The first Thomas Mills Sr.  on record was born near New York City in 1768 and emigrated to Canada in 1815, just after the close of War of 1812.  He served through the war of 1812 as a Teamster in the Quartmaster General’s Department. He was with the army along the Niagara frontier and saw action at Queenston Heights.  On his arrival to Canada he lived in the township of  Ernestown for 8  years, then he emigrated westward and settled on lot 49, Big Island. He was married to Jane Armstrong who d 1857. They  raised 4 boys and 2 girls.  Thomas Mills d 1837, aged 69. They are both buried in unknown plot in Big Island cemetery.

His children:  Zebediah Mills moved to Tyendinaga.  Elias Mills settled  near Rochester, New York.  Ammon Mills moved near Battle Creek, Michigan. Thomas Mills married Anna Badgley and moved to Lot 40  on Big Island and raised his family of six children, one being named Thomas Mills (which I am a direct descendant). One daughter, Phoebe Mills moved to New York State and Amelia Mills married Isaac DeMille and settled in Sophiasburgh, Prince Edward County.

Glenwood Cemetery was consecrated in 1873 and in 1874 the Mills family of Big Island purchased 24 plots in Section C of cemetery.  All of Thomas Mills direct descendants are buried there, including his son, Thomas Mills married to Anna Badgley, and his descendants and following descendants.

The Mills Family were hard working, industrious farmers. They also were very devote Methodist who promoted their religion and morality to their descendants and throughout community.