MILLER, S.D.

MILLER, DIEHL, LINKLITNER, PEARSON, JAMES, RILEY

Posted By: Norma Jennings (email)
Date: 10/23/2011 at 22:50:11

S. D. MILLER is a farmer, stock-raiser and shipper, residing on section 2, Oregon Township. He is a native of Clinton County, Ind., born Feb. 191830, and is the son of Henry and Jane (Diehl) Miller, both of whom were natives of Virginia, and of Irish and German descent. They were the parents of seven children all of whom are living. The subject of this sketch grew to manhood in his native county in Indiana, where he received a common-school education, and was reared on a farm. In October, 1855, he came to Washington County, Iowa, and purchased eighty acres of land, on which he built a small house 14x16 feet, which is still standing, although it has been replaced by a fine residence. He has kept adding to his possessions until he now owns 840 acres of fine farm land, all under a high state of cultivation, and one of the finest farms in Washington County.

Mr. Miller is truly a self-made man. Starting in life in limited circumstances, by his indomitable will, energy and perseverance, and hard labor, assisted by his good wife, he has been very prosperous in life. Much of the success which he has attained he attributes to the wise counsel of his wife, who has been to min truly a helpmeet. He was married in Clinton County, Ind., March 9, 1854, to Miss Maria Lecklitner, a daughter of David and Magdaline Lecklitner. She was born in Clinton County, Jan. 1, 1834. they have had by this union six children, five of whom are living: David H. married Emma Pearson, of this county; Magdaline is now the wife of Luke James, of Warren County, Iowa; they have two children, Clarence and Samuel. Riley, Madison L. and Emma R. reside at home.
From small beginnings large results grow. Mr. Miller commenced his career by first trading an old wagon for a colt, which he kept one year, and then traded it for another colt, which he kept till it was two years old and then sold it for $100. He than put the $100 received for the colt in wheat and cattle. He has kept buying and selling up to the present time, and is considered one of the most practical men in Washington County. Although not so long a resident of the county as many others, he has yet been closely identified with it for almost a third of a century. Few men are better known or more highly respected. Politically he is a Democrat. Mr. Miller's father, Henry Miller, was a soldier in the War of 1812, enlisting at Rockbridge,VA

Portrait and Biographical Album Washington, Iowa 1887 pp. 171-172