L. H. Mills

MILLS, WRIGHT

Posted By: Volunteer - Karen DaPra
Date: 9/30/2001 at 15:38:18

CALLED HOME

During the past few months death has visited our community many times. Old and young have fallen into his icy grasp, and surviving relatives and friends have been left to mourn and weep. But in no instance has the pallid monster seared more hearts than he did last Monday morning, when he took our beloved brother, friend and citizen, L. H. Mills, from our midst. By the most of us the blow was unexpected, and fell with a force at once sudden and terrific. Almost before we knew our brother was seriously ill he had passed beyond.

H. L. [sic] Mills was born in Henderson county, Ill., March 14th, 1854. When he was fourteen years of age he was converted and united with the Baptist church of Roseita, Illinois; removed to Iowa in 1874, where he united with the church at Bonaparte by letter; in 1882 he removed to Farmington and united with the Baptist church of that place. Returned to Bonaparte in 1885, and again transferred his membership to the Baptist church of the same place.

On the 25th day of June 1879, the deceased was united in marriage with Miss Lucy A. Wright, of Bonaparte, by whom he had three children, two sons and one daughter, one of the sons died in infancy. A wife, two children, one brother, three sisters and an aged mother, are left to mourn their loss.

Bro. Mills was one of the men whom to know was to respect and love, and whose real value is not appreciated until he is taken from us. He was a noble, wise and intelligent christian gentleman. A man who adorned his profession of the pure religion of Christ, and honored his race by his noble character. Words cannot express our loss. In the church he was one of the best, in the Sabbath School he was the leader, in the home, a loving husband and father.

We mourn! but not as those who have no hope. In the home of the blessed and pure, he lives, whom we call dead. There amid the glories of heaven we shall meet him forever. Thus while death robs us of our loved ones now, he must usher us into their presence some future day, and then tearless and deathless we shall enjoy their companionship forever.

The bereaved family have our sincere sympathy and most earnest prayer. May the divine Father so lead us that when we pass beyond it shall be said of us, "he lived pure and true among his dying friends, now he reigns in purity and trust among his immortal brothers."
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Mr. Mills was sick about two weeks with remittent fever with strong typhoid symptoms, which developed into a spinal trouble. As a business man his character was above reproach and he had the love and respect of his associates in all departments of business, and after a period of seven years he had built up a fair trade, having no disposition to gain anything beyond a fair living.

The funeral took place Thursday, April 21st, at the Baptist church, Bonaparte Lodge, I. O. O. F., of which he was an honored member, with several brethren from Farmington and Bentonsport, numbering about fifty, proceeded to the residence where they took charge of the remains. The pall bearers were: C. Hall, J. O. Morris, P. Bradford, C. Henkle, H. Dauber, W. Cornell, George Scott, [?] Farmington, Marshall. After depositing the casket in the hearse the procession proceeded to the Baptist church, which was filled with sympathising friends and citizens. Rev. McMasters conducted the services and delivered an affecting eulogy on the life of the departed, and read a beautiful poem. He preached an eloquent discourse from the 77th Pslam [sic] and 19th verse. The choir sang appropriate selections, and by request, "Am I a Soldier of the cross." After all had taken a last sad view of him they loved and respected as well in life, the pall bearers took up the earthly tabernacle and bore it to the hearse, passing through two lines of brethren with uncovered heads. The procession then wended its sorrowful way to the silent city of the dead. There the brethren formed a circle around the grave, joining hands and with bared heads, while the Chaplain, Rev. D. McMasters, and Thos. Spurgeon, of Farmington, N.C., read the beautiful burial service of the Order. Each brother then deposited a slip of evergreen in the grave, in token that his memory should ever remain green in the hearts of his brethren. Rev. McMasters returned thanks to the people for their kindness and pronounced the benediction, when all returned to their homes to take up the cares of life, that had been laid down by the brother. The floral emblems were handsome and appropriate. This was the first funeral of an Odd Fellow held in Bonaparte for over sixteen years, and it is hoped a longer period may elapse before we shall be called upon to repeat the ceremony, although none can tell who will be the next. "Be ye also ready."
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IN MEMORIAM
by Lee Bishop

Mother weep no more for father
He is with the angels now;
He obeyed God's holy summons,
Went before the throne to bow,
Went to join the angel band,
On the happy heavenly shore;
Clasped his savior by the hand,
We will meet him here no more.

But we'll meet in Heaven above,
Where all cares will there be past;
We'll be free from sin and pain,
Then away all cares we'll cast.
God has called the loved one home,
From the weary trials of earth;
For in golden streets to roam,
But we'll miss him by our hearth.

Gertie dearest, cease your weeping,
Comfort Mamma in her grief;
All your gentle words of comfort,
Will give her poor heart relief.
Baby Arthur calls for Papa,
Though he know death has come;
Wonders why so long he lingers,
"Why my Papa don't come home."

But dear friends now turn to Jesus,
Lean for comfort on his word;
He will heal a heart's that broken,
He will lead you on to God.
He will bring you where your husband
Dwells in peace and glorious light;
And you'll dwell again with father,
In a world where there's no night.
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RESOLUTIONS OF CONDOLENCE

Whereas, It has pleased the Almighty Ruler of the Universe, to remove from our midst our beloved brother, L. H. Mills, be it
RESOLVED, That in his death, Bonaparte Lodge No. 22 I.O.O.F. has sustained the loss of an honored brother, the town an upright and respected citizen, and the family an affectionate and loving husband and father. And, be it further
RESOLVED, That we extend to the bereaved family our warmest sympathy and aid in this their sore hour of affliction.
RESOLVED, That those resolutions be spread upon the minutes of the Lodge, a copy presented to the bereaved family, and be published in the BONAPARTE RECORD.

D. T. Sherman,}
W. E. Smith, } COMMITTEE
J. H. Maloney,}

(Photocopy of this obit is located on page 37 of Obit Book A found in the Van Buren County Iowa Genealogical Society's collection at the Keosauqua Public Library in November 1999. Name and date of newspaper not given though the BONAPARTE RECORD is referenced. Top of this page is headlined "SUPPLEMENT".) ORIGINAL POST 19 Nov 1999.

I am not related to this person and am posting it for those who may find him
in their family history.