MILLS, Pearl H. - b. June 20, 1882 - d. January 5, 1932

[genealogynut]

Howard Courant
January 14, 1932


Pearl H. Mills was born June 20, 1882, north of Howard in the Paw Paw neighborhood and departed this life January 5, 1932, at the home in Howard, at the age of 49 years, 6 months and 15 days.

He had been apparently in resonably good health, having complained slightly Monday evening, but went to his work on Tuesday as usual.  After working his mail for his route he did not feel so well and went to the doctor's office where he was advised to remain at home for the day and rest. He came home and grew worse when the doctor again was called, but with all that was done for him he could not survive his illness, and passed away about 12:30 Tuesday afternoon.

Pearl, as he was called by almost everyone, had lived in this community all of his life.  He was united in marriage to Alta M. Biddinger of his own neighborhood, June 22, 1904.  They lived on a farm for some two years when they moved to town where he soon took the civil service examination and received his appointment of mail carrier, May 1, 1910 and was assigned to Route 6, which he has served continiously and untiringly and faithfully for almost twenty-two years and his untimely and sudden going.

He never failed to start out on his route, no matter what the weather might have been.  He suffered many hardships trying to serve the people of his route whom he loved so much.  Sometimes he slid into the ditch or his car broke down by the "wayworn traveler" could be seen coming walking trying to do his duty.  The snowflakes hid him from view many times but if possible at all, he was soon to come in sight, sometimes leading his horse that would have all it could do to carry the mail.  So many times his people helped him out of unsurmountable places on his route and sent him on his way.

He was converted and joined the United Brethren church in 1900.  In 1911, during the Rose revival meeting he moved his church letter to the Methodist church where he was faithful thru the years.  His pastor has been inspired by his regularity at all the services of the church, Sunday school, all of the preaching services, and prayer meeting.  Our church will miss him in many ways.

He was also a member of Hope Lodge A.F.& A.M. no 155 of Howard and was in good standing in that order.  He was a Modern Woodman of America.

He was a faithful husband and a faithful son to an aged mother who depended on him so much.  He was seen daily making his way down to his mother to see that she was alright.  He was a faithful friend, neighbor and citizen.

He leaves to mourn his loss, a wife, mother, one sister, Mrs. Lou Clarke of Los Angeles, California; one brother, J. F. Mills of Kansas City, Missouri; five nephews and one neice, other relatives and a host of friends.

A male quartette sang favorite hymns for the services.

The services for the deceased were held at the M.E. Church and his pastor Rev. W. C. Chappell preached a very touching and inspiring srmon.  The Masonic brethren having charge of the services both at the church and the cemetery.  The active pallbearers wre composed of his Masonic and the honorary pallbeareres included all of the Rural Route Carriers of the county.