My Genealogy Hound

WILLIAM D. BILLINGS, Town Clerk of Hatfield, was born in this town, August 5, 1832, son of John A. and Clarissa (Dickinson) Billings. The Billings family have resided in Hatfield for more than two hundred years, having been large land-owners and extensive farmers, and figuring prominently in the development of the town’s prosperity. They are descendants of Richard and Margery Billings, who emigrated from England, were residents of Hartford, Conn., in 1640, and settled in Hatfield in 1661. The original farm which Richard Billings improved is now owned and occupied by Mrs. J. D. Billings, her husband being a direct descendant of Richard.

Richard Billings died in 1679, leaving one son, Samuel, who was born in Connecticut and died in Hatfield. He married Sarah Fellows, and his children were: Samuel; Ebenezer; Richard; John, who was liked by the Indians; and Sarah. Samuel Billings, second, was born in Hatfield, and succeeded to the possession of the homestead. He married Hannah Wright, and was the father of Sarah, Joseph, Zechariah, and Benjamin. Zechariah Billings followed agricultural pursuits in Hatfield, and died in 1771. He married Ruth Meekins; and they were the parents of David, Sybil, Lydia, and Silas.

Captain Silas Billings, great-grandfather of William D., was born in Hatfield, November 3, 1741. He bought a farm lying directly opposite to the old homestead and became a prosperous farmer. He died in Hatfield, June 6, 1808. He was a member of the Congregational church. He married Miriam Dickinson, who lived to reach the age of ninety years, and died in 1836. Their children were: Joseph, Erastus, Roswell, and Ruth. Colonel Erastus Billings, Mr. Billings’s grandfather, was born June 30, 1778, and died October 27, 1838. A thrifty man, the owner of a large estate, he was influential in public affairs, serving with ability in important town offices, and was Colonel of a regiment of cavalry. He was a Whig in politics and a Congregationalist in religion. He married Abigail Allis, who was born in 1779; and she became the mother of four children: Fanny, Silas, John A., and Erastus. Mrs. Abigail Billings died in 1829.

John A. Billings was born in Hatfield, February 22, 1806. In early manhood he went to Avon, N. Y., where he purchased a farm, but after residing there for four years he sold the property and returned to his native town. He bought the farm which is now owned by S. F. Billings, and in 1856 built the present farm residence. He was a Republican in politics, and became prominently identified with public affairs, serving as a Selectman and Assessor. John A. Billings died May 27, 1886. His wife, Clarissa Dickinson, was born April 1, 1805. They had four children, two of whom grew to maturity, namely: Frances, born July 12, 1830, who died December 12, 1882; and William D., the subject of this sketch; Louisa, born September 4, 1840, died August 22, 1843; and Willard W., born August 22, 1845, died September 28, 1845. The mother died February 28, 1872.

William D. Billings commenced his education at Williston Seminary, and completed his studies at the Monson Academy. He engaged in agricultural pursuits until 1860, when he formed a partnership with H. P. Billings, with whom he conducted a general mercantile business in Hatfield for five years, at the expiration of which period he retired from trade. Resuming farming at the old homestead, which fell to his possession, Mr. Billings resided there until 1886, when he sold the property. Mr. Billings is a Republican in politics, and has always actively supported that party. He has served as an Assessor twenty-three years, since 1863; and in 1858 he was elected Town Clerk, a position which he has since filled with marked ability and efficiency. He has re-copied with utmost care the town records, which date from the original settlement in 1660, and has placed them in perfect order for reference, a work whose importance and value it would be difficult to overestimate.

On October 14, 1863, Mr. Billings was united in marriage with Mary L. Warner, a native of Hatfield. She was born on November 26, 1838, daughter of James W. and Louisa B. (Longley) Warner, the former of whom was a prosperous farmer of Hatfield. Mr. and Mrs. Billings have been called to part with one of their two children, namely: Louisa D., who was born March 4, 1868, and died January 14, 1874. Her sister, Clarissa D., born September 10, 1873, is now the wife of Frederick U. Wells, of Springfield, Mass.