youth. No doubt, if the earliest records had not been destroyed, there would be ample evidence to prove that proper provision was early made for the instruction of the children of the infant town of Royalton…”  In lieu of the records of District No. 9, which have not been obtained, an extract from a letter of Jacob Fox, Jr., written from Big Rock, Ill., about 1860 is given…”  “I recall with distinctness my early school days, when clad in home-spun I trudged the pleasant river road, and ofttimes the river’s pebbly edge, to the old red school house, where, under the mild sway of Lucy Backus, Zabad Mosher, and Harvey Carpenter I first learned my a-b-abs and my c-a-t-cat &c….”

According to the 1850 U.S. Census for Barre, Washington County, VT the household members were:

“Horace Clapp, age 30, occupation: farmer, born in Vermont; Mary Clapp, age 25, born in Vermont, Joseph E. Clapp, age 1, born in Vermont; Lucy Paddock, age 65, born in Vermont; Susan Paddock, age 34, born in Vermont; Mary Green, age 21, born in Vermont; John Chapin, age 19, occupation: laborer, born in Vermont”

According to the Vermont Watchman and State Journal (Montpelier VT) Friday, November 3, 1854, page 3:

“Farm at Auction.

   The well known and valuable Farm and Residence of the late Doct. Robert Paddock, of Barre, now owned by Widow Lucy Paddock, will be sold a Public Auction on

Friday, 10th of November next;
Sale to commence at 10 o’clock a.m. on the premises.

   Said Farm is situation about one mile from Barre Lower Village, on the road leading to the Upper Village, and within five minutes walk from Barre Academy, and contains about 140 acres of good land, which is well divided into tillage, pasture, and wood land, and in a good state of cultivation.
   There are two good Dwelling Houses, with running water at the door; two Barns, together with good Sheds; Daily House, and other out buildings; – all in good thorough repair.  In short, it is a very desirable situation.
   Those wishing to purchase will do well to examine the premises before the day of sale; but the property will not be disposed of at private sale.
   This Farm can be so divided as to make two small Farms, and will be, if desired.
   Terms made known at the time of sale.
                              R. PADDOCK, Agent.
Barre, October 17, 1854.  5:3W”

According to the Waukegan Weekly Gazette (Waukegan IL) Saturday, April 7, 1860, page 2:

“DIED.

At Wauconda, Lake Co. on the 28th ult of P lacv (illegible), Mrs. Lucy Paddock, aged 76 years: widow of the late Rober (sic) Paddock, M.D , formerly of Barre Vermont”

According to “Portrait & Biographical Album of Lake County, Illinois” (1891):

“Robert Paddock, was born in Connecticut, April 29, 1768, and died December 23, 1842, at the age of seventy-four years. He became a noted physician and surgeon who won prominence in his profession and was numbered among the leading citizens of the community where he made his home.  He spent most of his active business life in Barre, VT., whither he journeyed on horseback, carrying his saddle-bags with him in the early days when railroads were not yet established.  He gained great renown as a successful practitioner in the disease of smallpox, and prepared a number of important papers to be read before the State Medical Society.  During the War of 1812 he served as physician and surgeon, was present at the battle of Plattsburg, and afterward his widow received a land warrant in recognition of his services.  In his early life he was a Federalist, and cast his first vote for John Adams, and afterward he became a Whig.  A man of more than ordinary ability, he rose to a high rank among his professional brethren, and was widely known.  He married Lucy Backus, who was born in Connecticut, April 7, 1784, and became a successful teacher.  Her father Stephen Backus, was a Revolutionary soldier and afterward received a pension.  The marriage of Dr. and Mrs. Paddock was celebrated about 1816. The lady died March 28, 1860, in Wauconda Township, at the age of seventy-six years.”