William George Mills
William George James Mills | |
|---|---|
| Born | Template:Birth date Native Valley near Nairne, South Australia |
| Died | September 20, 1933 (aged 74) |
| Occupation(s) | Politician, sheep breeder |
| Years active | 1880–1933 |
| Known for | Member of the South Australian Legislative Council, Merino sheep breeding |
William George James Mills (7 September 1859 – 20 September 1933), commonly referred to as W. G. Mills, was both a politician and a breeder of sheep in South Australia.
History
Mills was born at "Millbrae," located in Native Valley near Nairne, South Australia. He was the son of Richard Mills the younger (1840–1870). After receiving his education locally and attending Reverend A. Law's grammar school in Mount Barker, he worked as a jackaroo at Winnininnie Station. Around 1880, he assumed control of his father’s farm. Focusing on Merino sheep breeding, Mills enhanced his stock by obtaining prized rams from Alick J. Murray. Over time, he expanded the estate to include "Bondleigh" farm, which was later overseen by his eldest son, W. Champion Mills.
In 1928, Mills formed a partnership with his son Alec at "Millbrae" and purchased an additional property in the Adelaide Hills named "Sturtbrae." This land was subsequently divided into what is now known as Bellevue Heights by his daughters Margaret and May.
Politics
As one of the founding members of the Farmers and Settlers' Association in 1915, Mills served as president for five years. This organization eventually developed into the Country Party. In 1918, he secured election to represent the Northern district in the South Australian Legislative Council, a position he held until retiring in 1933 due to declining health.
Family
On 19 July 1882, he married Elizabeth Martha "Lizzie" Champion (1861–1961), and together they had nine children: five sons and four daughters:
- Everlina (1883–1961), who married Hugh Ross Patterson in 1906
- W. Champion Mills (circa 1885–1941)
- R. Surguy Mills (circa 1886–1944), husband to Barbara Mary
- Jack Mills (circa 1889–1917), who succumbed to injuries sustained during World War I
- May Mills OBE (1890–1984), an educator at Unley High School
- Margaret Mills, a nursing sister at Port Augusta Hospital
- Alec Mills (circa 1892–), married Phoebe M. Blacket in 1919
- Thomas Bruce Mills (1894–1915), who passed away from illness before deployment overseas
- Lizzie (born 1900), who wed Ron Loveday of Renmark in 1924
The majority of the family are buried at the cemetery in Blakiston.
Bibliography
- Mills, May Millbrae and its Founding Family, Lutheran Publishing House, Adelaide, South Australia, 1973.