MILLER, Captain Jefferson, 1915 biography

MILLER, SCOTT, SAMUELS, BURNAU, SAMPLE, ACTON, SWIFT

Posted By: Sharon R Becker (email)
Date: 2/11/2014 at 23:39:51

History of Decatur County Iowa and Its People
Illustrated, Volumne II.

Prof. J. M. Howell and Heman C. Smith
Supervising Editors

The S.J. Clarke Publishing Company. Pp. 223-24. Chicago. 1915.

CAPTAIN JEFFERSON MILLER

Captain Jefferson Miller devoted his life to agricultural pursuits and won a gratifying measure of prosperity. He was born in Indiana on the 1st of January, 1826, a son of Valentine and Elizabeth Miller, who were pioneers of the Hoosier state, where the father carried on farming. He passed away during the Mexican war. Our subject was reared and received his education in his native state but in early manhood removed to Harrison county, Missouri, when this region was still largely a frontier district. Subsequently he came to Decatur county, Iowa, in 1881, and purchased land, which he operated for many years. He bought ninety acres in Hamilton township, a part of which tract is now within the city limits of Pleasanton and the rest adjoins the town. He continued to follow agricultural pursuits until his demise, which occurred on the 19th of March, 1909, when he was eighty-three years of age. He was industrious and practical and his labors yielded him a good income.

Captain Miller married Miss Cleopatra Scott, a daughter of Martin and Elizabeth (Samuels) Scott, natives of Kentucky, who became pioneers of Indiana, w^here the father farmed until his death, March 19, 1910. Captain and Mrs. Miller became the parents of eight children, three of whom are deceased, the others being: F. Pierce, at home; Eveline, the wife of Charles Burnau, a resident of Kansas; Hattie, who married George W. Sample, of Mercer county, Missouri; Mintes, who is living in Harrison county, Missouri; and Philip Sheridan, a resident of Clinton, that state.

Captain Miller was a republican and was loyal in his support of that party but never sought public office. His patriotism, however, was manifested by his service in two wars, for on the 19th of April, 1847, he enlisted in the Mexican war, being assigned to Company D, Third United States Dragoons. Later when the country became involved in Civil war he enlisted in Company M, Third Iowa Regiment, and subsequently became captain of Company E, Twelfth Missouri Cavalry. He was a gallant and fearless officer and was a man who commanded the respect and esteem of those with whom he came in contact. He held membership in the Grand Army of the Republic and in days of peace was as true to his country's interests as in time of war.

NOTE: Captain Miller died March 19, 1910. Cleopatra (Scott) Miller was born October 28, 1831, and died March 8, 1921. Franklin Pierce Miller, son of Captain and Cleopatra Miller, was born June 28, 1852, and died August 28, 1921; married first November 20, 1876 Martha Ann Acton (1860-1912); married second July 28, 1914 Lillian Swift. Interments were made at Hamilton Cemetery, Pleasanton IA.

Transcription and note by Sharon R. Becker, February of 2014