Hines, H. K. "An Illustrated History of the State of Oregon." Chicago: Lewis Pub. Co. 1893. p. 280. HON. WILLIAM A. MILLS Might be called one of the banner pioneers of Oregon, inasmuch as he belongs to that favored few who proceeded the general emigration, having made his appearance on the then wild and undeveloped scene in 1843, which is probably the first year in which white men began to settle in this locality. He is a native of Tennessee, where he was born September 1, 1826. His father, Isaac Mills, was a native of North Carolina, and was descended from a family of prominence and influence in that State, who were early settlers of the commonwealth. Isaac was raised in his native State, and was married there to Miss Rachel Bales, a native of the same State. They afterward moved to Tennessee, and later to Indiana, whence they went to Arkansas, and finally, in 1843, crossed the plains to Oregon. He was truly a pioneer of pioneers, having been an early settler of all the first mentioned States. They had thirteen children, six of whom are now living, three sons and three daughters. From Fort Hall they came in company with Dr. Whitman, who is widely and favorable known in this locality. Their journey was undisturbed by the ravages of cholera or the molestations of Indians. Arriving in Oregon, they located in Washington county, on a fork of Dairy creek, where they pre-empted a mile square of land, which they improved and on which they continued to reside for many years, and a number of survivors of the family still live in that county. The father died on the old homestead, aged eighty-six years, and the mother died at the residence of her daughter, Mrs. Thomburg, in 1890, in her ninety-seventh year. They were a truly noble couple, and inherited all of the best qualities of the Southern people, being thoroughly hospitable and over-flowing with generous impulses, and were greatly endeared to a host of friends, who universally mourned their loss. Their son, William A. Mills, was seventeen years of age when he arrived in Oregon. To quote his words, he was "born in Tennessee, but was raised on the road, with little opportunity for education, having attended school but five months." Hence we have before us the unfolding of a self-educated and self-made life, which is always interesting to a student of human nature. In 1852 he purchased the old homestead on which his father first settled. He then assiduously set about cultivating this wonderfully fertile soil, which head never been disturbed before. His efforts were very successful, his crops being abundant, for which the prices were good. He thus accumulated much means, some of which he expended in improvements on his farm, chief among which was the erection of a substantial residence, and good barns for his grain and stock, thus greatly adding to the value of the place. He continued to reside here until 1873, when he removed to Clackamas, where he bought village property, on which he erected a residence and a building, which is now used as a store, ticket office and for the post office of the town. Mrs. Mills was Postmistress of the town under the administration of President U.S. Grant. Mr. Mills has also owned property and resided in Marion and Multnomah counties. In March, 1848, Mr. Mills was married to Mrs. Rachel Fisher, a native of Indiana, whose husband, J. H. Fisher, died on the road to Oregon, in 1847. She was the daughter of Reuben Joy, of Iowa. They had six children, five of whom are now living. Rachel W. died aged three years, and the following children reside in Washington county: John M.; Mary E., now the wife of Mr. B. Ingalls; Laura, wife of Mr. Benton Phillips; Elba J., wife of Elias Fowler; and Albert W., who resides in Clackamas. In 1868 the devoted wife and mother, who for twenty years had known no interest but that of her husband and children, was called to her reward, leaving a stricken family and numerous friends to mourn her loss. In 1874 Mr. Mills married Mrs. Mary E. Capps, a highly estimable lady, and the widow of Mr. John Capps. Mr. Mills has been a consistent Republican and a strong Union man, and has taken a deep interest in the welfare of his State. He was instrumental in the organization of that party in this locality, having attended the first meeting of the party in the Territory. In 1870 he was nominated for the State Legislature by his party, to which position he was elected, and in the fulfillment of his duties displayed ability and honor. He has assiduously subserved the interests of his co-workers, the farmers, and has acted for a number of years as President of the County Agricultural Society and also as Vice-President of the State Agricultural Society, in both of which positions he has done able service. He has been a leading temperance man, is a member of the Good Templars, having filled all its offices, and is a representative of the State Lodge. Since 1884 he has worked with the Prohibition party, and says the "saloons must go." Forty-nine of the best and most useful years of Mr. Mills' life have been devoted to the advancement and general welfare of his adopted State. In his position as Representative he assisted in the enacting of good laws for his State, and in his position as citizen he has assisted in the enforcing of the same, and he is now enjoying his reward in the esteem of his fellow-men. Transcriber's additional notes: 1860 - June 16; Washington Co, OR; Forest Grove, page 622 William Mills, 33, TN, farmer, $700 / $3000 Rachel, 36, IN, $3000 real estate John, 8, OR Mary 6, OR Laura, 5, OR Elva, 3, OR 1870 - Washington Co, OR; Hillsboro Pct, Forest Grove PO, page 472 Wm. A. Mills, 43, TN, $4000 / $1500 John M, 19, OR, att. school Mary E, 17, OR, keeping house, att. school Laura A, 15, OR, att. school Elva J, 13, Or, att. school Albert W., 9, OR Isaac, 84, NC, retired farmer Rachael, 77, TN, keeping house 1874, Dec 31; Clackamas Co, OR, marriage records; W. A. Mills to Mary E. Capps 1880 - June 22; Klickitat Co, WA; Dist No. 2, page 358 Wm. A. Mills, 53, TN, NC, NC, farmer Mary E, wife, 38, MO, VA, VA Elva J, dau, 23, OR, TN, MO Albert W, son, 18, OR, TN, MO 1900 - June 4; Clackamas Co, OR; Clackamas Pct, page 58 William A. Mills, 73, Sept 1826, TN, NC, NC, mar 26 yrs, landlord Mary E, wife, 58, July 1841, MO, VA, VA, 0 children 1910 - April 16; Multnomah Co, OR; Portland Pct 60, Wd 8, page 49, 22 E 78th st Sarah C. Matlock, head, 71, MO, VA, VA, Wd, 9 children-9 living Agnes, dau, 37, OR, IN, MO, single, teacher, public school Lillian L Smith, dau, 33, OR, IN, MO, 1st mar, mar 1 yr, 0 children Albert B. Smith, son in law, 45, MD, MD, MD, 2nd mar, mar 1 yr, contractor, railroad Mary E. Mills, sister, 68, MO, VA, VA, Wd, 0 children ******************* Submitted to the Oregon Bios. Project in October 2005 by Diana Smith. Submitter has no additional information about the person(s) or family mentioned above.