My Genealogy Hound

Frank L. Millis, a member of the prominent business firm of Millis Brothers, at Pontiac, Michigan, dealers in lumber, doors, coal, wood, etc., is one of the leading and enterprising citizens of the city. Mr. Millis was born in Bloomfield township, Oakland County, September 1, 1855, and is a son of John D. Millis, who, with his eldest son, Elmore P. Millis, established the business.

John D. Millis was born in 1822, and was married on November 17, 1847, at Nelson, Portage County, Ohio, to Fannie Fuller, who was born in Leroy, Jefferson County, New York, in 1824. Very soon after their marriage they moved to Oakland County, and resided in Bloomfield township, on what is now the Grayling farm. Mr. Millis died April 29, 1888. Mrs. Millis survived her husband’s death 14 years, her decease occurring August 8, 1902, of heart disease. The end came very suddenly and unexpectedly, there being not even time enough in which to secure a physician. Mrs. Millis was survived by two sisters, — Mrs. Ellsworth, of Rose City, Michigan, and Mrs. Earl, of Saranac, Michigan, — a brother, Berley Fuller, of Cleveland, Ohio, and by three sons, — Elmore P., born in 1851, who is now a farmer in Lapeer County, Michigan; Frank L., our subject; and Fred M., born March 25, 1859. A daughter, Hattie A., married E. H. Mead, of Sault Ste. Marie, and died December 21, 1901. Mrs. Millis always lived a Christian life of gentleness, and was greatly missed by a large circle of friends. She was a lifelong member of the Baptist Church.

Frank L. Millis and his brother Elmore P. were educated in the Pontiac schools and attended the Detroit Business College; Fred M. was a student at the Pontiac Business College after he finished in the Pontiac schools. A close affection binds the brothers together and their business relations have been mutually pleasant and profitable.

Our subject continued to reside in Pontiac until he was 19 years old, at which time a part of the family, — the father and two sons, — removed to Lapeer County, where the former had purchased a block of pine timber land from the government, the tract at one time comprising 400 acres. With his sons, John D. Millis remained on this land for about 12 years, getting out timber. The firm of Millis Brothers is the only one in Pontiac that has been actively engaged in getting out its own lumber. Upon the death of their father, Frank L. and Fred M. Millis purchased the interest of their brother, Elmore P. Millis, and have continued the business already established in Pontiac. This firm does the largest business in their line in the city, and employs a number of men in handling and delivering, using several teams. The business office of the firm is located in the yards at the corner of Saginaw and Wesson streets, where there are fine railroad facilities, a side track running through the yards.

Our subject married Ella M. Benjamin, who was born in West Bloomfield township, and is a daughter of George W. Benjamin, a venerable resident of the county, living near Farmington. One daughter has been born to this marriage, Hazel F., a young lady of 17 summers, who is attending school. The handsome family residence is located at No. 52 Bagley street, Pontiac. Mr. Millis has, like his father, been prominent in Democratic politics and has served seven years as alderman from the First Ward. Fraternally he is connected with the lodge of the B. P. O. E. at Pontiac. In religious views the family belong to the Congregational Church.