John F Miller

MILLER

Posted By: County Coordinator
Date: 3/20/2009 at 00:02:41

John F Miller, a highly respected citizen of Boone, was born in Highland county, Ohio, September 8, 1832. His father, Joseph Miller, was a native of Pennsylvania, and married Polly Fisher, who was also born in the Keystone state. In their family were nine children, but only three are now living: Jacob a resident of Boone county, John F and shoeshine who is now living in Ohio. The mother died in Montgomery county, Indiana, in 1843, and at that time the subject of this review began earning his own living by working as a farm hand. He had pursued his education in the schools of Highland county, and in early life he was also employed in a sawmill, and continued in farm work until after the inauguration of the Civil war, when feeling that this duty was to is country, he enlisted on July 7, 1864, as a member of the Second Ohio Cavalry, with the Army of the Tennessee. He was put on guard duty, but took no part in the engagements being taken ill. He was honorable discharge in November 1864, on account of physical disability. The year1865 witnessed his arrival in Boone county, and he located on a farm, but only remained there for a short time, for in 1866 he established a grocery store in Moingona, where he remained for three years. In 1869 he turned his attention to the transfer business, which he conducted until 1882, when he opened a meat market, which claimed his attention until 1885. In that year he retired from active business on account of rheumatism, but in 188 again became a factor in the business circles, as an insurance agent.
Mr Miller was married July 6, 1854, to Keziah Osbern, who was born April 11, 1832, in Adams county, Ohio, a daughter of James Osbern. Unto Mr and Mrs Miller were born ten children, of whom four are living, George W born June 19, 1855 is on a ranch in Denver, Colorado, Catherine D born September 3, 1856, died September 4, 1861, Emily A born December 8, 1857 is the wife of C F Gregory, of Boone, Mary E born January 28, 1869, is the wife of C E Eddy, Sampson T born October 29, 1860 died June 15, 1861, Rebecca born May 28, 1862, died July 6, 1865, James W born April 2, 1864, died February 22, 1867, Jacob and Charles born June 20, 1867 died on August 3rd and 21st, 1869, respectively: Albert A born February 16, 1870, is engaged in the plumbing business in Boone. The mother of this family was called to her final rest May 26 1897, and her loss was deeply mourned by many friends. Several of the children have married, Mary E became the wife of Charles E Eddy, April 15, 1884, Her husband was a government blacksmith at Fort Washakie, Wyoming. He was born May 1, 1849, I Bradford county, Pennsylvania, and there resided until 1883. He has always followed blacksmithing and is an expert workman. By this marriage six children were born, but Emily who was born June 11, 1886, died in infancy. Gladys M born July 15, 1887, is with her parents, while Keziah, born August 11, 1889, died January 9, 1890. Allison H born December 23, 1891 in Cheyenne, Wyoming. Benjamin E born January 16, 1893 and George Washington, born June 25, 1895 are still with their parents. After the marriage of Mr and Mrs Eddy they resided in Boone until 1889, when they removed to Cheyenne, Wyoming, which was their place of abode for twelve years, after which they spent one year in Denver, Colorado and in December 1901, they returned to Boone, where the family are now living, although Mr Eddy is still in Wyoming, being yet in the government employ. His political support is given the Republican party.
Mr Miller whose name introduces this record, is also a stanch Republican and cast his first presidential vote for James Buchanan, but since that time he has endorsed the men and measure of the grand old party. He belongs to J G Miller Post No 67, G A R of Boonesboro. He has held several offices, including that of judge of the election. He is today as true to his duties of citizenship as when he followed the old flag upon the southern battle fields, for he has a deep and abiding interest in all that pertains to the general good. Highly respected throughout the community, he enjoys the esteem and confidence of his fellow men, by reason of his upright life.

1902 Boone County History Book