My Genealogy Hound

GEORGE A. BILLINGS, whose portrait* accompanies the present sketch, is a prosperous farmer and a representative of one of the oldest families in Hatfield. He was born in this town. May 26, 1846, son of Erastus and Artimisia (Ford) Billings. Mr. Billings is a lineal descendant of Richard and Marjorie Billings, who emigrated from England and located in Hartford, Conn., in 1640. In 1661 they settled in Hatfield, Mass., and were the original occupants of the farm where Mrs. J. D. Billings now resides. Richard Billings died March 13, 1679. The descent continues through Samuel and Sarah (Fellows) Billings, who settled in Hatfield, and were the parents of Samuel, Ebenezer, Richard, and John, who was killed in the Indian wars, and Sarah. Samuel Billings, Jr., was born in Hatfield, and succeeded to the possession of the homestead. He married Hannah Wright, and his children were: Sarah, Joseph, Zachariah, and Benjamin. The next in line was Zachariah Billings, born in 1702, who married Ruth Meekins, and whose children were: David, Sybil, Lydia, and Silas. Captain Silas Billings, George A. Billings’s great-grandfather, bought the farm directly opposite the Billings homestead. He married Marian Dickinson, by whom he had four children: Joseph, Erastus, Roswell, and Ruth. He died June 6, 1808, survived by his wife, who died in 1836, aged ninety years. Erastus Billings, the first of the name, who was a Colonel in the War of 1812, was born June 30, 1778. He resided with his parents as long as they lived, and inherited the farm, which he conducted with success, becoming the owner of other real estate. He was a Whig in politics, and took a prominent part in public affairs, serving in various town offices. Colonel Erastus Billings died October 27, 1838. His wife, whose maiden name was Abigail Allis, became the mother of four children, as follows: Fanny E., Silas, John, and Erastus. Mrs. Abigail A. Billings died in 1829, aged fifty years.

Erastus Billings, the younger, was born in Hatfield, May 11, 1809, and was reared to agricultural pursuits. On reaching manhood he bought the old parsonage, which was formerly the homestead of the Rev. Hope Atherton, the first minister to settle in Hatfield; and he also purchased twelve acres of land adjoining. He remodelled the house, built a new barn, and otherwise improved the property, which he cultivated with success. Prospering in worldly affairs he bought other real estate in Hatfield, and erected a tenement-house for investment purposes. The family owned a mill, which is now operated by J. E. Porter, and conducted it successfully for a number of years. Erastus Billings was largely interested in the cultivation of tobacco, which he carried on with profitable results, until failing eyesight compelled him to relinquish active business. He has been an energetic and industrious business man; and to these praiseworthy qualities, in addition to his natural ability, is due his success in life. His wife, Artimisia Ford, was a native of Somers, Conn. She died in 1877, having been the mother of four children, as follows: Henry P.; Erastus F., who is Postmaster of Hatfield; Albert, who died in infancy; and George A., the subject of this sketch.

George A. Billings was educated in the public schools of Flatfield and at the Monson Academy. He has always resided at the homestead, and has devoted his attention to general farming and the cultivation of tobacco. He is agent for Sutter Brothers, tobacco dealers of Chicago, for whom he buys leaf tobacco, of which he is a competent judge. He has improved the farm and buildings, and his homestead is classed among the finest in Hatfield. He is a Republican in politics, and has served in several of the town offices.

On December 6, 1871, Mr. Billings was united in marriage to Abbie F. Graves, who was born in Hatfield, daughter of Jonathan S. and Caroline (Smith) Graves, both now deceased. Her father, who was a prominent farmer and a Deacon of the Congregational church, died at the age of sixty-three years. Mr. and Mrs. Billings are members of the Congregational church. They have five children, namely: Mabel L., born August 7, 1872; Albert G., born August 4, 1879; Laura F., born July 17, 1882; George R., born December 30, 1883; and Minnie A., born April 13, 1888.

*Editor's note: Portrait was included in the original printed book.