My Genealogy Hound

GEORGE A. MILLS. Biographies of useful, upright, honorable and successful men not of only perpetuate for their descendants the events of their lives, but also are most instructive as guides and incentives to others. The pages of this volume are studded with examples of the power of steadfast integrity and unwavering persistence, proving what each one may accomplish for himself, even though he begins the battle of life handicapped by poverty and other seemingly insurmountable obstacles. Nor does the biography of Mr. Mills present in this respect an example less to be emulated and admired by his fellow-citizens and co-laborers. It is therefore with pleasure that we direct the attention of our readers to the following brief outline of a life spent in the honorable discharge of public and private duties and obligations.

At the present time Mr. Mills is conducting an extensive business as a mason and contractor in Benton Harbor. He is a native of Rochester, N. Y., and was born on the 12th of December, 1859. His father, John C., was born in Scotland in 1807, and inherited habits of thrift from a long line of Scotch forefathers. Emigrating early in life to America, he purchased a fruit farm in Ottawa, Canada, and for a number of years engaged in raising small fruits and berries, which he shipped mainly to Eastern markets. Subsequently he removed to New York, and for some years was a resident of Rochester. His death occurred in 1889, at the advanced age of four-score years and two.

The mother of our subject bore the maiden name of Martha Labar, and is of French descent. She is still living and makes her home in Benton Harbor. Her four children also survive, Frank H. being a resident of Benton Harbor, as are also Robert W., George A., and Sarah. The youngest son of the family, George A., spent his boyhood years in the city of Rochester, where he gained a practical education in the common schools. At the age of eighteen he went to sea, and for two years sailed in a merchant vessel on the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. In that way he gained a comprehensive knowledge of the people of different nations, as well as their customs and languages.

Returning from the sea, Mr. Mills commenced to learn the trade of a mason in Rochester, and, upon gaining a practical knowledge of the trade, followed that occupation in his native city. In 1822 he removed to Minneapolis, Minn., where he spent two years. In 1884 he came to Benton Harbor, and has since then continued uninterruptedly at his trade of a mason. He also does an extensive business as a contractor, and has been awarded the contracts for the erection of many of the most substantial buildings in this vicinity, prominent among which may be mentioned the Catholic Church at Benton Harbor and the Catholic School at Niles.

In 1892 Mr. Mills erected the residence he now occupies on High Street. Here, in the society of his wife and children, Arthur H., Vina I. (George F. died July 24, 1893), and Robert W., at home, he passes many of his happiest hours. Mrs. Mills was .prior to her marriage, February 10, 1882, known as Miss Fannie E. Haines, and was born in Rochester, N. Y., being a daughter of Edward and Charlotte (Giddings) Haines. She is a lady whose position in social circles is one of prominence, and whose influence is always on the side of those measures calculated to benefit the people and community. In his political affiliations Mr. Mills is a stanch Democrat, always using his influence for the candidates of that party. In his social relations he is identified with the Knights of Pythias.