Charles Edwin Billings

4th Illinois Volunteer Cavalry

 

Mendota Reporter

July 15, 1920

Civil War Veteran Answered Last Call Monday Morning. Was over 74 Years of Age? Funeral This Afternoon.

Another of the Civil War Veterans answered the last call Monday morning and the ranks of those who served during the days of hardship and suffering has again been called on to give up another of their comrades.

Charles Edwin Billings, a son of Ezra and Eliza Billings, was born at Towanda, Bradford County, Pennsylvania. On the 9th day of January 1846, and moved with his parents to Illinois in 1856, His father at that time conducted a cabinet factory and the deceased was engaged in the work in the factory. On December 11, 1863, at the age of 18 years, he enlisted in the army and was appointed Company Bugler of the 4th Illinois Cavalry, which later was joined with the 12th Regiment Illinois Cavalry. On the first day of March 1866 he was appointed chief bugler of that regiment and received his honorable discharge at Houston, Texas, May 29, 1866. On his return from the army he engaged in farming which he continued until 1906.

On December 19, 1876, he was united in marriage with Katherine Diehl and to this union was born three children. Arthur P and Ralph W, of Mendota and Mrs. Cora Schrader of Ottawa. On retiring from the farm he moved to this city where he has since made his home.

He early accepted the Christian faith and united with the Methodist Episcopal church at Earlville, later transferring his membership to this city where he has been a faithful member for many years.

He leaves to mourn his death, his faithful wife who has untiringly cared for him these many months during his sickness, the children, relatives and a host of friends. Also a sister Mrs. Eva Metcalf of Spokane Washington, and a brother William R. Billings of Steele North Dakota, One brother and one sister preceded him to the home beyond, Merker Billings of Omaha, Neb. and Ella Caldwell of Storm Lake, Iowa.

The funeral services were held from the Methodist church this Thursday afternoon, Rev. Herbert Dack officiating. Interment was made in Restland.

The services at the grave were conducted by the members of the G. A. R. and the W. R. C.

Those from out of town who attended the funeral were: Miss Carrie Lauer of Peru, Miss Flora Billings of Spring Valley, Mr. and Mrs. Barney Schrader and Mrs. Molly Eichelkraut of Ottawa, and Miss Grace Hardy of Hill City, S. D.

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