William E. Mills was but twelve years of age when his father passed away and when he was barely fourteen assumed the responsibility of conducting the home farm. He remained at home until 1891, when he decided to become a pharmacist and entered a drug store in Maxwell in order to learn the business. In the summer of 1893 he bought an interest in the store in which he was employed, but retained it only a short time, however, selling out the following spring and going to Pine Village, Indiana. He purchased a store in the latter place, which he continued to run until 1902, at which time he disposed of his interests there and, returning to Story county, bought a farm in Union township, near Elwell, upon which he lived for five years. He sold this farm in 1907 and bought his present place in Indian Creek township, where he has ever since resided.
On the 1st of October, 1893, Mr. Mills was united in marriage to Miss Maud V. Flickinger, a daughter of Levi and Catherine (Traxler) Flickinger, at that time residents of Maxwell but natives of Pennsylvania, where they were reared and married, coming to Story county in 1869.
Mr. Mills follows diversified farming and raises the best breeds of stock, although he does not specialize. His fields are well tilled, his stock well cared for and his farm has the general appearance of being owned and conducted by a progressive, businesslike agriculturist.
He has long been a member of the Masonic fraternity and is at present identified with the Herald Lodge, No. 455, A. F. & A. M., and is a demitted member of the Royal Arch chapter. He also belongs to the Knights of Pythias. His wife is a member of the Order of the Eastern Star and also holds membership in the Presbyterian church. Although he does not take any active interest in politics to the extent of seeking public office, Mr. Mills is a stanch adherent of the republican party, and each election finds him casting his ballot for the candidates of the same. His high principles, progressive spirit and unquestionable integrity make him a most desirable citizen, and it is needless to say that he is one of the highly respected and esteemed farmers of this county
.HON. PARLEY Sheldon.
No history of Ames would be complete without extended reference to Hon. Parley Sheldon, now serving for the tenth term as mayor of the city. This, however, but indicates one line of his intense and well directed activity, which in many other avenues has constituted a force in the growth and progress of the community, as well as a source of individual success.
Parley Sheldon was born in Cuyahoga county, Ohio, about three miles from Cleveland on the 7th of June, 1844, a son of Parley and Elvira (Litch) Sheldon. His father, Parley Sheldon, Sr., was born in Jefferson county,