George W. Mills Dead - Oldest Resident of Lewis County Passes Away
George W. Mills, the oldest resident of the county, and one of the oldest in the state, died at his home in South Centralia on Friday, February 10th, at 3:10 p.m. Mr. Mills had been in failing health for the past three months.
Mr. Mills crossed the plains with his parents in 1847 in a prairie schooner, he being at that time only seven years old. His parents at that time settled in Oregon county, before the two territories were divided into Washington and Oregon. In 1865 he came to Lewis county, and was one of the first white settlers to make this part of the state his home. Mr. Mills, like all of the hardy men of the frontier, experienced many hardships, passing through the Indian wars, and had many hard times with the native red skins.
For many years Mr. Mills has been the leader of various musical organizations in the state and county. Ably assisted by his daughter, Evaltta, as a pianist, they have played for many a good time, and their music will be missed by the many who have come to expect them. Mr. Mills has been a well known citizen for years and his demise will be taken to heart by a large number of people. He was always willing to assist in any way that would help the town that he had helped to build, Centralia. As a friend and neighbor he was loved and esteemed by all. As a husband and father he was loving and kind.
George W. Mills was born in Jackson county, Missouri, on January 21, 1840. He was married on August 26, 1879, to Lillie Robinson O'Hara of Harvard, Illinois. Besides his wife, three daughters survive him, Mrs. W. J. Underwood, of Centralia; Mrs. A. J. Pattison, of Aberdeen and Miss Evaltta N. Mills, of Centralia. Three sisters and three brothers are also left to mourn his loss. They are, Mrs. Mary J. Brown, Prof. W. P. Mills, Mrs. Lizzie Beall, Mr. J. M. Mills, Mr. S. T. Mills and Mrs. M. Shriver.
The funeral services were held at the home in South Centralia on Sunday, Rev. W. E. Zediker, of the Baptist church officiating. Rev. Zediker preached a very touching sermon, after which a large number of sympathizing friends followed the remains to their resting place, the Mountain View Cemetery.
Source: The Centralia News-Examiner, Friday, 17 Feb 1905, page 1.
Transcribed by Diana Smith. She has no further information on this individual.