Iowa
Old Press
Register
Des Moines, Polk co. Iowa
February 25, 1896
Life and Death of A.B. Miller
One of Knoxville's Esteemed Residents Passes Away.
Knoxville [Marion co.], Feb. 25 -- Special: A.B. Miller was born
January 8, 1818, in Petersburg, Adams county, Pennsylvania, and
died February 24, 1896, in Knoxville, Iowa.
Of the seventy-eight years of A.B. Miller's life I know but
little, though my acquaintance with him dates back to 1860. The
early years of his life were mostly spent in Franklin county,
Pennsylvania. About the age of 18 he moved with his parents to
Columbiana county, Ohio. The public schools and two years at
Oberlin College completed his early education. After reading law
with Wm. D. Ewing, of New Lisbon, Ohio, in 1846 he was admitted
to the bar. In April of that year he came to Marion county, Iowa,
settling in Lake Prairie township and in 1848 moved to Red Rock
township. In 1852 he was elected clerk of the courts, and in 1854
re-elected. these four years gave him an insight into county
matters, and especially probate business, so that most of the
years since hten he has had much to do with the settlement of
estates, that forming the principal part of his law business.
During the war he served two years as quartermaster of the
Fortieth Iowa; with the exception of this time Knoxville has been
his home since 1852, and in connection with his law business,
which was confined to such cases as would not require pleading,
as a rule, he did an extensive pension business.
A.B. Miller and Miss Eliza Chapman were married December 25,
1845, and three children were born to them: Helen, wife of J.M.
Donley, whose home is now in Hutchinson, Kan.; Rinoldo S., of
Knoxville, and Nora, wife of Hon. J.B. Elliott, of Knoxville;
both of these sons-in-law are wll and favorably known in Iowa.
The wife and mother (now very feeble and must soon follow the one
gone before) with the children, was at the bedside when the
summons came, as it was not unexpected. for the last year he has
failed very fast, during the winter requiring close attention,
though being able to walk up town within the last two weeks.
A.B. Miller was more than an average successful business man and
fortune often smiled upon him, though her frowns in the last few
years diminished her favors considerably. He was also one of the
most excentric geniuses we had, who delighted in telling a good
joke and whose manner in the telling added much to the enjoyment
of the listener. Few men kept better posted or liked to read as
well, and many quaint and rare volumes are in his library, and
side by side with these books are rare paintings, for which he
paid hundreds of dollars cheerfully. Years ago it was quite a
treat to be invited by him to see some new painting that he had
just purchased, and then have him point out the merits of the
other favorites. As a business man, citizen, neighbor, so far as
I know, his record stands without a blot or stain. The funeral
services will be held at the late residence at 2 p.m. to-morrow.
E.F. Sperry.
[transcribed by S.F., June 2006]