Brief biographies of the figurines on display in ... - University Library

26
MRS. JOSEPH MILLS
(Sarah Raley)
Sarah Raley Mills, daughter <strong>of</strong> Eli and Mary Luptou
Raley, was born December 11, 1792, in <strong>the</strong> State <strong>of</strong>
Virginia. On June 9, 1813, she was married to Joseph
Mills, whose fa<strong>the</strong>r came from Wales. Eli Raley came
from Ireland.
In <strong>the</strong> spring <strong>of</strong> 1840, Mr. and Mrs. Mills emigrated
from Washington county, Pennsylvania, to Putnam
county, Illinois, locating near Magnolia. They were active
members <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Society <strong>of</strong> Friends and transferred
<strong>the</strong>ir memberships to <strong>the</strong> Clear Creek Quaker Meeting
near Magnolia. They were quite influential in <strong>the</strong> church
as well as in <strong>the</strong> community in which <strong>the</strong>y lived. The
neighborhood became notable for progressive farming,
Mostly
educational progress, and religious liberality.
<strong>the</strong>y were "Hicksite" Friends, who found comfort in
silent worship.
Nine children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Mills, six
sons and three daughters. Sarah Mills readily made and
held friends. She was <strong>of</strong> medium height, well-formed,
and was gifted with energy and endurance. She was
skillful with <strong>the</strong> spinning wheel and she spun and wove
many yards <strong>of</strong> cloth. She pulled flax, dried and broke it,
heckled and spun it into linen thread on a little wheel.
She did sewing and knitting for <strong>the</strong> household with a
devotion characteristic <strong>of</strong> a true mo<strong>the</strong>r.
<strong>the</strong> Bible was manifest.
Her love for
She so governed her children
that <strong>the</strong>y both obeyed and respected her.
Mrs. Mills died March 4, 1864. A small stone marks
her grave in Friends' burying ground at Clear Creek.