Historical encyclopedia of Illinois, Volume II, part 2, Part 106

Author: Bateman, Newton, 1822-1897; Selby, Paul, 1825-1913
Publication date: 1912
Publisher: Chicago, Munsell Pub. Co.
Number of Pages: 774

USA > Illinois > Sangamon County > Historical encyclopedia of Illinois, Volume II, part 2 > Part 106

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In 1876 Mr. Millar was united in marriage · with Miss Louise Singleton, and they have had four children, as follows: Paul Johnston, de- ceased; Ruby Geraldine; Genevieve, deceased ; William J. Jr., a graduate of Springfield High School in the Class of 1909 and at present a student in the law department of the University of Michigan. Mrs. Millar was born in Spring- field and, after completing the course of study afforded by the schools in that city, taught in Sangamon County three years. Her father, James Hunter Singleton, was born- in Hardin County, Ky., in 1820, but went to Illinois when young, and there married Jemima Mauzy, a na- tive of the latter State, born February 13, 1823, and still living, residing in Excelsior, Minn. They came to Springfield, where they reared their family and made their home for many years, and the father died there in November, 1887. He and his wife had children as follows : Thomas, deceased; John, died young; George, deceased; James A. died in 1879; Mrs. Millar ; Mary Agnes, widow of Harry Moak. of Excel- sior ; and Mrs. Samuel Wilson, of Minneapolis, Minn. William J. Singleton, the grandfather of Mrs. William J. Millar, was a native of Ken- tucky, came to Iliinois at an early day, and es-

tahlished the first oil mill in the State and a hominy mill.

He married Nancy Hunter, of Kentucky. Mrs. James H. Singleton, was horn at Paris, Edgar County, Ill., and her father, John Mauzy, was born in Virginia, May 4, 1776, while his wife Nancy Agnes Mauzy, was born in the same State, January 20, 1782. He was a son of Peter Mauzy, a soldier in Captain Brown's company, recruited from Virginia during the Revolution, and which participated in the siege of York- town; he was one of those sent hy Gen. An- thony Wayne to clear the road for the mounted troops for the advance on that town. John Mauzy's deatlı occurred in Springfield, Ill.

Mr. and Mrs. Millar are Episcopalians. He is a Democrat in political faith and has served in many official positions, while for thirty years a resident of Illiopolis. An enthusiastic member of Illiopolis Lodge No. 521, A. F. and A. M., and of Kedron Chapter No. 138, R. A. M., he has taken the thirty-second degree and is a Knight Templar, belonging to Elwood Commandery No. 6, at Springfield. Conservative, reserved and responsible, Mr. Millar has always been an im- portant factor in every community in which he has made his home, and his influence is pow- erful in whatever direction he exerts it. He has heen for more than thirty years a member of the Masonic Lodge at Illiopolis and helped to huild the first Masonic Temple at that place in 1874, using part of the building as a bank until he retired from husiness and invested largely in farms and real estate. This building was laid waste hy fire. He afterwards assisted in erecting the present temple, which is the home of Masonic bodies of that village. During these many years he has assisted in conferring Ma- sonic Degrees upon many persons and has. helped materially in building up the local or- ganizations. The family have a pleasant home on North Walnut Street.

MILLER, Francis M .- The rich farm land of Sangamon County yields handsome returns to those who till it, and a number have accumnu- lated fortunes from their property there. One of the substantial farmers of Curran Township is Francis M. Miller, residing on Section 24. He is a native son of the county, having been born in Chatham Townshlp, February 11, 1836. His father was Jacob Miller, a native of Ken- tucky, while his mother bore the maiden name of Incinda Potts and was born in Virginia. The parents were married in Kentucky, where they resided for some time, coming to Illinois in 1824, locating in Chatham Township, where the father entered 120 acres from the Govern- ment. dying upon his property in 1860. after a life devoted to farming. His wife died fifteen years later, aged eighty-six years. The paternal grandfather came from Germany, while the ma- ternal grandfather was born in England. Jacob Miller served in the War of 1812, wbile a son,

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William, was a soldier in the Civil War. There were thirteen children in the family of Jacob Miller, three of whom were born in Kentucky.

Francis M. Miller attended school in the little log building in his neighborhood, where he sat on slab benches, and at other times gave his boyish help on the farm. All his life Mr. Mil- ler has been engaged in farming, spending thirty-seven years in Chatham Township, thir- teen years in Auburn Township, and eleven years in Loaml Township, and in 1902 bonght 120 acres in Curran Townshlp, which continues to be his home.

On October 7, 1858, occurred the marriage of Mr. Miller and Eliza J. Trimble, born in Cur- ran Township, March 28, 1840. Her parents were born in Kentucky and married there .. They had six children, two of whom survive, one son. James A. Trimble, residing in Springfield. The Trimbles came to Illinois at an early day, loca- ting first in Morgan County, but later comiug to Sangamon County, where the father died Janu- ary 21, 1900, the mother having passed away December 9, 1866.

Mr. and Mrs. Miller became the parents of ten children, two sons and eight danghters, one of whom is deceased, Myrtle Alice, born Jnly 7, 1882, died February 21, 1883. Those living are Flora A .. born February 17, 1860; Sadie E., wife of John Miller, living on a farm near Anburn, was born October 9, 1863; Mary F., wife of Os- car Patterson, living on a farm, was born Angust 27, 1865; Lilly, wife of Harry Miner, living near Alberta, Canada, was born June 8, 1868; Lnella, born July 17, 1869, at home; Mrs. Georgia E. Bascom, a widow, born February 25, 1873, is a school teacher in the Sangamon County schools; Lydla Belle, born September 23, 1875, wife of Miles Fanham, lives on a farm in Auburn Township; William H., born January 26, 1877. lives in Chatham Township; John A., born October 30, 1879, lives with his father. There are sixteen grandchildren and one great- grandchild, all of whom are living. The seventh of October, 1908. the golden wedding anniversary of Mr. and Mrs. Miller was celebrated, all of the children and grandchildren being present, as well as 185 other guests. Both Mr. and Mrs. Miller enjoy excellent health. They own their farm of 120 acres, which is in fine condition. Mr. Miller cast his first vote for Abraham Lin- coln who was a warm, personal friend of his, and he has ever since continued faithful to the party the great man helped to found. He is a member of the Christlan Church, as is his wife, and both enjoy their religious privileges. He has served as School Director in the several townships in which he has made his home, and where he is pleasantly remembered not only as an official, but also as a capable and successful farmer.

MILLER, Fred H .- The younger generation of farmers in Sangamon County are profiting from the experiments made by the government and the experience of those who have gone before

them, and are operating their land along scientific lines with results often surpassing those of former years. Que of these progres- sive youug men who has done much to advance the cause of agriculture in his couuty, is Fred H. Miller, of Sections 32 and 33, Maxwell Township. He was born in Chatham Township, April 7, 1884, a son of Thomas J. and Amanda (Jacobs) Miller. The Jacobs family are men- tioned elsewhere in this work.

Thomas J. Miller was a son of James Miller, and grandson of James F. Miller, brotber of William G. Miller, whose family history is treated of at considerable length elsewhere. Thomas J. was born in Sangamon County and followed the calling of a farmer in Chatham Township. He married in Chatham Township, was a man of quiet, domestic tastes, and for many years served as School Director and Road Commissioner, being elected on the Democratic ticket. This most excellent inan was killed on March 10, 1910. from falling into a tile ditch, in such a manner as to break both legs. The injuries were so serions as to lead to internal complications, and he finally passed away, aged fifty-four years, leaving a

widow and three children to mourn his untimely taking away. His children are : Iva May, wife of Fred Butler, a farmer of Chatbam Township; Otto C., now operating the homestead in Chatham Township, and Fred H. The father was a man who carried out the Golden Rule in his everyday life. Always will- ing to assist others in time of need, he often left his own work to attend to theirs. Both he and his wife early joined the Christian Church.

Fred H. Miller attended the district school of Chatham Township, and was brought up to hard work on the farm, remaining at home until he was twenty-two years old. On March 7. 1906, he was married to Bertha E. Work- man, who was born in Loami Township, Jan- uary 18, 1886, a danghter of Stephen Workman (deceased). who is mentioned elsewhere. Mr. and Mrs. Miller have three children : Edith, born March 2, 1907, Lois, horn June 18, 1908, and one son, James Thomas, born August 2, 1910.

After their marrlage tbis yonng conple rented land in Loami Township for two years, operating sixty acres. In February, 190S, they moved to their present 120-acre farm on Sec- tions 32 and 33, which they own. although Mr. Miller operates 240 acres in the township. He is a practical farmer, fully appreciating tbe wisdom of rotating his crops and nsing im- proved methods and machinery in his work. His farming operations require seven horses and five mules, the former being mares of high- grade Percheron stock. He also makes a specialty of raising Poland-China hogs. It Is his alm to feed a carload of hogs each year, and his product is so good that he receives for them the highest market price. He plants from 130 to 140 acres in corn, besides raising both wheat and oats, his corn averaging from fifty

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HISTORY OF SANGAMON COUNTY

to sixty-six bushels per acre. Mr. Miller has al- ways voted the Republican ticket, and both he and his wife are consistent members of the Christian Church. Fraternally he Is a mem- ber of the I. O. O. F., No. 901 of Loami. Pro- vidlug for the future of his family, Mr. Miller carries insurance in the Franklin Life Insnr- ance Company and the Bankers Life Insurance Association of Des Moines, Iowa. A man of energy, progressive and public-spirited, Mr. Miller has a bright future before him, and is destined to accumulate a handsome competency through his own intelligently directed efforts.

MILLER, Henry .- When the alarm of fire is sounded, those in danger begin to appreciate the valne of an efficient fire department, and show their gratitude to the brave men who risk their Ilves in defense of property. Henry Miller, cap- tain of Chemical Engine No. 1, Springfield, is an experienced fire fighter and a man of un- questioned bravery and resource. He was born in St. Louis, Mo., April 6, 1841, a son of John Henry and Catherine (Zehe) Miller, both na- tives of Germany. The father was a cloth cut- ter who came to America at a very early day, settling in St. Lonis where he met and married Catherine Zehe. Here the father followed his trade until he came to Springfield, Ill., in 1852, and settling in this city, resumed his work, con- tinuing thus engaged for many years. He was successful in a business way, and left a valu- able property, dying in 1879, at the age of sixty- two years, slx months and eleven days. He had three sons and two danghters, all born in St. Lonis, but only Mr. Miller and a sister, Mrs. Lonisa Opel, of Springfield, survive.

Mr. Miller went to school in St. Lonis and Springfield before the present school houses were erected. As a boy he assisted in hauling the brick nsed in building the first two public schools here. After finishing school and work- ing in a country store for two years, Mr. Mil- ler fonnd employment in a department store in Springfield. In January, 1861, he began learn- ing the carpenter's trade with A. Morris, which he followed for many years. On October 17, 1858, he jolned the volnnteer fire department. In May, 1868, the Volunteer Fire Department was converted Into a paid Fire Department. At this time there were only two engine houses with three full paid and four extra hosemen. The extra men worked at their trades receiv- ing pay for service at each fire, Mr. Miller serv- ing as one of the extra hosemen. In the fall of 1872, he became regularly employed on the lad- der truck, and from that up, he has held every position except that of driver in his department, acting many times as chlef during the absence of the regular officer. In 1871, during the great Chicago fire, he was sent with a crew of five men to that city. On Aprll 15, 1887, he was made captain of the chemical engine, which was theu statloued at No. 2 Engine House, but on March 14, 1890, the chemical engine was moved to Its present quarters on Fourth Street, where

Captain Miller still remains in active service. He is not only one of the oldest fire fighters in the State, but also one of the oldest In the coun- try, and as a seasoned veteran, Is one of the most efficient officers lu this line.

On June 19, 1868, Mr. Miller was married in Springfield to Angeline Morris, born in Ohio, May 4, 1848, a daughter of Alexander Morris. The latter was a carpenter and coutractor who brought hls famlly to Springfield at an early date. Here he followed his trade for a number of years, later moving to Topeka, Kan., but is now deceased. Three children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Miller: Otto G., born August

11, 1871, a commercial salesman ot Springfield ; William Clint, born September 3, 1878, is in the employ . of the Illinois Watch Company; and Mary A., born October 25, 1883, now the wife of Walter O. Brown. There are two grandchildren in the family, sous of Otto G. aud Ada (Hallow- well) Miller; Kenneth II., born January 7, 1900, and Russell H. Miller, born June 5, 1903. The famlly residence at No. 522 Sonth Eleventh Street is owned by Captain Miller, who also owns other city realty.

In politics Captain Mlller is a Republican. He belongs to Court Camp No. 460, Modern Woodmen of America. He takes a good deal of pride in the fact that he was personally ac- quainted with Abraham Lincoln, and Is happy to belong to the political party he helped to fouud. There are few men who are more pleas- ant to meet than the genial veteran fire fighter, whose courage and fearlessness have saved countless lives and kept from destruction mil- lions of dollars worth of property.

MILLER, Joseph R. (deceased) .- All the sol- diers of the Civil War were not killed on battle fields nor died iu the hospitals of that day, yet many only survived to pass away later on, but before their time, because of Injuries received or disabllities contracted while serving their country. Sangamon County sent into the field as fine a lot of men as any sectiou of Illinois, and is proud of her veterans. Too many, though, have answered to the last roll call, and thelr decorated graves on Memorial Day, serve to remind the present generation of the cost of the preservation of the Union. One of the men who was thus representative of the best class of soldiers and citizens this county has ever known, was the late Joseph R. Miller, for- merly a resldent of Williamsville.

Mr. Miller was born in Franklin County, Pa., March 3, 1828, a son of Joseph Miller, also a native of the Keystone State. Both parents of Mr. Miller died in thelr native State, having attained a rlpe old -age. Their lives were peace- fully spent, and their upright characters set a good example for thelr children.

After attending school in Penusylvania, Mr. Miller learned the trade of blacksmith, but feellng that he could secure larger opportu- nities in a newer State, he came west to Illinols. At that time everything was unsettled, and a

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HISTORY OF SANGAMON COUNTY

good blacksmith fouud no trouble in securing employment. Eventually he settled in Williams- ville, set np a shop, and operated it to the time of his death, which occurred Angust 30, 1903.

In May, 1864, he enlisted In the One Hun- dred and Thirty-third Illinois Volunteer In- fantry, for 100 days' service, and the regiment was on duty most of the time gnarding rebel prisoners at Rock Island and Camp Butler until its discharge, September 4, 1866.

The maiden name of Mrs. Miller was Nancy Harrls. She was born in Ohio, December 22, 1827, being a daughter of John and Rebecca (Wiley) Harris, natives of Virginia. The IIar- ris family migrated at an early day to Ohlo, where the father died, but his widow survived to die iu Illinois. For children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Miller, two of whom survive: Mary, born Jannary 6, 1859, married Edward Miller, and three children have been born to them; and Annie, born January 22, 1861, married Charles N. Selby, and they have three children. Mrs. Joseph R. Mil- ler resides in the famlly home on Church Street, which belongs to her. Advanced in years, she still takes an interest in churchi matters and is a very lovable lady, and has been a kind neighbor through all her usefnl life. Mr. Miller was a member of the Christian Church, and took his religion with him into everyday life. He regulated his business ac- cording to the Golden Rule, and was accounted one of the best at his trade in Sangamon County. His political opinions made him a Re- publican, and he always voted the ticket of his party.

No history of Sangamon County would be complete without a record of Mr. Miller's life, althongh unfortunately lie left behind so little anthentic data relative to himself and his fam- ily. However, in his own life he displayed the effects of careful, Christian training, and proved that his own parents had bronght him up properly. His widow and daughters treasure his memory, and he Is very kindly remembered by a wide circle of friends and those with whom he was associated in business dealings. The G. A. R. had in him a faithful and devoted member and he enjoyed meeting with old as- sociates and living over again those exciting events wheu "The Boys in Blue" took so im- portant a part In preserving a nation's glory and perpetnating its existence.

MILLER, Michael Clifton, well known throngh- out Sangamon Connty, Ill., as a breeder of fine horses and mules, also conducting a livery busl- ness and assisting in the management of a farm, has lived several years in the village of Chat- ham, where he has erected a handsome resi- dence, and is one of the highly respected men in his community. He was born on the line of the Louisville & Nashville Railroad, south of Louisville, near Elizabethtown, Hardin County, Ky .. November 12, 1859, a son of Thomas and Rhoda (Walker) Miller, both natives of that

connty. Thomas Miller was a son of Michael Miller, who was also boru in Hardin County, where he spent his entire life. The Miller fam- ily were well known in Kentucky and among the old settlers of Hardin County.

Thomas Miller and his wife remained iu their native State nntil 1890, then moved to Colum- bns, Ind., where in 1904, both passed away. Mr. Miller was a farmer by occupation and an active member of the Baptist Church, while his wife belonged to the Methodist Episcopal Church. He was a quiet, home-loving man, and spent his latter years in retirement from active life, hav- Ing located In Columbus when seventy-five years old, his wife then being sixty-eight years old and there she passed away in October and he in December, 1904. Elght sons and three daugh- ters were born to them and of these eight chil- dren are now living. The oldest, Mary Bell, be- came the wife of Wesley Shively, and died abont 1894, in Pueblo, Colo., where she was buried. She left one son, Therman, now residing in Har- din County, Ky., where another son is a large stockman and operator of a famous gold mine, being successful in all his enterprises. Of the other children of Thomas Miller and wife, Lulu married Charles Devall, a motorman reslding in Springfield ; William T., Is a large farmer living near Newkirk, Okla; Michael Clifton, is the subject of this sketch; John C. is a retired farmer living in Williamsville, Ill .; Edward is a resident of Columbus, Ind .; Whitty and James are merchants of Columbus, Ind .; Benjamin, also of Columbus; Annle, Ilving with her broth- ers in Columbus.

Michael C. Miller spent liis boyhood days In Hardin County, Ky., and attended the public schools of his native State, remaining there un- til 1879, when he left home and went to Welr Clty, Kan., there engaged in mining until 1880, went to Lincoln, Neb., In the latter year and ac- cepted a position on the new railroad being bullt throngh that section. In 1SS1 le mnade lils ad- vent In Sangamon County, first working by the month on a farm In Auburn Township. continu- ing this occupation about eight years. In 1889 he rented a farm near Cotton Hill, where he carried on farming operations successfully until 1901, when he rented a larger farm, remaining here until 1907, when, on March 23rd. he pnr- chased his present place, and embarked In the livery business and the breeding of horses and mules. Being a native of Kentucky, he has the love of fine horses born in him and his judg- ment on such matters is taken as authority. He had a farm of 120 acres under his supervision and later one of 200 acres, and at the time of his retirement from farming was one of the most successful renters in the county. Since embarking in his present business he has been as successful, and has built up a very satls- factory business.

Mr. Miller was united in marriage, February 7. 1880, to Miss Johanna Skees, a native of Hardln County. Ky., born April 22, 1859, a daughter of Phillips and Margaret (Pierce)

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Skees, the former born January 12, 1834, and the latter November 27, 1838, and both died and were buried in Hardin County. Mr. Skees died February 15, 1901, and his widow April 11, 1903. Children as follows were born to Mr. and Mrs. Miller : Philip Samuel, born in Hardin County, Ky., March 9, 1883, now oper- ating a 200-acre farm in Ball Township, Sau- gamon County, married Helen Nettel, a uative of Sangamon Couuty, and they have on child, Hazel; William Thomas, born November 3, 1889, graduated from Chatham High School with the class of 1910, is now bookkeeper in the Caldwell State Bauk of Chatham; Emery, born August S, 1894, lives iu Woodside Town- ship; the oldest child, Lillle Dell, died in in- fancy.

Mr. Miller has two and three-quarters acres of land and a large and well regulated barn. Amoug his fine horses are a full-blooded Per- cherou stalliou, "Mennen ;" a roadster, "Lin- ton," of the old Linton stock famous in Mis- sourl ; and an Arabian stallion Jim.

Mr. Miller and his wife are good examples " of the mauy hardy natlves of Kentucky who have settled in the State of Illinois and have achieved gratifying success. Both have worked hard and are now reaping the reward of their labor. Besides his livery business, Mr. Miller assists his sou Phillips In operating 200 acres of land in Ball Township, and under their able management excellent crops are obtained each year. Mr. Miller is a Democrat in politics and siuce locatiug in Chatham, has held various local offices, Including that of Justice of the Peace. He also served as Highway Commis- sioner while a resident of Ball Township. He and his wife are devout members of the Au- burn Catholic Church. In all public matters he has always stood ready to perform his full share aud has the confidence of his neighbors and associates. He erected his present home at a cost of $4,000, fitting it with many mod- ern comforts and conveniences which are not found in the ordinary country home. He owns two other fine residences and other city real estate.

MILLER, William Gibson, for many years identified with the agricultural interests of Sangamon County, Ill., is also well known in banking circles and public life, and Is a re- vered and honored veteran of the Civil War. Mr. Miller was born in Chatham Township, Sangamon County, February 3, 1838, a son of Jacob and Lucina (Potz) Miller.

Jacob Miller was born in Kentucky, married in that State. and came to Illinois in 1824, lo- cating in what is now Chatham Township. At the outbreak of the Black Hawk War, he en- listed to defend the homes of the white set- tlers against the ravages of the Indians and did vallant service. After the war he re- turned to his home, where he resumed farming and stockraising and became one of the lead- ing men of hls community. Jacob Miller had

left his native State on account of slavery, and there Is no doubt that he would bave enlisted for service in the Union army during the Civil War had not his age prevented. He always taught his sons to abhor even the thought ot slavery, and instilled in them the love of coun- try that they always evidenced in thelr after ilves. Mr. Miller was a stanch Whig in early days, and later became a personal friend of Abraham Lincoln, in whose office he became acquainted with the Great Martyr. Mr. Miller passed to his final rest July 27, 1862, his wife following him to the grave November 2, 1877, both dying in the falth of the Hard Shell Bap- tist Church. They were the parents of thir- teen children, as follows: three who died In infancy ; William Gibson; James F., living with

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Historical encyclopedia of Illinois, Volume II, part 2, Part 106

Author: Bateman, Newton, 1822-1897; Selby, Paul, 1825-1913 Publication date: 1912 Publisher: Chicago, Munsell Pub. Co. Number of Pages: 774

Author: Bateman, Newton, 1822-1897; Selby, Paul, 1825-1913
Publication date: 1912
Publisher: Chicago, Munsell Pub. Co.
Number of Pages: 774