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         GEORGE B. MILLER, a pioneer of Louisa County, now residing on section 13, Morning Sun Township, was born in Shelby County, Ky., Dec. 25, 1820, and is a son of John and Mary (Boyd) Miller, both of whom were natives of Kentucky. On the maternal side our subject is of Irish ancestry, his grandfather having been a native of Ireland, though he removed to Kentucky, and there reared a family. John Miller, the father of our subject, sold his land in Kentucky and moved to Decatur County, Ind., where the death of himself and wife occurred, he dying in 1876, his wife departing this life many years previously, in 1838. They were both members of the United Presbyterian Church, and to them were born seven children, only three of whom are living: Martha, wife of James Wilson, a resident of Morning Sun, Iowa; James, who is engaged in farming in Fayette County, Ind., and George.

Our subject received his education in the common schools of Indiana. He remained at home upon the farm until 1846, when he went to work by the month for about a year. In 1847 he, in partnership with James Hamilton, came to Iowa and purchased about 400 acres of land, and immediately began its improvement. Timber had to be cut for a frame building which he erected, the dimensions being 18x20 feet. On the 5th of January, 1845, Mr. Miller was united in marriage with Jane Owens, who was born in Juniata County, Pa., July 10, 1816, and is a daughter of William Owens, a native of Ireland. The young couple immediately moved into the little farm building which Mr. . . .

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. . . Miller had erected, and he immediately began the improvement of his land. Fences were built, and where once was hazel brush now tower the lofty shade trees planted by Mr. and Mrs. Miller. The orchard was planted with many varieties of fruit, crops were sown and soon yielded a bountiful harvest. Little by little, by the careful hand of Mr. Miller, the wild, unbroken land was transformed into beautiful farms. Many years have passed since he became a resident of Louisa County, bringing with them the joy and sorrow which come alike to all. He faithfully endured the trials and hardships incident to pioneer life, and now can lay aside the burden of the day, living upon the competence earned in former years. A one and a half story frame house has been added to the little cabin, and four children have been born to this worthy couple. Only one was permitted to live beyond infancy, James F., but he too, when seventeen years of age, was called to his final home. A young man full of energy and great promise, his death indeed proved a sad loss to his parents. Mr. and Mrs. Miller are both members of the United Presbyterian Church, and in politics he is a stanch Republican.