Edith Abby Mills

Edith Abby Mills

• Father: Alexander Mills b. 7 April 1854
• Mother: Emma Winston Parrott b. 20 October 1859, d. 30 January 1956

• Edith Abby Mills was born on 6 February 1884 in Bismarck, Dakota Territory.
• Alexander Mills and Emma Winston Parrott appeared in the US federal census of 1 June 1900 in Rock Creek, Whitman County, Washington. Other members of the household included Edith Abby Mills, Robert Henry Mills, Alta Ione Mills and Thomas Arthur Mills.
• Alexander Mills and Emma Winston Parrott appeared in the US federal census of 15 April 1910 in Union, Whitman County, Washington. Other members of the household included Edith Abby Mills, Thomas Arthur Mills, Blanche Cameron, Robert Henry Mills, Alta Ione Mills and Allene Leone Mills.
• She married Robert Deveaux Williams, son of Samuel Deveaux Williams and Johanna Stahle, on 18 July 1912 in Ritzville, Adams County, Washington.
• Edith Abby Mills died on 11 November 1918 at age 34 in Fishtrap, Spokane County, Washington.
• Robert Deveaux Williams became a widower at her death.
• She was interred at Maccabee Cemetery, Sprague, Lincoln County, Washington.
• The following appeared on 15 November 1918 in The Sprague Advocate: Mrs. R. D. Williams of Fishtrap died Monday evening of influenza-pneumonia. Several other members of the Williams household are ill with the epidemic. The obituary following give the facts concerning Mrs. Williams's life. Edith A. Mills was born at Bismark, N. D. Feb 6, 1884. She was the oldest child of Mr. and Mrs. Alec Mills. At seven years of age she came with her parent to Washington and has lived in or near Sprague since 1894. She attended the rural school near her home and later entered the Sprague High School from which she graduated with the class of 1903. During school days her gentle friendly ways and quiet helpfulness made her beloved among her follow student. Gifted with a bright mind and a studious disposition she early entered the teaching profession. After teaching a number of terms in the rural schools she was appointed Deputy Superintendent of County Schools by Miss Margaret Craig and served four years in that capacity. For three succeeding this she taught in the Sprague Public Schools. Her work whether in school room or office was always of the high standard which is the result of earnest endeavor and serious devotion to duty. Many fine young lives with which she came in contact as a teacher will bear witness to the impression made upon them by her noble character. She was united in marriage at Ritzville, Jul 18, 1912, to R. D. Williams of Fishtrap, Washington and since that time resided at the Lake. Two years ago a little son, Dean, came to bless their home. Mrs. Williams was a member of the Congregational Church in which she was always a sincere and earnest worker. Her death coming so suddenly just when life seemed at its fullest and best is a sad blow to the entire community and especially to her bereaved family. Besides her devoted husband and little son, she leaves her parents; Mr. and Mrs. Alec Mills, brothers Arthur and Robert, and sisters Alta and Aileen to mourn her early departure. A large number of relatives and friends extend sympathy to these sorrowing ones. Her life of thirty four years seem short indeed but measured by it's usefulness it was long for it was crowded with good deeds and devotion to duty and characterized by gentleness and thotfullness for others. Her loved presence will be missed among us but her tender memory will linger a a benediction bringing peace and comfort to the sorrowing hearts of her loved ones. She was laid to rest Wednesday afternoon, Nov. 13. in the Maccabee Cemetery, Rev. Faulkner officiating.
• From the Sprague Mortuary ledger: Record of Funeral of Edith Mills Williams. White. Born: North Dakota. Wife of R. D. Williams, Fishtrap, WA. Funeral: Nov 13, 1918, at grave at 2 p.m. with rev Faulkner. Death: at Fishtrap, Nov 11, 1918. Cause: pneumonia; Secondary: Influenza. Physician: Dr J. E. Bittner. Birth: Feb 6, 1884. Housewife, Married. Protestant. Aged: 24 yrs 9 mos 5 days. Father: Alex Mills born Scotland; Mother: Emma Parrott/Barrott born MN. Interment: Maccabee. Section 60, West ½, Grave 1.

• Last Edited: 14 Feb 2014