William Curtis Mills, counselor at law, Gloversville, and former judge of the county court, was born in this city March 28, 1861. Through his parents, William Curtis and Margaret (Steele) Mills, he is descended from two of the old Fulton county families. Mr. Mills is a graduate of the Gloversville high school and in 1885 obtained his A. B. degree at Union College, Schenectady, where he won scholastic honors, being awarded the Ingham prize. His preparation for the legal profession was made as a student in the office of C. M. Parke of this city, after which he was duly admitted to the bar at Saratoga Springs, in October of 1887, and at once opened an office of his own in Gloversville,. where he has practiced ever since, building up a good clientele and winning an enviable reputation as a lawyer and a business man. He is identified with the financial and business life of his home city as an investor in local real estate and a director in the City National Bank.
Ever since the years of his early manhood Mr. Mills has been active in his support of the republican party in this section and in 1889 served as chairman of the county committee. In 1895 he was elected district attorney for Fulton county and served for two terms, his course in that responsible office being such as to win the confidence and respect of the citizens and reflect great credit upon his ability as a lawyer. Elected county judge in 1901, he served continuously for twelve years, and here, again, his official actions were notable for their painstaking regard for the public interest and fidelity to the highest principles of law and justice. Mr. Mills is a member of the First Congregational church, belongs to the Eccentric Club and is a charter member of the Getman Memorial Home.
Mr. Mills and Miss Anna Potter of Gloversville were united in marriage in 1888. The daughter of Captain Daniel and Janet (McQueen) Potter, Mrs. Mills came from one of the oldest families of this section. In 1915 Mrs. Mills passed away, leaving, besides her husband, four children: Lawrence Potter, Allison Curtis, Jeanette McQueen Littell and Beverly Gordon Mills. Mr. Mills was married in 1918, to Mrs. Sara Dempster of this city.