George H. Millis

George H. Millis

GEORGE H. MILLIS, farmer, section 26, Denver Township, is a son of John and Lois (Porter) Millis, natives of New England, and was born in Erie Co., N.Y., June 5, 1828. He was engaged upon his father's farm and in attending the district school until 21 years of age, then came to Monroe County, this State, via Lake Erie, taking passage on the propeller Detroit. During the voyage, which lasted ten days, he experienced that terrible storm of October, 1850, in which the fine boat, Henry Clay, was sunk, the Detroit being only one-half mile from the ill fated vessel. He remained in Monroe County one year, during which time he was married, in the township of Dundee, to Miss Philena Weatherby, daughter of Reuben and Catharine (Harmin) Weatherby, natives of Saratoga Co., N.Y., who was born in MOnroe County, this State, March 4, 1834. She was educated in her native county, and remained at home until her marriage. In October, 1851, Mr. Millis moved to Van BUren County, where he was engaged in various kinds of labor until the fall of 1856, when he came to this county and settled upon a farm of 120 acres in Denver Township. At that time it was wild, unbroken forest, and many privations were endured before the land could be made productive. But Mr. Millis stemmed the tide, and now has 45 acres under the plow and in good farming condition.

Owing to the many hardships and severe labor consequent upon being obliged to provide for a large family under so many difficulties, he contracted a disease of the liver, and has for many years been an invalid. But notwithstanding all this he has been able to secure a good home for his children. Mrs. Millis, an ambitious lady of remarkable physical powers, has been of great assistance, both at home and abroad; being always ready to aid the needy and nurse the sick at a moment's warning. She endured, with great fortitude, the trial sof their pioneer life. Many times their children were obliged to go barefoot all winter, through rough, cold, stormy weather and deep snows.

Mr. Millis is a member of the I.O.G.T. at Denver, and has held the office of Justice of the Peace four years. In politics he is a staunch Republican, and himself and wife are identified with the Second Advent Church. They have had nine children, four of whom are living: Ella M., born April 7, 1864; Melvin J., July 17, 1867; Ortha, Aug. 17, 1871; Lois, May 23, 1880; Albert, born Feb. 20, 1854, deid Nov, 20, 1879; Sarah, born May 23, 1857; died Sept. 25, 1863; Gilbert, born March 17, 1878, died Oct. 23, 1879; George, born Jan. 22, 1860, died Dec. 22, 1862; one died in infancy.

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