Bio: Mills, Hugh Brooks (1828 - 1901)

Contact: stan@wiclarkcountyhistory.org

Surnames: Mills, Watwell, Rodgers

----Source: 1881 History of Northern Wisconsin

Hugh Brooks Mills (14 Jul 1828 - 28 Feb 1901)

H. B. MILLS, farmer and lumberman, Sec. 20, P. O. Millston, was born in Canada, July 14, 1828. Went to New York with his parents at the age of four years. Commenced to work for himself when fourteen years old, and two years afterward returned to Canada and went up the St. Lawrence River to Quebec. Came to Wisconsin in 1849, with one David Watwell, landing at Sheboygan and walking from there to Fond du Lac. In 1849, went to Lake Shawano, on Wolf River; worked at lumbering for two years. In 1851, went with a party of five up Black River to Robinson's Creek, and had quarters in a log-cabin. It was the custom that if any one stopped over night with them, one of the party would say: "Are you going to stop with us long? If so, we will kill a large deer; if not, we will only kill a small one." In 1853. he began contracting for banking logs, which he continued for about four years, after which he erected a saw mill on Robinson's Creek, in company with Albert Wheeler and Charles Kelly. Afterward, commenced lumbering for himself, during which time he opened a farm, and still owns it. In 1863, his mill, and all the surrounding outbuildings, were completely destroyed by fire. Two years previous to the fire, he started a hotel on Black River Falls and Tomah road, called Mills' Tavern, and from there he returned to his farm, and there remained until 1874, when he built the saw mill where he now is, at Millston station, said place being named for him. and is on the Chicago, St. Paul, Minneapolis & Omaha Railroad. Mr. Mills was Chairman of the Town Board at Manchester a number of years; also Town Treasurer of Millston; and was a member of Assembly from Jackson and Clark counties in 1876. Is a member of A. F. & A. M., Black River Lodge, No. 74, Chapter, No. 41, and of La Crosse Commandery, No. 9. He was married in 1857, to Miss Mary Rodgers. She was born in Canada, Feb. 2, 1839. Have seven children— Thomas B., John H., Alexander, Edward, Hugh B., Mary M. and Margie M. There were also two who died, Ira P. and Dennis. Mr. Mills also ran the store at Millston for three years, and was Postmaster and express agent. Is now vice- president and director of the Jackson Bank at Black River Falls, Wisconsin.  

1880 Federal Census, Millston, Jackson, Wisconsin, United States, pg. 348

Hugh B. Mills, white, married American male
occupation : Mill & Farm Owner
father's birthplace : New York, United States
mother's name : Margaret Mills
mother's birthplace : Scotland

Household Members
self Hugh B. Mills M 52 Canada
wife Mary Mills F 42 Canada
son Thomas B. Mills M 22 Wisconsin, United States
son John H. Mills M 20 Wisconsin, United States
son Alexander R. Mills M 18 Wisconsin, United States
son Edward Mills M 13 Wisconsin, United States
son Hugh B. Mills M 9 Wisconsin, United States
daughter Mary M. Mills F 6 Wisconsin, United States
daughter Margaret M. Mills F 5 Wisconsin, United States
other Ole Anderson M 40 Norway
other Theresa Bauer F 19 Germany
other Lucy Sullivan F 19 Wisconsin, United States
mother Margaret Mills F 74 Scotland

Wisconsin Death Index

Hugh Brooke Mills
death date: 28 Feb 1901
death place: Black River Falls, Jackson, Wisconsin
age: 73
birth date: 14 Jan 1828
birthplace: Mountain, Canada
occupation: Lumberman
race: White
marital status: Married
spouse's name: Mary R. Mills
father's name: Thomas Mills
father's birthplace: Delaware
mother's name: Margaret Mills
mother's birthplace: Scotland
page: 0347