Franklin Noble Billings

Franklin Noble Billings (March 8, 1829 - December 11, 1894) was a Vermont businessman and merchant. A member of the prominent Billings family, he was notable for his investment stakes and management roles in several Vermont businesses. He was the father of Governor Franklin S. Billings and grandfather of Judge Franklin S. Billings Jr. In addition, he was the brother of Frederick H. Billings, uncle of Mary Billings French, and grand-uncle of Mary French Rockefeller.

Early life Franklin Noble Billings was born in Royalton, Vermont on March 8, 1829, to Oel Billings (1788–1871) and Sophia (Wetherbe) Billings (1796–1870). His family moved to Woodstock, Vermont when he was six, and he was educated in the schools of Royalton and Woodstock.

Career During the California Gold Rush, Billings traveled to California, joining his brother Frederick, who had become a prominent attorney in San Francisco.

In 1852, he returned to Vermont.

Billings occasionally took part in politics. A Republican, in June 1874 he was a delegate to the party's state convention in Burlington. In 1880, Billings again attended the state Republican convention, this time as an alternate delegate.

Family In 1859, Billings married Nancy Swift (1822–1904) of New Bedford, Massachusetts.

Billings was also the grandfather of Franklin S. Billings Jr. who served as a state and federal judge. Billings' siblings included businessman and attorney Frederick H. Billings. In addition, Billings was the uncle of Frederick Billings' daughter Mary Billings French, and grand-uncle of Frederick Billings' granddaughter Mary French Rockefeller.

Death and burial Billings died in Woodstock on December 11, 1894.

Legacy Locations with connections to Billings are included in the Woodstock Village entry on the National Register of Historic Places. These include the Amos Warren House, which Billings purchased in the late 1860s and remains in the Billings family. In addition, the historic district includes the Phoenix Block, where he owned and operated his store.

Related Frederick H. Billings F. H. Gillingham & Sons Franklin S. Billings Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park Woodstock, Vermont