Dr. Joseph Napoleon Mills, was born 12 Dec 1879 in Richlands, Onslow County, NC.
Mills graduated in 1907 from Leonard Medical School at Shaw University in Raleigh and was one of Durham’s first African American doctors. In addition to private practice, he worked at Lincoln Hospital, the N.C. Mutual Life Insurance Co. and what is now N.C. Central University, just a few blocks down Fayetteville Street from his home. Dr. Mills died in 1962.

Dr. Joseph Napoleon Mills was born in Richlands, Onslow County, North Carolina December 12, 1879. His father Lott W. Mills was a farmer, and was the son Lott W. Mills Sr. and Zilphina Mills. Dr. Mill's mother, before her marriage was Miss Caroline Henderson, a daughter of John and Margaret Henderson. On both sides, of Dr. Mills family has been remarkable in longevity. His grandmother Henderson lived to the ripe old age of 102 years.

Dr. Mills was married on December 6, 1915, to Miss Bessie Juanita Amey, daughter of Cornelius and Sarah J. Amey of Durham. She was educated at Shaw University. They have one child, Joseph N. Mills Jr.

After laying the foundation of his education in the public school young Mills entered Kittrell Normal and Industrial School. He was an apt student and hard worker and once or twice combined the work of two years in one in some of his classes. He remained at Kittrell until 1900. The way was not easy, but the aspiring youth refused to be discouraged, and when ready to enter upon his medical course, matriculated at Leonard Medical College, where he won his M. D.. degree in 1907.

While at this institution, his summer vacations were spent in hotel work at the North. While in college he played baseball.

In 1907 he located to Durham and has built up a lucrative practice and established himself firmly in the esteem of the people.

In his reading the Bible finds first place. Of course, as a progressive physician he finds it necessary to keep up with the literature of his profession. After that he is most interested in English literature and history. He is a Republican in politics but beyond expressing the franchise takes no action part in politics.

He is an active member of the A, M, E, church, Secy. of the Trustee Board and Assistant Superintendent of the Sunday School. Among the secret orders he is identified with the Masons, Odd Fellowes, Pythians, Good Samaritans, Gideons, and Royal Knights, for all of which he is a medical examiner.

He is also one of the surgeons of the Lincoln Hospital at Durham.
Dr. Mills has prospered in material was and is one of the well-to-do- colored men of Durham, which is noted for the prosperity of its colored people.

He says, "My honest conviction is that the Negro should seek recognition at the polls or ballot box, also strive to accumulate something in the line of real estate."

Dr. Mills is Pres. of the People's Drug Co., and medical examiner for the N. C. Mutual. He is a member of the State and National medical organizations. During the way he took an active part if various campaigns and drives.
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The Hayti District of Durham, NC
Dr. Napoleon Mills home was located just across Simmons Street from the S. L. Warren Library. Dr. Mills began practicing medicine in Durham in 1907 and had his home constructed in the late 1910's at 1211 Fayetteville Street.

Dr. Mills home is indicative of the finer dwellings found throughout both Black and White neighborhoods in Durham at that time. The two-story house features a tall pyramidal roof with pediment-topped bays, which have the affect of breaking the boxy form of the structure. The roof itself is covered in slate shingles and included decorative metal cresting along the ridgelines.

A wrap-around porch features box posts which are supported by cut granite plinths. The porch terminates on the southern side with a porte chochere like the previously discussed Watkins house.

Style and details of the home closely resemble house found on the nearby house located at 1217 Fayetteville Street, and most likely, the same contractor built the two.

The prominent location of Dr. Mill's house on a corner lot helps to enhance the fine qualities of the structure, and it has been visible landmark for the community over the years.