The morning call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1878-1895, 1890-10-02
OBITUA AIRY.
FREDERICK BILLINGS.

FREDERICK BILLINGS.
A brief dispatch appeared in the
daily papers yesterday morning from Wood
stock, VT. that Frederick Billings was
dead. The news did not surprise his friends
in this city, as his health has been poor
for many months and it was known that he
had not been able to attend to any business.
Mr.. Billings was a prominent man in San
Francisco from the time of his arrival in
1S49 TILL 1863 when he returned 10 his native
State. He was born in Burlington, VT, in
1918, and received good grammar school
and college education, being 4 graduate of
the University of Vermont. He then studied
law, and in 1S49 started for California with
Beer Simmons. his Drother-ln-laW. When
Mr.. Billings reached San Francisco times
were prosperous, and his business pros
perty soon placed him with ample means
and with unlimited OPT ortunities. He Joined
the pioneer law firm of Halleck q Penchy,
which was afterward enlarged by the admis-
son Of Trenor w. Park. Each member
of this firm acquired national renown. Mr..
Penchy was acknowledged TO be the lead
ing land-lawyer on spanish titles. Mr.. Hal
leck was a graduate OF West Point, and
when the war broke on. lie offered his ser
vices and died Major General. Mr.. Park
left California with fortune, which he
increased tenfold in New York City by
operations in railroad, telegraph and min
ing properties. Mr.. Billings followed his
old partner to the East ard soon had the
opportunity of his life presented, which he
seized, and it led TO fortune and fame. When
the stock of the Northern Pacific Railroad
was at its lowest state after the failure of
Jay Cooke Mr.. Billings bought tenth in
terest, became Director, then President,
and for years managed the great property
with marked ability. He finally retired
with an ample fortune and devoted his re-
naming years to quiet deeds of charity. He
was an early friend to education in Cali
fOrnia and the present university found in
him a generous patron. On May 20, 1919,
Mr.. Billings and five others organized the
FIRST Presbyterian Church Of this city.
When the war broke out he was an ardent
friend of the Union and was always ready
to speak on the platform or to help in
charitable work with his purse.
One episode in the life of the deceased
showed his capacity for business and his
methods. While his firm was engaged in
litigation of the greatest magnitude in behalf
of the owners OF the New Ainladen quick
silver mine against the United States con-
sutaiion was held where it was stated that
IL certain witnesses could be secured their
testimony would be Invaluable. They were
aged Mexicans and were settled quietly in
and about theeity of Colima, Mexico. After
hearing these details Mr.. Billings said if their
testimony was wanted lie would see that it
would be ready at the trial His partners
told him to 90 ahead. He lost no time but
Chartered inc Sttdnitr new NoTiu, ntleu
her out with everything required and one
quiet day sal ed straight for the port of
Manzanillo. The distance to Colima was
so miles and this was provided for by sew
eral handsome carriages. As soon as Mr.
Billings reached that city he interviewed
the Mexicans and stated his business. They
were finally induced to leave home and
were transported in fine style to San Fran
cisco, where they found large hotel with
ample quarters for themselves and their
retinue. Here they lived for months, and
when the case came fol trial their testimony
was invaluable. The expense of the ar
rangemeut was enormous, but that did not
influence Mr.. Billings. lie wanted those
witnesses and he got them.