Ervin Sr. & Alice Swanson Miller

MILLER SWANSON NELSON ENSTROM

Posted By: Connie Swearingen (email)
Date: 9/6/2010 at 23:56:47

History of Woodbury County, Iowa 1984

Ervin, Sr and Alice Swanson Miller
By Mrs Alice Miller

Ervin Miller, Sr. was born 15 September 1903 in Fairview Township, Monona County, Iowa, to Elmer and Clara Nelson Miller. The family farmed there before moving to a ranch in Valentine, Nebraska. The family returned to Iowa and farmed when Clara’s father died. Ervin and his parents owned and operated Miller and Son Garage in Sloan, repairing automobiles and selling Chevrolet cars.

Alice Swanson was born1 5 February 1906 in Lake Township, Monona County, Iowa, to Alfred and Mary Enstrom Swanson. Alice graduated from Sloan High School and Morningside College in Sioux City. She taught school prior to marrying Ervin Miller, Sr in 1930.

One son, Ervin Miller, Jr was born to Ervin and Alice in August of 1931. In 1939 Ervin rented and operated a bowling alley and restaurant in the building his parents had built for their garage. The building was located on the lot of Third and Evans Streets, formerly owned by John W Whitten. The public spent many recreational hours bowling and visiting over the coffee cups. After the movie, theatre-goers would stop at the restaurant and discuss the picture with friends. Many bowling tournaments were held in Sloan. Teams from towns around Sloan came to compete and many teams from Sloan went to other towns. Ervin’s wife, Alice, helped wherever she could.

Ervin, Jr, graduated from Sloan High School and the State University of Iowa at Iowa City. He served as an officer in the U S Army, including time in Korea. When he returned to this country, he graduated from the pharmacy school at Colorado University. In 1952, Ervin, Jr married Lila Seydel, a nurse from Iowa City. Three children were born to the couple.

Jeffrey Scott Miller was born 4 May 1958. He graduated from Baylor University and will be doing his residency at the State University of Iowa, Iowa City, to become a doctor. He married Christine Miller in 1981 and the couple live in Galveston, Texas.

Jacquelyn Sue Miller was born 18 June 1960. She graduated in pharmacy from Colorado University. She married Bryan Dear in 1982 and they live in Casper, Wyoming.

Douglas Ervin Miller was born in March 1962. He presently attends New Mexico State at Las Cruces, New Mexico.

Ervin Miller, Sr, passed away 28 December 1951 at his home. Alice continues to live on their farm in Lake Township, Monona County, Iowa. She is a member of the United Congregational Church in Sloan and active in its projects. Alice has been the very able Librarian for the town of Sloan since May 1955.