MILLER BROTHERS
View Portrait of Mr. Thomas B. Miller
The Miller Brothers—John Harlan, Harry and Arthur—are well known farmers, stock-raisers and feeders of Dayton township, their landed possessions embracing five hundred and sixty acres in the same place, of which eighty acres lie across the boundary line between Cedar and Jones counties, while the remainder is situated in Dayton township. In addition to this they also own another farm in Jones county, comprising three hundred and thirty acres, near Anamosa, and a third tract of two hundred acres near Olin in Jones county, so that they now have nearly twelve hundred acres in three well improved farms.
These brothers are native sons of Cedar county and were born on the old homestead. The birth of John Harlan Miller occurred August 27, 1870, while Harry Miller was born January 23, 1873, and Arthur Miller, June 25, 1876. They also have a sister Luella, who is the wife of Clyde Jackson of Stanwood, Iowa. Their father, Hon. Thomas B. Miller, was born June 9, 1841, in Holmes county, Ohio, and was there reared and educated. At the outbreak of the Civil war he enlisted in response to his country’s call for troops and served for three years and three months in defense of the Union, being honorably discharged at the close of the war. He then returned to Holmes county and was afterward married there December 28, 1867, to Miss Letitia Korn, who was born and reared in Holmes county, Ohio.
In the spring of 1866 Thomas B. Miller came to Iowa and settled in Cedar county on land which his father had previously entered from the government. Here he and his brother broke the sod and opened up a farm. Later Thomas B. Miller bought more land from time to time until he owned four hundred acres in his home place. In the midst of that tract he erected a large and attractive residence and in the rear put up good barns and convenient outbuildings that furnished ample shelter for grain and stock. He developed a neat and well improved farm, upon which he lived until 1882 when he rented this place and removed to South Dakota, where he took up a claim for one hundred and sixty acres. He then engaged in the livery business for a few years and in 1886 returned to Cedar county, settling upon the old home farm. He removed to Stanwood in 1899, where his last days were spent, his death occurring September 5, 1907. His widow still survives him and makes her home in Stanwood.
Thomas B. Miller was not only recognized as one of the leading agriculturists of the community but was also a worthy early settler and one whose labors constituted an important element in the substantial growth and upbuilding of this part of the state. Moreover, he was a leader in political circles. He always gave his support to the republican party and was nominated on that ticket as a representative to the state legislature. The election showed that he was the popular candidate for the office and by re-election he continued a member of the house for two terms, in which he served with honorable distinction, supporting many valuable legislative measures. He was widely known throughout the state as a man of good business ability and was an active and progressive farmer and stock-raiser. Moreover, he was known as a man of unblemished character, possessed of a lofty and notable public spirit, and he had the confidence, respect and honor of all with whom he came in contact.
His sons took charge of the farms and business some years prior to their father’s death and purchased more land, including two farms in Jones county and one hundred and sixty acres in Cedar county, and they are today extensive stock-buyers, raisers and feeders. They also buy, feed and handle a large number of heavy draft horses. They fatten and ship from twelve to fifteen carloads of cattle each year and about four hundred hogs. Their business methods show keen discrimination, unfaltering energy and a progressive spirit. Their interests have closely connected them with the upbuilding and business enterprise of this section of the state and their labors have not only contributed to their own success but have also constituted elements in advancing the general prosperity.
Harlan Miller was married in Cedar county on the 28th of February, 1893, to Miss Dora Coppess, who was born and reared in Cedar county. They now have two children, Foster and Roy Miller. In the year 1903 Harry Miller wedded Miss Loretta Derr of Jones county, and they have one child, Clarice. Arthur Miller was married in Jones county in 1904 to Miss Nettie McCray, who was born and reared in that county. They have two daughters, Helen and Esther. The youngest brother is operating a two hundred acre farm in Jones county.
Politically the Miller Brothers have always been identified with the republican party but have never sought or desired office, preferring to concentrate their time and energies upon their business affairs, which have grown to considerable magnitude, bringing to them success and gain that ranks them with the leading and representative citizens of this part of the state.
