Newaygo County MI Archives Biographies.....Millis, George H. June 5, 1828 - 
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File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by:
Jan Cortez http://www.genrecords.net/emailregistry/vols/00020.html#0004939 March 15, 2009, 2:09 pm

Author: Chapman Brothers

GEORGE H. MILLIS, farmer, section 26, Denver Township, is a son of John and 
Lois (Porter) Millis, natives 

of New England, and was born in Erie Co., N.Y., June 5, 1828. He was engaged 
upon his father's farm and in 

attending the district school until 21 years of age, then came to Monroe 
County, this State, via Lake 

Erie, taking passage on the propeller Detroit.  During the voyage, which 
lasted ten days, he experienced 

that terrible storm of October, 1850, in which the fine boat, Henry Clay, was 
sunk, the Detroit being only 

one-half mile from the ill fated vessel.  He remained in Monroe County one 
year, during which time he was 

married, in the township of Dundee, to Miss Philena Weatherby, daughter of 
Reuben and Catharine (Harmin) 

Weatherby, natives of Saratoga Co., N.Y., who was born in MOnroe County, this 
State, March 4, 1834.  She 

was educated in her native county, and remained at home until her marriage.  
In October, 1851, Mr. Millis 

moved to Van BUren County, where he was engaged in various kinds of labor 
until the fall of 1856, when he 

came to this county and settled upon a farm of 120 acres in Denver Township.  
At that time it was wild, 

unbroken forest, and many privations were endured before the land could be 
made productive.  But Mr. 

Millis stemmed the tide, and now has 45 acres under the plow and in good 
farming condition.

Owing to the many hardships and severe labor consequent upon being obliged to 
provide for a large family 

under so many difficulties, he contracted a disease of the liver, and has for 
many years been an invalid.  

But notwithstanding all this he has been able to secure a good home for his 
children.  Mrs. Millis, an 

ambitious lady of remarkable physical powers, has been of great assistance, 
both at home and abroad; being 

always ready to aid the needy and nurse the sick at a moment's warning.  She 
endured, with great 

fortitude, the trial sof their pioneer life.  Many times their children were 
obliged to go barefoot all 

winter, through rough, cold, stormy weather and deep snows.

Mr. Millis is a member of the I.O.G.T. at Denver, and has held the office of 
Justice of the Peace four 

years.  In politics he is a staunch Republican, and himself and wife are 
identified with the Second Advent 

Church.  They have had nine children, four of whom are living:  Ella M., born 
April 7, 1864; Melvin J., 

July 17, 1867; Ortha, Aug. 17, 1871; Lois, May 23, 1880; Albert, born Feb. 20, 
1854, died Nov, 20, 1879; 

Sarah, born May 23, 1857; died Sept. 25, 1863; Gilbert, born March 17, 1878, 
died Oct. 23, 1879; George, 

born Jan. 22, 1860, died Dec. 22, 1862; one died in infancy.


Additional Comments:
1884 Portrait & Bio Album of Newaygo Co.

File at: http://files.usgwarchives.net/mi/newaygo/bios/millis221nbs.txt

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