The Charleston daily news. [volume] (Charleston, S.C.) 1865-1873, 1869-10-25

DEATH OF Mr.. OTIS MILLs.-The hand of death
has stricken down another of Charlestons most
prominent and beloved citizens. MI. Otis Mlls
departed this life at eight O'Clock on SATURDAY
morning last, in the seventy-fth year OF MS age
The deceased was born in Sandersheld BerK-
shire County Massachusetts,, on the Sth OF May,
1894. Early in life and when in moderate cir
stances. he came to Charleston and commenced
business as a grain merchant-the firm OF which
he was the head being known as o. Mills Co.
His business prospered, and in a few years the
firm was among the most prominent in the city.
The Atlantic wharf property was purchased by
him soon after entering in business here, and
many improvements made. In 1S45 he purchased
the United States Courthouse property, at the cor
ner Of Queen and Meeting Streets and three or
four years afterward had the building pulled
down, and the ediace known as the Mills House
erected upon the spot.
Mr. Mills, though born in New England, became
thoroughly identified with the people OF the
South, apd especially with the citizens Of his
adopted home, Charleston. He was prominent
among the original secesslonists, and none more
warmly advocated the separation of the South
from the North. When the war came, being too
old to be in the field, he contributed money to
the Confederate Government and gave with
liberal hand to the support OF the wives ana
children of the soldiers In the field. In 1862
when Charleston was threatened, he turned out
his wharf hands and with them went out OF the
CITY to the fortiAcatious, and although in feeble
health, remained with them andAsuperintended
their work upon the entrenchments. His devo'
tion to the cause Of the South and confidence in
IIa a
OF his real estate property, the Mills House with
it, and invested the money in the bonds Of the
Confederate States The unexpected and COM
plete collapse Of the Confederacy, of course, rem
dered these bonds worthless, and reduced this
patriotic citizen from afluence almost to poverty.
The deceased was confined to his bed for about
two weeks before his death, during which time
he received the most devoted attention from his
relatives and friends, and also from his former
servants one OF whom had never left him, and
whose mournful pleasure it was, to be with him in
his last moments. The deceasedeeft three daugh-
ters.
The funeral services took place at st. Michael's
Church at l O'Clock yesterday, and were con-
Quoted by Rev. Mr.. Trapler rector Of that church,
Of which the deceased had been for many years
member and communicant There was very
large attendance both at the church and at the
grave, which was in the cemetery attached to the
church. At the funeral were about fifty members
OF the vigllant Fire Company, Of which the de-
ceased was one OF the founders; the members of
the New England Society, OF which he was the
president, and a large number OF his former
slaves.
AS q citizen, Mr.. Mills was always ready to ade
vance the best interests Of the city and its inhab
tants, and the many Improvements along the
wharves, and the Mills House, will long remain
monuments OF his liberality and public spirit. AS
merchant, there were none more upright en-
terprising and conscientious thar he in his
business transactions. AS friend, there were
none more staunch and true than he; especially
was he the friend OF th6 young, and it is recorded
that he endorsed for more young business men
during his day than any other citizeA OF Charles
ton. AS husband and father, he was affec-
tionate and indulgent.
Itwas not to be expected that we could have had
amongst US much longer one whose days had been
so full OF usefulness. His demise will be generally
and sincerely mourned.