For
Muscatine County Iowa
1911
| Biographies For Muscatine County Iowa 1911 | |
Source: History of Muscatine County Iowa, Volume II, Biographical, 1911, page 235
ROBERT MILLER.....Although more than two decades have passed since Robert Miller left the scene of earthly activities, he is still remembered by many of the older residents of Muscatine county as a prosperous agriculturist and representative citizen, owning at the time of his death five hundred and sixty acres of valuable land. His birth occurred in Ireland on the 15th of December, 1832, his parents being William and Mary Miller, who were likewise natives of the Emerald isle. They emigrated to the United States in 1847, first locating in West Virginia and later coming to Muscatine county, this state, where they spent the remainder of their lives. Their children were eight in number, two of whom are yet living.Robert Miller began learning the stone-mason's trade when a youth of fourteen and worked at that occupation until 1853, when he went to California in search of gold, remaining in the mines there for four years. He then returned to Virginia and after a couple of months came to West Liberty, Iowa, being here engaged in the dry-goods business for three years. On abandoning mercantile pursuits he became identified with farming interests, purchasing and locating on a tract of land in Wapsinonoc township. There he continued to reside throughout the remainder of his life and that his undertakings as an agriculturist were attended with success is indicated in the fact that at the time of his demise he had accumulated five hundred and sixty acres of rich and productive land. In addition to cultivating the cereals best adapted to soil and climate he raised shorthorn cattle for fifteen years, this branch of his business adding materially to his income.
In 1859 Mr. Miller was joined in wedlock to Miss Maria Keith, who was born in Columbiana county, Ohio, on the 15th of August, 1839, her parents being Alexander and Eliza ( Ball ) Keith, natives of Virginia and Pennsylvania respectively. They took up their abode in this county in 1864 and here spent the remainder of their lives. They had ten children, three of whom still survive, as follows: Ada, who is the wife of John Miller and resides in California; and Mrs. Flora W. Vawter, living in Rome, New York. Mr. and Mrs. Miller had five children, namely: Julia, now the wife of C. E. Pickering, of Des Moines, Iowa; Celeste V., who is at home with her mother; Howard W., a resident of North Dakota; Hal K., of Los Angeles, California; and Russell A., who is deceased.
Mr, Miller gave his political allegiance to the republican party, believing its principles most condusive to good government. He was a worthy exemplar of the Masonic fraternity, belonging to the blue lodge and the commandery. His demise, which occurred on the 2d of September, 1888, was deeply mourned by all who knew him. His religious faith was indicated by his membership in the Christian church, to which his widow also belongs and in the work of which she has always taken an active and helpful part. Mrs. Miller now resides in West Liberty, owning a fine residence at No. 718 Calhoun street. She has a host of warm friends and is one of the highly respested ladies of the community.
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