William Henry Mills
William Henry Mills (1840-1897) had 11 children between 1866-1888 with spouse Sarah Elizabeth Sasnett (1846-1918). All were born and raised in either Pitt or Pamlico County, NC. One of the 11 children was Joshua Thomas Mills (1868-1931), my paternal Grandfather. I've been searching high and low for William Henry's parents. Since my father told me his family all lived in Black Jack, Pitt County, I thought William Henry was part of the Nasby clan but I haven't been able to match him up. Any help is appreciated. Thx, Wendell Mills
Wendell,
The Mills family is more Sara's bailiwick than mine, but curiosity, and the need for a break from my own current puzzler, made me give it a go. I found it interesting that there was another Mills/Sasnett marriage in the area in 1856, between R. B. Sasnett and Mary Mills in Beaufort County. I think that R. B. is Sarah's brother, Redding B. Sasnett, Jr. Also of interest is a Calvin Mills, aged 45, in Pitt County on the 1850 census. In his household are Mary Mills, 18, and Henry Mills, 16. Your Joshua, I noticed, had a brother named Calvin Morris Mills. I don't know if this will be what you're are looking for, but I hope it helps.
Becky
Hi Wendell! I come from the Mills in Pitt County and they are a confusing family to sort out! I'm happy to report your William Henry Mills is the son of Calvin Mills (b. abt 1805) of Pitt County. He can be found as Henry living in his father's house on the 1850 Pitt County census. His sister, Mary, is also in the household. She is listed as 18 (born in 1832) and he is listed as 16 (born in 1834), but we know census records can be notoriously bad for ages.
I did some digging and found this record in the estate papers of Calvin Mills (1858, Pitt County).
It says R. B. Sasnett and his wife Mary are suing Nasby Mills, administrator of the estate of Calvin Mills, her father. It says his other children are Henry and Churchwell Mills.
I would think that likely means William Henry Mills met his wife through his sister.
I'm not sure how this Calvin connects to the larger Mills family. There was also a John Calvin Mills living about the same time, but he was a different person best I can tell.
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Sara and Becky
Thanks so much for the time you spent on this. These tips look like they will answer a mystery that's been plaguing one of my 2nd cousins for several years. After I integrate all of this, I will pass it along to her.
I'll post anything new that I find as well!
Wendell
Fantastic! I'm glad we could help. 🙂
You're welcome, Wendell. Glad I could help.
Sara and Becky: Here's an update on William Henry Mills (1839-1897).
Based on the census, marriage, estate records, you gave me as well as others, William Henry's father is indeed Calvin Mills (1805-1858). His mother is unknown. Calvin's 3 children I've identified are Churchill Mills (1830-), Mary Mills (1835-), and William Henry Mills (1839-).
Churchill married Elizabeth Little, William Henry married Sarah E. Sasnett (1846-1918), and Mary married an R.B. Sasnett in 1856. Becky conjectured that this R.B. was Sarah's brother but it was actually Sarah's father Reddin B. Sasnett (1818-1869)!!!!
Reddin B. Sasnett (1818-1869) married 3 times. Marriage 1 in 1843 to Martha Grimes (1823-1850), gave 4 children one of whom was Sarah. Marriage 2 in 1852 to Jane Mayo (1834- ) gave 2 children. Marriage 3 in 1856 to Mary Mills (Calvin's daughter) gave one child Reddin B. Sasnett Jr (1859- ).The 1860 census has Reddin Sr, Mary, and Reddin Jr together along with 3 of Reddin and Martha Grimes' kids. I conjecture that the 2 kids Reddin had with Jane Mayo were living with Jane Mayo.
Finally, there is a 3rd Reddin B. Sasnett (1876-1952), the grandson of the original R. B. and the son of Richard Sasnett, one of R. B. Sr and Jane Mayo's sons.
Thanks again for your help. I find this research fascinating.
Wendell
