Robert Miller

MILLER, WOODBURN, VEASY, ROBERTS

Posted By: Marthann Kohl-Fuhs (email)
Date: 5/13/2009 at 15:13:51

1889 BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF
SHELBY AND AUDUBON COUNTIES, IOWA
W. S. DUNBAR & CO., PUBLISHERS
113 ADAMS STREET, CHICAGO

pages 742-743

ROBERT MILLER, deceased, was born
in Allegheny County, near Pittsburg,
Pennsylvania, June 9, 1801. He de-
parted this life at his home in Leroy Town-
ship, 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 Wood-
burn, who was born in Allegheny County,
Pennsylvania, and was the oldest daughter 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 re-
moved 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, sit-
uated 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 live-stock. 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 Sarah A., died
December 5,1879. Mr. Miller was appointed
postmaster during President Hayes's adminis-
tration, the office being kept in his dwelling.
He also served as road supervisor. He was
an old-fashioned Democrat, and was an ad-
mirer of President Cleveland's administra-
tion. 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 Ser-
geant of his company. James Miller was a
member of the Ninth Illinois Mounted In-
fantry, Company E, and served four years.
He was among those who re-enlisted.