Clark Mills
Among the men who have been actively associated with the business and political world of Marin and Grant County for many years may be mentioned the name of Clark Mills. Mr. Mills is a native of this section and is consequently deeply interested in the welfare of the county and its people. He is now engaged in the contracting business and has made a great success of this work, as a number of contracts he has carried out for the city of Marion indicate.
Mr. Mills was born in Franklin Township, Grant County, Indiana, on the 27th of October, 1855. He is the son of Job and Elizabeth (Willcutts) Mills, both of whom were natives of Grant County. His father was a farmer and died many years ago in October, 1872. His mother only lived a month after his father's death. Eight children were born to Job Mills and his wife, all of whom are now living. These children are as follows:
-
Clark Mills
-
Sarah A., who married Thomas L. Shaw, a farmer of Liberty Township, Grant county.
-
Curtis Mills, who is engaged in farming in Fulton County, Indiana.
-
Job Mills, also a farmer in Franklin Township, Grant County.
-
John Mills, a resident of Liberty Township.
-
Jehu Mills, of Marion.
-
Otis Elton Mills, of South Marion.
-
Mary G. Mills of Marion.
Clark Mills lived on the farm where he was born until he was sixteen years of age. He attended the common schools of the district, but as the eldest in a large family he was early forced to leave school to aid in the support of the family. He went with his family to Kansas when he was just a boy, but after living there for a time he returned to his old home and there engaged in teaming. After a while he married and then went back to farming. He operated the old home place in Franklin Township for many years with a considerable amount of success. In 1902 his first election of Sheriff of Grant county took place. He served until 1906 in this office, two terms in all, having been re-elected in 1904. He made a highly efficient officer and own the respect of everyone for the way in which he carried out the duties of his office.
After retiring from the office of Sheriff he resided in Marion for a year and then returned to the farm. For two years he operated the farm, and then he came back to Marion and here went into the contracting business, doing a large amount of sewer and street building. As has been mentioned he has done a large amount of work for the city of Marion, and has handled other large contracts.
Mr. Mills was united in marriage on August 16, 1880, to Miss Almeda Overman, a daughter of George Overman and Mary J. (Jones) Overman, of Grant County, Indiana, Mrs. Mill having been born in Marion. Seven children have been born to this union, namely:
-
Myrtle, who married Harley Farr of Marion.
-
Edgar G., of Wayne County, Pennsylvania.
-
Mary, the wife of Arthur Shuggart, of Franklin Township.
-
Maud, who is Mrs. Ed Clemens, of Marion.
-
Wilbur G., who lives with his parents.
-
R. Lou, who is deceased
-
Georgia, who also lives at home.
Mr. and Mrs. Mills are members of the Friends Church. Mr. Mills is a member of the Republican Party and a member of the American Mechanics.
Source: Centennial History of Grant County Indiana 1812-1912. The Lewis Publishing Co., 1914, page 1275-76.