She was the daughter of Frederick Billings and inherited the Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park from him before she died. Mary Montagu Billings was born to Frederick Billings and his wife Julia Parmly on March 6, 1869 in Woodstock, Vermont. Her mother Julia was born as the daughter of Doctor Eleazer Parmly of New York on December 8, 1835.
Mary was named after her mother"s older sister.
Mary had six siblings, being: Parmly (b February 6, 1863 - d May 7, 1888), Laura, Frederick, Elizabeth, Ehrick (b October 17, 1872 - d October 17, 1889), and finally Richard. The Parmly Billings Memorial Library, now called the Western Heritage Center, is named for Mary"s brother Parmly. Mary grew up in a wealthy family during the Gilded Age.
Her father Frederick was one of the wealthiest men in California and was considered one of its "foremost citizens".
After marrying Julia, they settled in Woodstock, Vermont, where the family was the wealthiest family of the town "by far". They owned the largest corn field in the state of Vermont, as well as a mansion on the family compound.
After the death of her father on September 30, 1890, Mary inherited his Vermont compound. lieutenant comprised 4,228 acres and six buildings, including the mansion, stables, a cottage, a farmhouse, and other buildings.
At left is a view from the compound, the future Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park.
Mary was very involved with the Young Women"s Christian Association, also known as the She was chair of the executive committee, as well as president Her daughter Mary also carried on the tradition. In 1951 she joined the National Board, then was vice-chairman and then chairman of the "s international division from 1955 to 1973.
From 1958 to 1964, she was chairman of the "s World Service Council, followed by being elected to the Board of Trustees in 1988.
