James A. MILLER, farmer, section 15, Monroe Township, was born in Essex County, England, July 18, 1826, son of James and Catherine MILLER. He remained in England until he reached manhood, and in 1846 crossed the waters and located in Upper Canada, where he remained five years.

He was married March 9, 1854, to Miss Hannah J. WILSON, born in Upper Canada, daughter of Hugh W. and Sarah Ann WILSON, who removed to Illinois in 1850.

Mr. MILLER resided in Putnam County until 1857, when he came to Iowa and located in Adair County. He was among the first settlers of that county. Here he improved eighty acres of wild land, and was in the employ of the Western Stage Company for a long time. He was considered an expert in the handling and care of horses. While in the employ of that company he passed through many hardships and dangers.

In 1870 he came to Ringgold County, and settled in Monroe Township. His home farm contains 160 acres. He also owns eighty acres of improved land on section 8. He has a good residence, surrounded with shade and ornamental trees, and furnished in a manner that shows the refinement of its occupants. He also has a good barn, crib, granary, out-buildings for stock, and feed lots. The farm is in a good state of cultivation and well improved. He is engaged in farming and stock-raising, and has some as fine horses as can be found in the township. Everything about the farm shows the industry and thrift of its owner.

Mr. and Mrs. MILLER are the parents of five children - Charles H., Leonard J., Florence K., Ida A. and Sadie A.

Mr. and Mrs. MILLER are consistent and worthy members of the Methodist Episcopal church. Mr. MILLER has by fair and honest dealing won the confidence of all who know him, and his word is considered as good as his bond. Politically he is a Republican. Postoffice, Beaconsfield.

NOTE: Leonard J. MILLER was born in 1857, and died in 1937. His wife, Margaret E. (GALE) MILLER, was born in Ringgold County, Iowa, and died at Kellerton, Iowa, on March 1, 1931. Leonard and Margaret were interred at Maple Row Cemetery, Kellerton, Ringgold County, Iowa.

SOURCES:
Biography & Historical Record of Ringgold County, Iowa, Pp. 350-51, 1887.

WPA Graves Survey

Transcription and note by Sharon R. Becker, March of 2009

Biographical Sketches Pages Index: A - F,   G - L,   M - R,  S - Z