William Ross Mills, Sr.

One Christmas, as a young man on the Statesville police force, W. R. Mills was shot in the back near the left shoulder. The wound was serious but he recovered. Before the wound healed a small circle of red flannel cloth that had been perforated from his heavy underwear by the bullet worked its way from the wound. Handsome and nearly six feet tall, W. R. Mills became interested in fine horses and carriages and opened a livery business in Statesville. From there he branched out to real estate, a shoe store and the automotive business. At one he owned considerable real estate, but like many others lost heavily during the 30s. In 1883 W. R. was married to Margaret Annette Murdock, a daughter of A. P. Murdock Sr., of Cool Springs Township. She died June 12, 1912.