Frederick Billings

Frederick Billings represented what American institutions can do for a boy well equipped with health and brains.

It is a history which every father can place before his boys and ask no better of them than to copy it. From a simple country home in Vermont, the hardy lad, endowed by nature with a stout heart and a good head, with enthusiasm, courage and modesty, after working on a farm in his boyhood, graduated at college, studied law, and went with the tide that flowed to California in 1849 to make his fortune and his reputation, both of which came speedily. As a member of the firm of Halleck, Peachy & Billings he was known as one of the leading lawyers of the State, and on his return to the East it was generally understood that he was to become a member of the Cabinet of President Lincoln during his second term, an expectation which was frustrated by the tragedy of April 14, 1865. He became associated with the Northern Pacific Railroad; revived the scheme which was paralyzed by the suspension of Jay Cooke & Co., and by his energy and skill built the road. He was a man of strong personality; a forcible, fluent and attractive orator; generous hearted and free toward his friends, and a most genial and witty companion. With an ample fortune he was munificent in his benefactions to churches, colleges and schools, and though for several years failing health withdrew him from the companionship of his friends, he remains in their memory as a man of rare capacity and a true gentleman.

Henry E. Howland
1891 Century Association Yearbook