The subject of this sketch is a well known and highly respected citizen of Meriden, born there October 18, 1873, a son of John L. and Harriet M. Billard. After receiving his primary education in the public schools of his native city, he entered St. Paul’s school of Concord, New Hampshire, where he spent the years 1888 to 1892, then entering Yale university from which he graduated in 1896, with the degree of Bachelor of Arts. In 1909 he returned to his alma mater, taking a course in forestry. Soon after his graduation in 1896 he went to Chicago, Illinois, and entered the employ of Swift & Company, well known packers in that city, but in 1901 he returned to Meriden and engaged in the lumber business. From 1907 to 1914 he followed the profession of forestry, being employed by the larger lumber companies of the Adirondacks and northern New England. In his various undertakings Mr. Billard has met with a fair degree of success and has always had the respect and confidence of his business associates. He has been connected with various financial interests and is today an officer in the First National Bank, the Meriden Trust & Safety Deposit Company and the City Savings Bank, all of Meriden.

  On the 28th of February, 1917, Mr. Billard was united in marriage with Elizabeth E. Bennett, daughter of James Elverson, and they reside at No. 160 Colony street in Meriden.

  In politics Mr. Billard is a republican, with the principles of which party he is in thorough accord. His interest in civic affairs secured his appointment as park commissioner in 1914, and his interest in education made him a school commissioner the same year, positions which he has since held to the general satisfaction of the community. Mr. Billard is a member of the Society of American Foresters and the Society of Northeastern Foresters, and fraternally he is a Mason, an organization in which he takes a commendable interest. In social organizations he is a member of the board of governors of the Highland Country Club and of the Home Club. While in general terms a prophet is not without honor save in his own country, it can truly be said that Mr. Billard is honored in his own native city and wherever known. His life record is a commendable one.