W. R. MILLER

MILLER

Posted By: Jake Tornholm (email)
Date: 4/20/2020 at 13:46:02

W. R. MILLER, a highly esteemed citizen of Briscoe, Adams county, Iowa, was born in Grant county, Indiana, near Marion, January 31, 1836. He is the third in a family of ten children, six of whom are still living, and his parents were J. M. B. and Mary (Wyant) Miller, both natives of Pennsylvania. The father left Pennsylvania with his wife and two children, came west and located in Grant county, Indiana, where he was one of the prominent pioneer farmers. After clearing a farm in that county, he sold out and went to Wabash county, same State, opening up another farm on what was called the Indian Reserve. There he lived and reared his family. In 1850 he moved from Wabash county to Wapello county, Iowa, and settled on a farm, renting one summer. Then he moved to Lucas county and bought 160 acres of wild land, remaining on it until October, 1853, when he moved to Adams county and settled where Quincy now is. The county commissioners had located the county seat there, and he entered it for half of the lots. The county seat remained there until after the railroad passed through Corning, when by vote of the people it was moved to the latter place. J. M. B. Miller was county Judge of Adams county, and died while serving his second year in that capacity. He was a man of the strictest integrity, and was highly esteemed by all who knew him. His home was a general stopping place for many who were seeking homes in the then far West, and at Judge Miller’s they always received a cordial welcome. His death occurred in September, 1855, at the age of forty-eight years. He was a Democrat and an active politician, at all times identified with the best elements of his party. His wife died September 13, 1888, at the age of seventy seven years. Her parents were John and Malinda Wyant, Pennsylvania Germans. Jacob Miller, a brother of the subject of this sketch, enlisted in 1861 in the Fourth Iowa Volunteer Infantry, and served with the army of the West. He, with four others of this neighborhood, distinguished themselves at the battle of Pea Ridge, and made a marvelous escape from the enemy. During the siege of Vicksburg he was stricken with small-pox there, and died. His remains are interred at that place. He was never sick a day until his army life began, and when he entered the service was in the bloom of health and weighed over 200 pounds. In honor of him the G. A. R. Post at Briscoe was named Miller Post. W. R. Miller began farming in this county at the age of twenty. After the death of his father he farmed and teamed, hauling goods from St. Joseph, Missouri, Burlington and Council Bluffs and other points. He improved a farm and was largely instrumental in developing the interests of this section of the country. He now owns eighty acres of improved land, located a mile from Briscoe. His building is on the section line, and his farm comprises the south half of the west quarter of section 2. In December, 1880, he moved to Briscoe and opened a general merchandise store, since which time he has been driving a good business, his store being the only one in the place. His success has been noted, his business ability recognized, and he has been sought to fill public places. He was appointed assistant postmaster when the office was established in Briscoe, and has been handling the mail ever since. He has recently been appointed school director for the township; has also held various other offices, always giving entire satisfaction.

Mr. Miller was married April 17, 1857, to Miss Eve Stair, daughter of John and Elizabeth Stair, residents of Indiana. Their three children are C. A., Addie and Nellie. Their son married Emma Lathrop, and now resides on the home farm. Addie is the wife of C. A. Scott, and lives on a farm in Lincoln township, this county. Mr. and Mrs. Scott have four children—Lillie, Maud, Flora and Mabel. Mrs. Mider is a member of the United Brethren Church. In his political views Mr. Miller is an Independent.