Luther Guiteau Billings – Rear Admiral, United States Navy

Luther Guiteau Billings was born at Remsen, New York, 27 December 1842, the son of Andrew and Abbie (Sheldon) Billings. He was married with one son. He died 30 December 1920 at Eagle Rock, California.

Admiral Billings received appointment to the United States Navy from New York, 24 October 1862; He served as Pay Inspector, 26 December 1882; Pay Director, 9 January 1895. He retired on 14 March 1898 and was promoted to Pay Director with the rank of Rear Admiral on the retired list, 29 Jun 1906.

During the Civil War, he was on Water Witch when boarded 4 June 1864 in Ossabaw Sound by Confederates. Wounded and taken prisoner and was eventually exchanged, receiving advance of fifteen numbers in his grade.

He served on Wateree at Arica, Peru, in August 1868 when the area was badly hit by an earthquake and subsequently by a tidal wave, putting the vessel far inland. He was commended for his courageous actions during that emergency.

Admiral Billings is buried in Section 3 of Arlington National Cemetery.  His nephew, Andrew Billings Paddock, Ensign, United States Navy, is also buried in Arlington National Cemetery.

BILLINGS, LUTHER G

• United States Navy
• DATE OF DEATH: 12/30/1920
• BURIED AT: SECTION 3  SITE 1902-WS
• ARLINGTON NATIONAL CEMETERY

BILLINGS, LAURA E W/O LUTHER G

• DATE OF DEATH: 01/15/1918
• BURIED AT: SECTION S.DIV  SITE 1902
• ARLINGTON NATIONAL CEMETERY
• Wife of LG BILLINGS, REAR ADML US NAVY RTD

Michael Robert Patterson

Michael Robert Patterson was born in Arlington and is the son of a former officer of the US Army. So it was no wonder that sooner or later his interests drew him to American history and especially to American military history. Many of his articles can be found on renowned portals like the New York Times, Washingtonpost or Wikipedia.

Reviewed by: Michael Howard