Robert T. Miller

MILLER, WOODBURN, ROBERTS, VEASY, GAULT

Posted By: Phyllis Stackhouse (email)
Date: 8/21/2008 at 19:41:02

Taken from the Biographical History of Shelby and Audubon Counties, Iowa-Chicago, W.S. Dunbar & Co., 1889.:
ROBERT T MILLER, deceased was born in Allegheny County, near Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, June 9, 1801. He departed this life at his home in Leroy Township, Audubon County, Iowa, July 28, 1886. He grew to maturity in his native State. He attended the common schools, and early in life learned the miller's trade, but afterward became a farmer. On April 2, 1834, he was united in marriage to Miss Elizabeth Woodburn, who was born in Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, and was the oldest daugher of William and Elizabeth (Veasy) Woodburn. Her parents settled in Allegheny County in the day when Indians were numerous. They were of Irish descent, two generations having been born in America. After his marriage Mr. Miller settled in Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, and in the fall of 1856 he removed to Mercer County, Illinois, where he engaged in farming. He remained in this county ten years. In the fall of 1866 Mr. Miller removed with his family to Audubon County, Iowa, settling on a farm three miles south of Exira, which is now known as the Gault farm. There he resided two years, and then removed to his present farm, situated on the Nishnabotna River, section 1, Leroy Township, and containing 133 acres of well improved land. Mr. Miller was engaged in general farming, but especially delighted in the care of fine livestock. His horses, cattle and hogs were usually of high grades. Mr. and Mrs. Miller had born to them ten children, eight of whom lived to maturity: William, died at the age of eight years; Martha W., wife of Perry Roberts; Benjamin F., died in November 1886; Elizabeth, died at the age of eleven years; James, died in January 1884; Thomas, a prosperous farmer; Samuel, residing with his mother on the home farm; John A., a successful clothing merchant of Superior, Nebraska; Mary J., died February 3 1874 and Sara A., died December 5 1879. Mr. Miller was appointed postmaster during President Haye's administration, the office being kept in his dwelling. He also served as road supervisor. He was an old fashioned Democrat, and was an admirer of President Cleveland's administration. He did not chew tobacco, but enjoyed a good smoke. Mrs. Miller is now in her seventy seventh year, and is in possession of all her mental faculties, and assists and directs in the management of the farm. Mr. and Mrs. Miller had lived together for fifty two years. Benjamin F. and James Miller served in the late Rebellion. B.F. was a member of the Thirtieth Illinois Volunteer Infantry, Company G, and was orderly Sergeant of his company. James Miller was a member of the Ninth Illinois Mounted Infantry, Company E, and served four years. He was among those who reenlisted.