JOHN ADAM MILLER

Among the progressive and prosperous farmers of Inland township, Cedar county, whose efforts along agricultural lines are meeting with gratifying results, is numbered John Adam Miller. One of Iowa’s native sons, he was born in Scott county on the 26th of November, 1865, his parents being Lorenz and Mary (Ehrecke) Miller. The father, whose birth occurred in Germany in 1833, was there educated and he came to America in 1850, arriving in Scott county about 1859. At the time of the Civil war he supported the Union cause, enlisting as a member of the Second Iowa Volunteer Cavalry under Colonel Hatch. With his command he saw much active service at the front and was with Grant at the battle of Vicksburg and participated in many other engagements, including Iuka, Corinth, Pittsburg Landing, Shiloh, and Antietam. He served throughout the entire war, holding the position of orderly sergeant and bugler.

After the close of hostilities he returned to Scott county, where he was engaged in farming for about two years, after which he came to Cedar county, and here purchased eighty acres of land. A year or so later he traded that property in on one hundred and sixty acres, which became known as the Miller homestead and upon which he carried on general farming and stock-raising throughout the remainder of his life. He added to his place one hundred and twenty acres and still later bought one hundred and eighty acres in Center township, so that he subsequently became the owner of four hundred and sixty acres of valuable land in Inland, Farmington and Center townships, which is still is possession of the Miller family. He also became known in other lines of industry, being one of the organizers of the Durant Savings Bank and of the White Pigeon Fire Insurance Company. He was a member of the Grand Army of the Republic, gave his political support to the republican party, and was prominent in community affairs, serving as justice of the peace, township trustee and school director. Although not a member of any church organization, his faith leaned toward the doctrine of the Lutheran church, and in his life he exemplified those qualities which speak for honorable and upright manhood. He occupied a high place in the esteem and regard of his fellowmen, and at the time of his death, which occurred on the 29th of December, 1892, the community lost one of its progressive, loyal and valued citizens. In 1865 he married Miss Ehrecke, a daughter of Gottlieb Ehrecke, one of the pioneers of Muscatine county, Iowa, and unto them were born four sons and one daughter, all of whom yet survive, John A., Henry C., Herman G., R. L. and Ida Sybella.

John Henry Miller was but a little lad when his parents took up their abode in Cedar county, and on the old Miller homestead here he was reared to manhood, acquiring his early education in the common schools of this county. Later he entered the academy at Wilton, Iowa, and after his graduation therefrom was engaged in teaching school in his home district for three months, proving himself most capable in imparting to others the knowledge he had acquired. He also taught for one term in Center township, after which he rented a farm of one hundred and eighty acres from his father and was for six years identified with agricultural pursuits thereon. At the expiration of that period he removed to Wilton Junction and for eight years was engaged in various business enterprises in that city. He then returned to the one hundred and eighty acres upon which he had originally engaged in farming and made that his home for two years, after which he removed to the old homestead, which has been his place of residence for the past five years. Here he carries on general farming and the prosperity which crowns his efforts is an indication of the fact that he has been progressive in the conduct of his affairs, systematic in his methods and careful in his management. Industry, energy and perseverance have been salient features in his career, and the creditable position which he now occupies in agricultural circles in Inland township is the logical result of his own well directed efforts and intelligently applied labor.

It was on the 20th of March, 1889, that Mr. Miller was united in marriage to Miss Amelia Cecelia Arp, a daughter of Peter and Helena Arp, pioneers of Scott county, Iowa. The father is now deceased but Mrs. Arp survives and makes her home in Hartley, Iowa. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Miller have been born two children, Arthur Clarence and Lorenz Peter, both of whom are yet at home.

In his political belief Mr. Miller gives support to the republican party where national issues are involved but at local elections casts an independent ballot, standing for the best men and most desirable measures regardless of party ties. He takes a deep interest in all community affairs, although he has never sought to figure prominently in public life, and his influence can ever be counted upon to further those projects and measures which are matters of civic virtue and civic pride. Loyal in his citizenship, he is a worthy son of an honored father, and Inland township numbers him among her valued and representative residents.