Shepherdstown register. [volume] (Shepherdstown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1849-1955, 1878-11-02
HENRY nj. CEILINGS.

the death of Henry M. Billings, who
died on Saturday night, the 26th- ult.s
about 10 o'clock, of consumption, in the
10th year of his age.
He was the only son of Rev. Silas
Billings, Presbyterian minister, and
Principal of Fairfax Hall Seminary,
Winchester, Virginia. The deceased
was man of varied attainments and
had lived in various parts of our coun-
try. as his father was called to serve diff
ferent congregations, and had been en-
gagged in several different occupations.
He was widely and fayorably known
and wherever we met any of his ac-
quaintances, many inquiries were made
about "IIenry Billings" and his charac-
ter was highly spoken of.
In no man, perhaps, were individual
peculiarilies and characteristics more
strongly developed than in the deceased,
and in no one was the power OF the will
over physical nature more powerfully
manifested.
He was man OF strict integrity and
honesty. His word was as good as his
bond, and he placed the same confidence
i'm others, which caused him many Pc
cuniary losses, and, in the later years OF
his lie, weakened his faith in his fellow
men. He was liberal 10 fault and
many are the marks Of his kindness and
generosity, which persons in this com
munity have received from him. COZ
nected with no church himself, he freely
and literally responded 10 calls made
upon him for contributions, by the sew
eral denominations in our midst. He was
ever friend to the poor and many
heart has been made glad by his bene
factions. He was tender, warmheart-
ed, devoted friend TO those who won
his friendship, but was reticent and re-
served in his manner towards others.
AT the breaking out of the late war,
he was residing at Dutfields, in this
county, and entered the service as Lieu
tenant in Captain Hunters company
from that place, which was afterwards
Co. II. 2nd Virginia Infantry, Stonewall
brigade. lie was wounded i'll the hip
at the first battle of Manassas aud,
though suffering much pain refused TO
leave his company. At the expiration
of his first years service, he was relieved
from Infantry duty and became one OF
the most trustworthy, reliable and ia
nous scouts of the"Army Oft Valley
Many were his hairbreadtn escapes
from death aud capture, but only once
was he taken, and while confined in TT.
McIIenry made good his escape by
jumping into the Palapsco and swim
ming away amidst the bullets of the
guards.
At the close of the war he returned
to his fathers in this county and was
soon employed as clerk in the drug
store of Owens Bros, Baltimore; but af-
ter a year or two he become weary of
the confinement of the city and came to
This place and engaged in the lumber
business, but in the course of year he
bought the drug store of Il. Z. Burk-
hart and successfully carried on that
business up to his death. During the
winter of 1875, the disease of which he
died, and which he contracted by ex-
posure, began to show alarming symp-
toms, but with an undaunted will he
struggled against IFS ravages until
nature and strength could hold out no
longer
His obsequies took place on Monday
afternoon last and were attended by an
unusually large number Of persons,
in what estimation he was held
by the people. The services were held
in the Presbyterian church, and, by re-
quest of the family, the services were
by Rev. Hopkins, of Charles
town, and Rev. Henry White, of Win
Virginia His remains were
inferred in Elmwood Cemetery, with
Masonic honors, by the Knight Ten
plars, of Martinsburg, aud the Masons
of this vicinity.
Had the deceased united with his
other sterling qualities, the graces OF d
christian and the sanctifying influences
Of a religious life, no one would. have
been more esteemed, beloved and honor
ed than he. We know not the feelings
and experience Of his closing hours, but
it is a consolation to know that he is liz
the hands OF a Just and mcrciful God.
GT PERSONALS, &c.-A pineapple
tree belonging to the estate. Of Jacob
Hill, deceased, in this town, has bloom
ed and borne fruit twice this year
During this week Mr.. David Billmyer
has received at his warehouse in this