Miller, William K.

MILLER, KAUFMAN, LAUSH, HOTTENSTEIN, LYONS, TWISS

Posted By: Volunteer Transcriber
Date: 2/15/2003 at 08:51:38

Source: "The 1901 Biographical Record of Clinton Co., Iowa, Illustrated" published: Chicago : S. J. Clarke Pub. Co., 1901.

WILLIAM K. MILLER.

William K. Miller, who is successfully engaged in agricultural pursuits in Brookfield township, was born in Jackson county, Iowa, on the 31st of January, 1863, and is a worthy representative of one of the old and highly respected families of his locality, being a son of Gabriel K. and Sarah (Kaufman) Miller, both natives of Pennsylvania. On coming to this state in 1859, his parents settled in Jackson county, where they made their home until 1866, when they removed to the farm in Brookfield township, Clinton county, now occupied by our subject. The father made all of the improvements upon this place, and engaged in farming here until 1885, when he returned to Jackson county and there he continues to reside on a farm one mile and a half north of our subject’s residence. In early life he was a hard working man and met with fair success, so that he is now able to lay aside all business cares and spend the remainder of his days in ease and quiet. He has always taken a leading part in local affairs and has held several township offices. By trade he is a stone mason, and helped lay the foundation of many of the oldest houses and barns in the northern part of this county. In his family are six children, namely: Mahlon, who is engaged in the sewing machine business in Maquoketa, Iowa; William K., our subject; Minnie, wife of Morris Laush, who lives near Lost Nation; Mary, wife of P. Hottenstein, of Tama county, Iowa; Ella, wife of G. Lyons, of the same county; and Emma, wife of O. Hottenstein, who lives with the father. All were educated in the common schools.

Our subject spent his boyhood and youth upon the home farm and early became familiar with all the duties which fall to the lot of the agriculturist. At the age of eighteen he commenced working at the carpenter’s trade and followed that occupation for three years. He now operates the old home farm of one hundred and sixty acres in Brookfield township, and in its management shows that he thoroughly understands his chosen vocation.

In 1883 Mr. Miller married Miss Eva Twiss, of Brookfield township, a daughter of John Twiss, who is now living in Nebraska, and by this union have been born five children, namely: Stella, Melvin, Norma, Frank and Viola. Mr. and Mrs. Miller are both members of the English Reformed church near their farm, and he is also connected with the Brotherhood of the World at Elwood. In politics he is a Democrat, and takes a commendable interest in public affairs.