April 14, 1845 – May 22,
1928
(Age 78)
(For additional information see text on page 17)
Charles E. Bills, son of Albert and Phoebe Bills, was born April 14, 1845, in Hillsdale County, Michigan. He died at the home of his daughter in Lansing May 22, 1928.
He went into the home of D. P. Wilcox to live after the death of his mother when he was six. In 1854 the family came to Riley, Clinton county, and took up 160 acres on section 17 which remained his home until after his marriage. Here he worked as only the early pioneers have worked, cutting timber, grubbing out stumps and breaking up new land.
On December 25, 1867, he was united in marriage with Jennie M. Baird and together they celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary last Christmas.
In 1870 the little family then numbering three again became pioneers in a new country. They entered Denver on the second passenger train that entered the city and located in Boulder. Here they remained until 1885 when they returned to Riley. The remainder of his life was spent in Clinton County.
He is survived by the widow, two sons, Bert of Riley, Charles of Lansing, one daughter, Mrs. Harriet Balmer at whose home he died, five grandchildren. Mrs. Ellen Cook and Virginia Steward of Los Angeles, Jean and Betty Bills and Dale Balmer of Lansing and three great grandchildren.