The Backus Water Motor Company was founded by Rodman and Oscar J. Backus in the early 1870s and incorporated on 16 May, 1881. On 15 Mar. 1886, the firm reincorporated as the Backus Mfg. Co.

      “The Backus Water Motor Company, Manufacturers of the Backus Water Motor Ventilating and Rotating Fans and Hydraulic Machinery, Office and Works, Hamilton Street.-Special attention is directed to the widely known and reliable Backus Water Motor Company, manufacturer of the famous Backus Water Motor. This company was incorporated in 1881 with large capital, and since its organization has built up a liberal and permanent patronage in sections of the civilized world. The following gentlemen are the officers, viz.: R. S. L. Cissel, president; Robert B. Cissel secretary and manager; Alfred N. Lewis, treasurer. The company has two thousand agents scattered all over the globe.

      The Backus Water Motor is now in general use in nearly all the cities and towns, having water-works in the United States and Europe. During the last ten years fifteen thousand have been put to work, half this number being used on family sewing-machines. This motor is invaluable for driving sewing-machines, coffee and drug mills, church organs, lathes, printing presses, etc. This motor is constructed on the principle of velocity, and it has a power from one to ten horses, and is adapted to all purposes. They cannot freeze up, as no water remains in them, and they always run with a steady, even motion. The general points of excellence may be briefly summarized as follows: First, nominal cost, convenience, great durability. Second, its noiseless running qualities. Third, its availability; when shut off, there is no waste, occurs in ordinary steam boilers. Fourth, its safety and freedom from derangement. The standing of the Backus Water Motor Company in mercantile circles is too well known require any comments at our hands.” (Quote from 1887.)

Information Sources

• The Electrical Age, V21, 16 Apr., 1898, pg. 213.
• Quarter-century's Progress of New Jersey's Leading Manufacturing Center, 1887, pg. 77.
• Corporations of New Jersey, 31 Dec., 1911, pg. 59
• American Gasoline Engines Since 1872 by C. H. Wendel, Volume #1, 1983 pages 42-43
• The Complete Guide to Stationary Gas Engines by Mark Meincke, 1996 page 96