Robert M. Mills was born in New Castle, Indiana, August 7, 1845. He enlisted in the 9th Indiana Cavalry at age 18 and served until the close of the Civil War. He moved to Hennepin County in 1865 and married Maria Batdorf of Independence township in 1866. His farm was in Section 22, which was a claim formerly owned by Job Moffitt. Mr. Mills was town clerk of Independence for 23 years. Justice of the Peace, and postmaster at Maple Plain for 20 years. His son, Dexter moved to Saskatchewan, Canada where he passed away, and daughter Mae, Mrs. Arthur Berquist, still resides in Maple Plain. His brother, William Mills, took a claim in 1857, east of that of Irvin Shrewsbury. He married Margaret Batdorf, sister of Maria Batdorf, who married his brother, Robert. Mr. and Mrs. William Mills celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary here on May 8th, 1917.
