Mahala (Seely) Miller

SEELY, JUDSON, BARNHART, HARRAH, BROWN

Posted By: Donna Moldt Walker (email)
Date: 2/21/2004 at 12:00:44

Mrs. Mahala Miller, widow of the late Andrew J. Miller, is the owner of one of the best and most highly improved farms in Perry Township. For some years after her husband's death Mrs. Miller managed the estate herself, and was so successful that she not only increased its value, but was enabled to add to its original acreage by the purchase of more land, and the farm now comprises 200 acres of rich, arable land, finely located on section 15. It is provided with substantial, conveniently arranged buildings, including two comfortable dwellings and a commodious barn; and has a windmill and tank, and every appliance for carrying on agriculture to the best advantage. In her work Mrs. Miller proved herself to be possessed of sound judgment, foresight and thrift, and more than ordinary capacity. She now rents her farm, and has an income ample for all her wants.

Our subject was born in Wells, Bradford Co., Pa.; a daugher of William Seely, also a native of that State. Her grandfather, Samuel Seely, was of foreign birth, and on coming to this country he located in Pennsylvania, and there spent the remainder of his life. The father of our subject was a well-to-do farmer in Bradford County. He subsequently left his old Pennsylvania home, and traveling westward as far as Illinois, took up his abode in Greenup, Cumberland County; and was there extensively engaged in farming until death closed his earthly career. His wife, whose maiden name was Sarah Judson, was born in Bradford County, Pa., and was a daughter of Solomon Judson. They were people of sterling merit, and none knew them but to respect them. They were the parents of six children, namely: Alfred, deceased; Charles; Calista and Jonas, both deceased; Louis, and Mahala. The latter was but an infant of nine months when she was deprived of a mother's tender care by death, and an aunt then took charge of her until she was thirteen years old. Her school privileges were limited, and at that youthful age she was thrown on her own resources, and from that time has worked her own way in the world. In January, 1839, she was married, in Wells, Bradford Co., Pa., to Andrew J. Miller, and became to him a valuable aid in the upbuilding of a home.

Mr. Miller was a native of Delaware County N.Y., and a son of Shepherd Miller, also a native of that county. His father was a shoemaker by trade, and was also engaged as overseer of the plank road between Elmira and Bradford county. He died in his native State. His wife, whose maiden name was Delana Barnhart, was likewise born in Delaware County, and there spent her declining years. She was a member of the Baptist Church. Mr. Miller was a tanner by trade, and operated a tannery at Wells until 1857, when he moved with his family to DeWitt, Iowa. After coming to this State, Mr. Miller turned his attention to farming, and two years later came to Perry Township, and bought 120 acres of partly improved land. He was busily engaged in its further improvement during the remaining years of his life, which was brought to a close June 25, 1880. In his removal the citizenship of this place sustained a loss, and the community sympathized with the bereaved family in the loss of a kind husband and tender father. Socially, he was identified with the Masonic fraternity. Politically, he affiliated with the Democrats. Four children were born to Mr. Miller and his wife, of whom the following is recorded: Philo J., who married Miss J. Harrah, is a farmer, in Perry Township, owning 160 acres of land on section 9; Marshall is successfully carrying on the home place; Edward is in Lyons; Adella married Cornelius Brown, a farmer near Delmar, Clinton County.

Mrs. Miller is a woman of vigorous mind and large heart, and she is well beloved in this community, where so many years of her life have been passed. And it may well be her pride that she has not only watched the growth of the township, but has contributed materially to its prosperity.

("Portrait and Biographical Album of Jackson County, Iowa", originally published in 1889, by the Chapman Brothers, of Chicago, Illinois)