JOHN E. MILLS

It was in 1847, when it pleased the Almighty to permit thé introduction among the people of Montréal of the breath of pestilence. It was a terrible 3^ear, the 3^ear of the typhus fever. Thousands of immigrants were laid low, and their bodies consigned to the depths of the océan or to graves among strangers.

The plague proved not a respecter of persons. Some of Montreal's most valued citizens, whose disinterested benevolence or whose officiai duties led them to the centres of disease that they might minister to the wants of the wretched, were one after another eut down.

The Chief Magistrate of this City was numbered with the dead. John Easton Mills fell a victim to the prostrating malady, a case of self sacrifice on the altar of benevolence and of public duty. His death was a public loss.

The late Mr. John Easton Mills was born in Tolland^ Massachusetts, in the year 1796 and was therefore, at his death in 1847, 5^ years of âge.

Mr. Mills was characterized as a man of business, for his integrity and honor. Possessed of talent of a high order, and b}^ untiring persévérance and attention, lie pursued a most successful career and gradually acquired wealth. At the maturity of his âge, a few years before his démise, lie turned his attention to public affairs. Becoming a candidate to represent one of the wards in the City Council, lie was elected by his fellow-citizens and he was afterwards chosen to occupy the chief seat in that Council.

As Chief Magistrate, lie was characterized by a dignity^ uprightness and impartialité^, wliicli not only won for liini

the esteem and respect of his colleagues in tlie administration of civic affairs, bnt rendered him deservedly popular and respected throngliout the community. His entrance npon the honorable office of Mayor was amid scènes of nnusual excitement. As Immigrant Commissioner, those who were associated with him knew well the nntiring energy with which he devoted himself to the discharge of dnties, to which he had been called by the Représentative of his Sovereign.

Mr. Mills left a large family whose members occupy to day prominent positions in onr best social and bnsiness circles.

The fnneral of the late Mayor took place on the i5th of November, at 2 o'clock, and was the occasion of an imposing pnblic démonstration, being attended by one of the Govenior General's Aides-de-Camp, officially representing His Excellency, the Commander of the Forces, the heads of Militar^^ Departments, officers of the Garrison, the members and officers of the Corporation and large nnmber of citizens.