St. Johnsbury Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1867-1919, 1901-09-11
RECENT DEATHS.
BullaFd.

morning dllCi du illbNSo VI ~ 49,
death is attributed to a general breaking
down OF the system, accompanied by ar
affection of the brain. For nearly
week he was unconscious and remained
in that condition until the eud came.
Gates Bezeliah Billiard was the son o.
Jonathan and Rebecca Gates Billiard
and was born at Plainfeld, N. H., Feb
ruary l, 1929. When he was a child the
family removed to Albany, where his
bovhood and early school days were
spent. His parents were staunch Metho,
dists and Gates was sent to Newbury
Seminary where he prepared for college
He entered Dartmouth and graduated
with the class of 1852. Choosing medi-
cine as a profession, he entered the
medical school of the same institution
from which he received the degree Of NJ.
D. in 1854 During his student days he
taught school for several terms. After
receiving his degree be began the prac-
tice of his profession at Canaan, and re-
manned there until he came to st Johns
bury East, in June 1858, and succeeded
to the practice of DR.. George Carlisle
Wheeler. The latter died in April Of
that year.
When the 18th Vermont Regiment was
formed in the fall of 1862, DR.. Billiard
enlisted and received the appointment
of assistant surgeon. On May, 1868,
he was promoted surgeon to succeed
Major Carlton P. Frost, whose dis
charge bore that date. The 18th Regi-
ment lost no men in battle, but during
its nearly ten months of service there
was the usual amount of sickness Incl
dent to army life and the soldiers of the
command testify to his great profession
al ability and thorough devotion to the
regiment. He was mustered out of
service with the regiment on August 5,
1868.
In 1865 Dr. Billiard removed from
East Village to St. Johnsbury and lived
for time on Spring street. In 1867 he
purchased the place on Eastern Avenue
which has since been his home.
Following his army service DR.. Billiard
Immediately became a prominent factor
in town ann state politics and for several
years held almost continually some i'm
portant office. He was town represen-
tive in 1868 and '64 and in 1867 and
'68 represented Caledonia county in
the senate. During his legislative terms
he ranked among the strongest men in
both branches.
In 1869 and 10 he was surgeon gener-
al of the state, and in 1871 and '72 was
state commissioner of the insane. Dur
ing the years since the war he has held
many minor town and village offices and
was for many years on the board of pen
sion examiners. He was repeatedly
chosen as delegate to county, district
and state conventions, and as a politl-
clan he long ranked among the most in
huential in state affairs as well as in the
political life of his own town and county.
For more than 20 years he was leader
in everything that pertained to the social
or political lie of St. JOhnsbury.
Notwithstanding his prominence in
political life it is as physician and sur
geon that he will be best remembered.
This was his life work and for more than
43 years, with the exception of his army
life, he practiced in st. Johnsbury and
vicinity. During that time his reputation
steadily grew until he had, perhaps, the
most extensive practice OF any doctor in
northeastern Vermont. He was fire.
quently called to various parts OF the
state, and even beyond its borders, to
attend council in critical cases. He was
a close student and he leaves medical
library which is considered by the pro
fession as one OF the best private collec
lions in New England. He was mem
Der of the American Medical Association
the Vermont Medical society and thu
White Mountain Medical society serv
ing as president in the latter organlz
alton in 1877. He often attended TIT
annual meetings of these societies ant
besides giving addresses made se7era
valuable contributions TO the medica
literature OF his time.
He was very effective as a publ
speaker and by presenting his side of tn
case in iorcible and unique manner b
usually carried the day, especially
town and village meetings, no matte
how strong the opposition seemed to b
Always interested in the soldiers, he We
one of the promoters of the plan to bull
the Soldiers monument and memb'
OF the committee that had charge OF i
erection.
As conversationaist DR.. Billiard VIZ
always enjoyable because of his remar
able memory and his interestir
manner of recalling stirring event
His wide acquaintance with pu
lie men, his love of travel al
his keen insight into human nature ga
him a fund of interesting experienc
which his friends always delighted
hear him relate.
He married July 8, 1860, Le6e Pr
meia, daughter of DR.. George Z. Wheelt
and she died July II, 1879. He leav
three children, DR.. Harry g., Miss
Rebecca and Agnes NJ, all of st. Joht
bury. His only other near relative is
nephew, John E. Tinker of Danville.
The funeral was held at the house F
day afternoon. Rev. DR.. Edward
Fairbanks, assisted by Rev. Edward
Chapman, conducted the services. Oy
the casket was draped the stars andstriI
and around it sat the members of the
AR. There was large gathering Of p
pie from this and surrounding tow
who came to pay their last tribute
respect to the deceased. The burial "
at St. Tohnsbury East and a DELEGATE