The following sketch of Mr. Mills is by Rev. George A. Raybold, author of Methodism in West Jersey, whose ministrations in Ocean and Monmouth counties some fifty years ago ara favorably remembered by many old citizens.

"Mr. Mills was a native of Monmouth, of Quaker descent. The fire of patriotic feeling induced him, Quaker as he was, in 1776, to enter the American army in which he became an officer. He was taken prisoner by the British and was sent, after being changed from one vessel to another, to the West Indies. At length he was carried to Europe, from whence at the close of the war, he returned home and again settled in New Jersey. About the year 1792 the Methodist preachers came into the region of country where he resided. His wife solicited him to hear them, but he resisted, stating his belief that he had been so wicked his day of grace was past. By a remarkable dream he was at length convinced that there was mercy for him. He then attended the means of grace, until as he sought the Lord with all his heart, he soon found peace. He became a member of the first class formed in the vicinity of Shrewsbury in Monmouth. Soon after, he began to exhort others and was appointed class leader; and in the spring of 1799 he was received into the traveling connection. His labors as an itinerant began on Milford circuit, Delaware, from whence he was sent to various places and finally returned to Jersey.

In 1813 he was sent to Freehold, the place of his nativity and the first field of his Christian efforts. The soldier who had faced death at the cannon's mouth on the land and on the sea, now, as his end approached, in reality felt no fear. He had a presentiment of his death and told his wife that "death seemed to follow him everywhere." His zeal in religious matters increased. The last time he left home he gave his wife sundry directions and advice in case he should die. He started as well as usual, and filled all his appointments, preaching most fervently until a short time before his death. On the fourth of December he left Long Branch, met class, and then returned to Mr. Lippencott's at the Branch. On Sunday morning he went into a room in Mr. Lippencott's to prepare for the service in the church, which was to commence at half-past ten o'clock. The congregation was then collecting and the family, thinking he stayed too long in the chamber, sent in to know the cause and found him fallen in a fit of apoplexy, almost deprived of sense. After a time he revived a little and on being asked if they should send for medical aid he replied: "The Lord is the best physician." At about twelve o'clock the stupor and other unfavorable symptoms returned; he lingered until about six the next morning and then peacefully departed for a world of rest.

In the year 1812, the year previous to Mr. Mills being sent to preach in Freehold circuit, the number of members embraced in the charge was seven hundred and thirty-six.