L. H. Mills 1854-1892

MILLS, WRIGHT

Posted By: Volunteer - Rich Lowe
Date: 11/30/2001 at 21:11:58

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 Rosetta, 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, of Farmington, Marshal. After depositing the casket in the hearse the procession proceeded to the Baptist church, which was filled with sympathizing 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 so 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. G., 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."

[probably Lott Henry Mills b. Bonaparte Cem. - handwritten on obit. was date "Apr-18-92"]

Source: Entler Scrapbook, vol. 6, Iowa Historical Library, Iowa City, IA

I am NOT related and am posting this obit for those who may find this person in their family history.