Harrison County Iowa Genealogy

HISTORY OF HARRISON COUNTY, IOWA, 1891
BIOGRAPHIES
Page 736
REVERDY J. MILLER

Reverdy J. MILLER, editor and proprietor of the Missouri Valley Eye, first associated himself with the interests of Harrison County in June, 1889, when he purchased the above-named newspaper plant from M. B. COX, and has conducted the same ever since, except about eight months, when it was in the hands of PETTIT& WILSON & E. F. WILSON.

To acquaint the reader with our subject's early life and family connection it may be stated that he is a native of Allamakee County, Iowa. His parents were George R. and Mary E. (BURCHINAL) MILLER, who resided at Rossville, Allamakee County, at the date of Reverdy J.'s birth. His parents were natives of the old Keystone State. The father received a liberal education and was admitted to the bar prior to the breaking out of the Civil War. In 1856 he came to Allamakee County, Iowa, and represented that county in the Twelfth General Assembly. In 1862 he enlisted as a member of Company I, Twenty-seventh Iowa Infantry, and was made Captain of his company, serving until 1864, when he returned and practiced his chosen profession with eminent success. In 1869 he removed from Allamakee County to Mason City, Cerro Gordo County, Iowa, where he became a prominent citizen and social factor. He died at Mason City, October 29, 1885. His wife still lives at that place. It was said of Hon. George R. MILLER that his only failing was that "he was too good to his family," a record any son may well refer to with pride.

Reverdy J., of whom this sketch is written, commenced attending the common schools of Allamakee County in 1865. After the family removed to Mason City he graduated from the excellent High School in that city, in 1878, after which he followed teaching for a time. In 1881 he entered the State University at Iowa City, graduating from the law department in 1884, but he never followed this as a profession. After leaving college he engaged in the real-estate business at Mason City. He followed this until he came to Harrison County.

Politically Mr. MILLER votes the same ticket which his father faithfully supported for so many years---the Democratic, believing , as he does, that this party best serves the interests of the masses of American citizens and freeholders.

Mr. MILLER is a single man, and since 1885 has been publishing the Iowa Workman, which is the official organ of the Ancient Order of United Workmen for Iowa.

During the Indian troubles in Dakota in the winter of 1890-91 he was made correspondent for the New York Herald and was present in the wilds of the West during a greater part of that struggle. He is a practical newspaper man, thoroughly posted on all present-day topics, and one who is possessed of a quick, keen comprehension of all that is required of a modern-day journalist, in which role he is successful.

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