Miller, Harry E. 1877 –

MILLER, GROTE, MARTIN, STOELTING

Posted By: Joy Moore (email)
Date: 4/15/2015 at 07:53:41

HARRY E. MILLER.

Since Harry E. Miller has occupied the position of county superintendent of schools of Winneshiek county the cause of education here has received a new impetus. By preparation he is well fitted to fill this important position, and the fate of the youth rests in good hands when under his guidance. Born in Germany, near the Holland border, November 9, 1877, he is a son of John A. and Margaret (Grote) Miller. The father, a native of Germany and a farmer by occupation, came to the United States in 1879 and located in Buena Vista county, Iowa, there engaging in agricultural pursuits until March, 1913, when he sold his farm and removed to Los Angeles, California, to enjoy in well earned rest the competence which he had earned. His wife is also a native of Germany, their marriage taking place several years before they left the fatherland.

In the acquirement of his education Harry E. Miller attended school in Storm Lake, Iowa, graduating from the high school there with the class of 1897. He then began teaching school near his home, being so engaged for two years and then entered Buena Vista College, taking a two years' course and completing his studies at Charles City, Iowa, with the class of 1904, receiving for his work the degree of B. A. Mr. Miller then taught science in the Emmetsburg (Iowa) high school for two years, at the end of which period he was elected superintendent of schools at Clermont, Iowa, remaining in that position for the same period of time. He then went to Calmar, Winneshiek county, as superintendent of schools, discharging his duties with such efficiency and evident results that he was taken in view for the position of county superintendent. He resigned on Christmas day of 1912 to enter upon his new duties, having been elected on the republican ticket in the fall of that year. His wide experience and natural ability in dealing with teachers and children highly qualified him for his position and an era of progress in educational matters may well be predicted under his administration.

In August, 1904, Mr. Miller married Miss Matilda Martin, a daughter of Herman and Paulina (Stoelting) Martin, both of German descent but natives of this country. They made their home at Storm Lake, Iowa, at the time of the marriage of their daughter to our subject. There they still live, occupying a prominent position in the life of the community, where the father is well known in commercial circles as a contractor and builder. Mr. and Mrs. Miller have four children: Harriet, born June 7, 1905, who attends public school in Decorah; Ruth, born August 1, 1907, who also attends school; Katharyn, born April 6, 1909; and Gladys, born December 5, 1911.

Public-spirited and progressive, Mr. Miller takes an active part in the public life of Decorah and the county and is widely popular not only in the profession but with the general public, who rightfully expect great things from his administration. Politically he is a stanch republican and both he and his wife give their adherence to the Methodist Episcopal church, of which they are devout members. Along professional lines Mr. Miller is a member of the Iowa State Teachers Association and also of the Big 5 Teachers Association, comprising five counties, and served last year as chairman of the executive committee and is now serving as president of the committee. Fraternally he is connected with the Masons, being a member of Copestone Lodge, No. 509, A. F. & A. M., of Calmar. It is a conspicuous compliment to the ability of Mr. Miller that he was carried to victory by his constituents to the important office which he now holds, and there is no doubt that he will justify the confidence reposed in him by a course of action which will mark his administration as one of the most beneficial to the interests of the county.

Source: History of Winneshiek County, Iowa Vol. II Chicago the S. J. Clark Publishing Company 1913