Sacramento County
Biographies
RUSSELL WELLINGTON MILL
When representatives of the Mill family
sought larger opportunities than those afforded by their native England they
crossed the ocean to Canada. The rigors of a stern climate unfortunately
gave little recompense for the larger agricultural and social liberties
accorded by the newer country. Ultimately James M. and Sarah (Waters)
Mills gave up their friends and associations in Canada and came to California
in the hope of finding equal opportunities combined with a more genial climate
than their home land could boast. The presence of relatives at Hollister
induced them to settle at that point, and near there Mr. Mill for years engaged
in ranching, while also finding an occasional opportunity to follow his trade
of a carpenter. Eventually a home was established at Pacific Grove about
1887 and in that city Mrs. Mill passed away in 1890, after which her husband
joined his son at Sacramento and took up carpentering in this city.
At the old home near Hastings, Canada,
Russell Wellington Mill was born December 2, 1869, and when but little past six
years of age he left forever those scenes familiar to his earliest
memories. During January of 1876 he arrived in California with his
parents and afterward attended school at Hollister, eventually completing his
studies in the Pacific Grove schools. After he left school he began to
learn the carpenter's trade at Pacific Grove and in 1890 he came to Sacramento,
where later he was joined by his father. In this city he learned every
detail connected with mill work during the thirteen years of his connection
with the firm of Bassett & Minford. When their plant was destroyed by
fire he secured employment with another firm. Meanwhile, June 28, 1900,
he married Miss Edina Scott, daughter of Thomas and Nettie
Scottmand a lifelong resident of Sacramento, where
for years Mr. Scott has carried on a retail plumbing establishment.
It was during 1904 that Mr. Mill embarked
in business for himself. His first purchase consisted of what was known
as Campbell's mill on Fifth street, and there he built
up a growing and profitable trade in his line. Evidence of his increasing
prosperity appeared in his purchase of a tract on Third and V streets, where
his plant now occupies almost a block of valuable land. During 1910 he
erected a modern and well-equipped mill, which when run at its full capacity
furnishes employment to eighty hands. In the mill maybe found every
feature of modern plants of its kind. The equipment facilitates the
prompt and satisfactory handling of lumber from which to manufacture sash,
doors and interior finishings for residences.
Under the title of the Sacramento Planing Mill and
Furniture Company the firm has been incorporated and has risen to a front rank
in the line of its specialties. The success of the venture is due to the
untiring energy and wise management of the proprietor, who gives his entire
time to the supervision of the mill and allows no extraneous matters to detract
his attention from the business. Politics has never entered into his life
nor has he taken time for participation in fraternal activities, with the sole
exception of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, to which he has belonged for
twenty years, and which has received his helpful generosities in many of its
philanthropies.
Transcribed by Sally Kaleta.
Source: Willis,
William L., History of Sacramento County,
California, Pages 749-750. Historic
Record Company,
© 2006 Sally Kaleta.