Rutland weekly herald. [volume] (Rutland, Vt.) 1859-1877, 1871-12-14
Del Billings. Esq.

Del Billings, Esq.
We find in the Woodstock Standard q
very full biographical sketch of Gel Bill
ings, Esq, a we'll known citizen, aud
father of Frederick Billing, Esq. The
sketch commences with history of the
Billings family who came from Somerset
County, England, who settled first in
Massachusetts, and afterward emigrated
to Stonington, Connecticut. John Bill
ings, the father of Del Billings, was born
at Montville, Connecticut. In his youth
he led seafaring life, but when the war
broke out in 1916 joined the American
army. But in 1878 he left the service
and disposing of his lands in Connecti-
cut, moved with bis family to Royalton,
Vermont, where he spent the remainder
of bis life, and died the 22nd of August,
1889. The history of the family is one of
interest, showing that the qualities of the
elder New England Men have been trans
mirted 10 great purity through the entire
family, and many of the finer traits were
remarkably apparent in the life and
character of Mr.. Billings, and which are
also noticeable traits in bis sons whom be
has trained in the school of an old New
England gentleman, through which they
have exerted wide influence in all COM
nnnities in which they have had their
residence. Our limits forbid giving more
of the Standards we'll prepared sketch
than relates to Del Billings, who for
many years was so widely known and
highly esteemed.
Del Billings, whose death took place in
Woodstock last week at the advanced age
of nearly eigbtv-four years, was the eighth
child of John Billings and was born in
Royalton, April 18th. 1888. In those
early DAYS the chances for getting a good
education wero poor. but anch advantages
as the times afforded Mr. Billings improv-
ed to the best Of his ability. He early
turned his attention to trade and for some
years served az clerk in Randolph, and
then ent ared into partnership with Gem
active business till the 9th of February.
OH WuNn LuS ITLu WAS uiS@''iF6ds al
terwards in company with Gen. Curtis
End Moses Gutter he commenced business
in Royalton. On the 9th of AUGUST, 1922,
the firm was dissolved, Mr.. Billings do
ing the business alone about two years
On the 14'h of June. 1924, be took into
partnership George w. Collamer, who had
been clerk 10 Mr. Throop, and the firm of
Billings & Collamer kept on in trade for
some years
On the 18th Of March. 1917, Mr.. Bill
lingo married Sophia Wetherbee of Char
lestown, n n. Nine children were the
frnit of this marriage, of whom six are
still living. Furthermore, as this couple
were Joined hand in hand in married life,
so were they united in religious expert
e0cP, both being admitted by profession
to the Congregational Church in Royal
ton. April 81, 1925. In this profession
they likewise continued en- together
through life.
So long as Mr.. Billings lived in Royal
ton, he YVES leading and Influential oiti-
zen of the town, being called on frequent
ly to take an active part in the various
public occasions which from time TO time
Game up. At the reception of Lafayette
in Royalton, when this guest of tho ma
ton wa making his triumphal tour
through the States, Mr.. Billings eff hated
"a Marsh4l of the day. and at all times,
indeed. he VS. resdv to contribute his
part in sustaining the public credit for
hospitality, and in furthering the welfare
and enjoyment of the community in
which he lived.
In 1885 Mr.. Billings moved with his
family 10 Woodstock, where he spent the
remainder of his life. During his resi-,
derce here, he was employed rs Register
of Probate for several years and for a lon
ger 'ime "a Pension Agent. The Last few
years Of his lf-, however. were passed in
entire freedom from bu-iness cares, and
in the peace and repose of a hRppy old
age. He bad known the viciasitudes of
life and had felt the keen touch of adver-
sjty, hut with advancing years the evil by
degrees was left behind, and whatever
dark shades were in the picture gave
place to brighter colors and more pleasing
prospects. To his own prudence, bis own
social and cheerful nature, he could a.
tribute in part the change; then to the
encouragement, perseverance, and uuwear-
led energy of hia wife; then especially te
the thrift and kindly regard of his chill
dren. Rejoicing TO see them prosper, be
leaned confidently on their good will, and
found no comfort denied bin, no want
neglected that could be satisfied. What
ever his own condition could demand was
secured to him by the care and attach
ment of flIal affection that knew no rest
or abatement to the end.
One delightful event of life Mr.. and
Mrs Billings enjoyed which il granted to
very few, and that was the celebration of
their Golden Wedding, which occurred
on the 18th of March, four years last past.
This event WIS made, indeed, most hap
by and a most solemn occasion to the en-
tire family, awakening, as it needs must,
10 the hearts of them all, sad as we'll as
Joyful recollections, and bringing to the
brightness Of the present hour thought
full regard for the future. Not without
reason surely. Already the course Of this
earthly pilgrimage wss nearly ended for
these partners of fifty years. Mrs Billings
was the first to be called away dying on
the lat of May. 1870, while yet in full
strength, and qualified. apparently, to add
still other days of usefulness to the many
she had before spent in the concerns of an
active and varied life. But where two
had lived for so many years, united 80
closely as these had been, they could not
be long divided in death. After sick
ness of several weeks, in which everything
was done for his comfort which watch
ful care could do, the one left behind fol-
lowed in the same way his best earthly
friend had gone before him.
The funeral ceremonies tooks place on
Friday last and were conducted by the
Rev. Mr.. Dsecomb, with the assistance OF
the Rev. DR.. Clement. They were of q
most touching and soothing character,
and the very elements in their beauty
and repose seemed to join in breathing
peace upon the closing scene.
BRATTLEBoRo.-Gen. Phelps "slate"
was badly smashed at the annual election
of village officers at Brattleboro, Monday
evening. His anti-secret society candi-
dates nearly all deserted him, and refused
IA allow their Names tn he nsed in couuec.