BILLINGS, Winfield S.
Portrait & Biographical Record Winnebago & Boone Cos., IL. Chicago: Biographical Pub. Co., 1892, p 856

Winfield S. BILLINGS, senior member of the firm of BILLINGS Brothers, is one of the prominent business men of Rockford [Winnebago County, IL].  The establishment in which the firm carries on a large and lucrative business, is located at No. 812 South Main Street, is 22x104 feet in dimensions, and is stocked with a complete line of hardware, tinware, and the various other adjuncts of that business line.

Prior to 1888 when the present firm was established, our subject conducted business for some four years under the firm name of GLASSELL & BILLINGS, and by reliable dealings and judicious business methods, has gained an enviable reputation as a business man.   The junior member of the firm, G. W. BILLINGS, is a young man of great enterprise, and the brothers combine those qualities which fit them for success in any chosen department of labor.

The first eleven years in the life of our subject were passed in Montgomery County, NY, where he was born 06 May 1839.  At the above mentioned age, he came West with his parents, James and Temperance J. (BUNN) BILLINGS, settling in Rock County, WI.  In 1863 the father and mother removed to Butler County, IA, where they now reside on the farm they secured on first locating there.  They have attaned to advanced ages (1892), the father being 78 and the mother 76, and both are in good health.

The third son of the family of 11 children surviving of the 13 born to James and Temperance BILLINGS is the subject of this sketch.  For a time after he came West in 1850, he lived in Rock County, WI, but in 1865 removed to Grundy County, IA, where he was engaged as a farmer, and whence he removed to Rockford.  In Rock County, WI, he was united in marriage with Miss Amanda SNELL, who was born in Montgomery County, NY, in 1843.   She was a young woman when her parents, Charles and Nancy (LATHERS) SNELL, removed from NY State to Rock County, WI, settling on  farm, where the father died at the age of 65.  His wife afterward went to NE, where she passed away at the age of 60 years.

Mrs. Amanda BILLNGS died at her home in Grundy County, IA, leaving one child, William D., who now lives in SD.  The wife and mother was a sincere Chrisitian, identified with the Baptist Church, and a lady of culture and refinement, whose friends held her in high esteem.  Although by no means an active worker in political matters, Mr. BILLINGS is a sound Republican, and is careful to cast his ballot for the candidates of that party.   Socially he is connected with Lodge No. 366, Royal Arch Masons, at Rockford, and is prominently connected with the most important measures originated in behalf of the city.

Submitted by Cathy Kubly.