My Genealogy Hound

ELLIS MILLS, a dealer in dry goods, millinery, notions, etc., at 223-7 High street, Pottstown, was born in Lancashire, England, March 20, 1846. He is the son of William Mills.

William Mills (father) was a cotton broker, buying and selling cotton in England. In 1869 he emigrated to America, and settled in Manayunk, where he died in 1872, aged fifty-three years. His wife died in England in 1848. In religious faith they were members of the established Church of England. They were both born in England. They had three children, two of whom are now living: Sarah Ann, wife of Mr. Walker, of Lancashire, England; and Ellis.

John Mills (grandfather) died in England in his eighty-ninth year, leaving a small family. The maternal grandfather of Ellis Mills also died in England.

Ellis Mills was educated in England. He came to America in company with his father when he was twenty-three years of age and has established a reputation for high character and excellent business qualifications of which any man might be proud.

Soon after his arrival in America, on August 28, 1873, Ellis Mills married Miss Alice Stanney, daughter of Abner and Ellen Stanney. They have four children, as follows: Ellen Stanney Mills, a teacher; William and Charles Adams Mills, who are associated with their father in his business; and Edna Lees Mills, a graduate of Rogers Hall School, Lowell, Massachusetts. Mr. and Mrs. Mills are members of the Episcopal church of Pottstown and he is a vestryman.

Mr. Mills belongs to Manatawny Lodge, No. 314, I. O. O. F., the Royal Arcanum and other organizations. He has been a member of the I. O. O. F. over thirty years and of the Arcanum for twenty years. In politics he is a prominent member of the Republican party and has been a school director for three years. His residence is at 428 King street.

Mr. Mills settled in Pottstown in 1873 and established the business which has become the largest dry-goods store in Pottstown. He employes from thirty to forty persons, and his store is one of the best appointed in Montgomery county in the line of dry-goods, millinery and notions. He is doing a wholesale and retail business, extending over a radius of from ten to fifteen miles to the country stores. He has built up the business from a small beginning, and his store would today be a credit to any city. Mr. Mills is a self-made man and owes his success entirely to his indefatigable energy, progressive spirit and good management. He is highly regarded as a citizen of Pottstown.