BILLINGS, Edward

BILLINGS, DAVIS, GEMMILL

Posted By: Chantel Schmitt (email)
Date: 5/6/2012 at 17:06:19

Edward Billings (1847-1924)

Edward Billings, born November 3, 1847, was an example of an early settler who braved the wilds of Iowa by himself. At 20 he left New England and started farming in Rockford township. Two years later, in 1868, his "boyhood friend and schoolmate," Augusta Adelaide Davis, joined him and they were married at Charles City. To them five children were born - Ellen, Edna, Jennie, Bertha and Josiah Quincy. Mr. Billings farmed until 1885, when he became involved in the banking business until he retired in Chicago. He lived with his son-in-law, W.S Gemmill (who married Edna) who was superintendent of Rockford's high school and in Chicago judge of superior court. Mr. Billings spent his declining years in Biloxi, Mississippi, where he died March 12, 1924.

Vala, Michael F. The Story of Rockford, 333. M.F. Vala Publishing, Dubuque, IA. 1970.

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