The Miller Families of Crawford County, Ohio

DANIEL MILLER, Bueyrus. The history of Crawford Co. would indeed be incomplete without the subjoined sketch of the Miller family. John Miller, father of Daniel, was a native of Little York, Penn., from which place to Perry Co.. Ohio, his parents removed when he was yet a child. Helearned the cabinet-maker's trade in early life, and soon after reaching his majority, went to Licking Co., Ohio, where he worked at his trade. It was in this county at Granville that he met Miss Lydia Murdick, to whom he was married, and who was the mother of his five children. For some time after his marriage, Mr. Miller resided in Perry

Co., working at his trade. lu 1825, he came to Crawford Co., and settled in Bucyrus, which at that time was but a small hamlet on the Sandusky River. For some time, he worked at carpentering and cabinet-making, and then engaged in the hotel business and dry goods trade. He built the first carding-mill in the town, and through his endeavors it proved a success, and was, for a number of years, one of the leading industries of the county. He was twice elected Sheriff of the county, and it is said by old settlers that the county never had a more efficient officer. For a number of years, he kept an exchange office and dealt quite largely in real estate. He purchased of a Mr. Clark 80 acres of land, which he laid out in town lots, and which is now known as " Miller's Addition " to Bucyrus. He was in fact one of the most prominent and successful business men of that day, and contributed not a little to the building-up and improving of the little city he had chosen as his home. This good man departed this life in 1858, and was followed by his wife in 1871. Daniel Jliller was born in Perry Co., Ohio, June 1, 1824, and his youth and early manhood were passed upon a farm. He received a good common-school education, and soon after reaching his majority, began for himself as a farmer. His marriage with Miss Maria Lemmon occurred in 1847. She was born in Seneca Co., N. Y., May 20, 1827, and came from there to Seneca Co., Ohio, when a child. She is sister of Judge Lemmon, of Toledo, one of the leading jurists of Northern Ohio. Mr. Miller's marriage bore the fruits of seven children, six of whom are yet living— Jennie, John D., Charles R., Francis E., Cassius M. and Stansbury L. Jeannette was the name of the one deceased. Mr. Miller has always been engaged in agricultural pursuits. He owns 142 acres of land, one and one-half miles west of Bucyrus, upon which are good and substantial farm buildings. Politically, he is a Republican. Socially, he and wife are second to none in the county.

As printed in the source¹. Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.

CHARLES R. MILLER, one of the leading farmers of Whetstone township, Crawford county, O., who numbers with his many substantial possessions, two excellent farms, one of 135 acres and the other of seventy acres, was born in Bucyrus township, Crawford county, Aug. 11, 1857, and is a son of Daniel and Maria (Lemon) Miller.

Daniel Miller was born in Seneca county, O., but spent the larger portion of his life in Crawford county, where he was a successful farmer. He was a quiet, steady, industrious man, a over of his home and family and a consistent member of the Lutheran church, lie married Maria Lemon, who was born in the State of New York and in early life accompanied her parents to Seneca county, O., where her death occurred and both she and husband rest side by side in Oak wood Cemetery at Bucyrus. She was a devout member of the Baptist church. They had the following children: ITannah Jane, deceased, who was the wife of Abel Dewalt; John 1) Henrietta, who is deceased; and Charles R., Frank E., Cassius C. and I.enidii S.

Charles R. Miller remained with his father on the home farm until he was 21 years of age, in the meanwhile attending school in the winter months, and when he started out for himself was quite well equipped, his knowledge of farming securing him remunerative employment. When the agricultural season was over he engaged in teaming and when spring came again resumed farming and through prudence and industry has become a man of independent means. He has been an active and useful citizen, giving support to the public schools and exerting his influence for the betterment of his community whenever opportunity has offered.

On Jan. 1, 1879, Mr. Miller was married to Miss Catherine Eichelberger, a daughter of Isaac and Catherine (Bibler) Eichelberger. They were farming people in Crawford county, O. Mrs. Miller has two brothers and two sisters: David, Noah,

Polly and Betsey. To Mr, and Mrs. Miller the following children were born: Bertha

May, who died when aged five months; Clara Irene, who married Curtis Stofer and has one child, Ethel Marie; Orville B., who married Mary Mullencupp, and has one child, Desta Irene; and Earl Roland, who died at the age of thirteen months. Nominally Mr. Miller is a Republican but in some campaigns he is inclined to be independent, casting his vote rather for man than party. He has served as township constable and several times as supervisor and enjoys the confidence and respect of his fellow citizens very generally.

As printed in the source². Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.

STANSBURY LEMMON MILLER, a prominent farmer of Dallas township, owns 80 acres of well cultivated land, lie was born in Crawford county, May 10, 1864, being a son of Daniel and Maria (Lemmon) Miller.

John Miller, father of Daniel and grandfather of the subject of this sketch, was a native of Little York, I’a., from which place his parents removed to Perry county, Ohio, when he was young, and there he grew up. lie became a cabinet maker and went to work at that trade in Licking county, Ohio, where he met and married Miss Lydia Murdick. In 1825 they removed to Crawford county and settled in the then small town of Bucyrus and here worked at his trade and also engaged in the hotel business and dry goods trade, lie was one of the most prominent and successful men of his day and it was he who built the first carding mill which was for years one of the leading industries of the county. 1 Ie was twice elected sheri It of Crawford county. Tie died in 1858 and his wife survived until 1871.

Daniel Miller was born in Perry county'. Dliio, June 1, 182, and was raised on a farm. After completing his education in the common schools he took up farming and followed that all his life. I11 1847 he was united in marriage with Miss Maria Lemmon, as before indicated. She was born May 20, 1827, in Seneca county, N. Y., but came to Ohio when a child. To Mr. and Mrs. Daniel Miller the following children were born: Jennie, deceased, who was the wife of Abel De Walt; John D.; Charles R.; Francis E.; Nettie, who died at the age of 18 years; Cassius M.; and Stansbury L., whose name heads this article.

After having attended the common schools of his neighborhood, Stansbury L. Miller secured employment in a railroad shop but remained there only one year when lie turned his attention to farming, working with his father until the latter’s death. Mr. Miller continued farming the home place until his mother died, when this farm was sold, and in 1898 he bought his present farm from Lorena Fisher, it being known as the Fisher farm but it was at first a part of the Wesley White farm. Mr. Miller has built the new house and barns and has greatly improved the property since it came into his possession. He does general farming and raises stock for his own use.

Stansbury L. Miller was married in 1885 to Miss Clara E. Mehaffey. Her parents, John and Margaret (Suloff) Mehaffey, resided in Juniata county, Pa., at the time of her birth. John Mehaffey met his death during the Civil war at Andersonville prison. To him and his wife there were born two children, named as follows: Ephraim and Clara E. Mrs. John Mehaffey later married Ephraim Mehaffey, a brother of her first husband, who had also served in the Civil war. To them was born one daughter, Anna. Mr. and Mrs. Stansbury L. Miller have one son, Stephen Lester, who lives at home.

Mr. Miller is a Republican in his political principles but votes for the man lie judges best rather than his party’s choice, lie is a member of the Knights of Pythias at Bucyrus. lie and his family attend the Baptist church.

>'> t>n: Jii’ in < 1 m id-jrl oj; iv

'fj ' n ‘J 'bl'.j rc. Aij’lif - = r!

As printed in the source². Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.

W. W. MILLER, retired; P. 0. Bucyrus; whose portrait and that of his wife, appear in this book, is another of the old and honored pioneers of Crawford Co. He was born in Manheim Township, Berks Co.. Penn., on March 1. 1808, and is the son of Peter Miller, who migrated with his family to Crawford Co. in the year 1835; the journey was made by wagon and was a most tedious one, the family consisting of the father and mother and seven children, all of whom arrived safely at the old Blue Ball Inn, two miles south of Bucyrus, on the 16th of May. 1835. They resided at the Blue Ball until the 4th of the following June, when they rented a house in the village of BucjTus, to which they removed. Mr. Miller and his son, the subject of this sketch, engaged in hauling earth from the hill north of town, to fill in and level the public square. They continued teaming, at different kinds of work, until on the 12th of the following December, when they purchased the lot where the Western Hotel now stands, paying for it $850, when together they engaged in the mercantile business, under the firm name of Peter Miller & Son. Now, to go back to the earlier life of Mr. Miller: He was reared on a farm, and remained with his father until the age of 14, when he began hiring out to do farm-work. This he continued for a few years, or until 1828, when he secured a situation as salesman in a store at McKeansburg, Penn.; there his first instructions as a salesman were received. His first year's salary for this work was $30. In 1830, he secured, through the influence of his uncle, John Miller, a situation in the store of Mr. Henry Arnold, in Lancaster, Ohio. A short residence in that place brought on an attack of fever and ague, on account of which he returned to Pennsylvania. Recovering, he again secured a situation in McKeansburg, where he remained most of the time until preparations were made by his father to move to Ohio, which event occurred as above stated. The business was conducted in Bucyrus under the firm name of Peter INIiller & Son. until the death of the old gentleman, which occurred on his 55th birthday, August 1, 1831). W. W. continued the business until Aug. 31, 1848, when his building and entire stock of goods were destroyed by fire. Though sustaining this loss by fire, Mr. Miller was still in fair financial circumstances, and in 1852, he, in company with some other gentlemen of Bucyrus and Mansfield, John Sherman, now of national reputation, being one of the number, engaged in the general banking business in Bucyrus. The Mansfield gentlemen withdrawing, the liusiness was continued until 1802. by Messrs. Musgrave, Hetich, Adams and Miller, of Bucyrus. when they discontinued the business to devote their time to other interests and enterprises. Mr. Miller has bought and sold many different lots and tracts of land in and about Bucyrus. For a number of years, he has been in no active business, but has been reaping the reward of his early industry and economy, in a pleasant home in West Bucyrus, where, in company with his estimable wife, he resides in peace and contentment. On Jan. 28, 1836, Mr. Miller was married to Miss Catharine, daughter of Henry and Catharine Sell. She too, bore her burdens nobly in their early struggles to accumulate a competency, and in the rearing of their family of four children to honorable man and womanhood. Her portrait appears in this work, as a lady worthy of a place in the history of Crawford Co. Their children are Maria W., now the wife of C. H. Shonert; Wilson A., James K. and Clarrissa.

As printed in the source¹. Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.

JACOB MILLER, retired farmer; P, 0.

Poplar; was born in Fairfield Co., Ohio, Oct. 7, 1800, and is of German descent. His grandfather, Andrew Miller, possessed a large farm, and a fine mill property in Germany, which was destroyed by the army, during the war with France, and his two sons becoming subject to the "draft," although he had previously paid the sum necessary to clear them, he left everything, and with his wife, two sons and a daughter, fled to America, and settled at Hagerstown, Maryland. The family all died the same season, except Jacob, and he soon after came to Fairfield County, in this State, and taught school. He was there married to Barbara Burtner, who had come there from Pennsylvania, after reaching maturity. In March, 1830, the family moved to Seneca County, where they lived until their death. Jacob, who is the subject of this sketch, was the eldest son, and his school life is embraced in two days' attendance. He commenced working out when quite young, and himself earned the $100 with which his father entered 80 acres of land in Seneca County. He cleared this besides a great deal for others. He was married, on Feb. 25, 1831, to Phoebe Pennington, who was born in Virginia, and came to Seneca County in 1826. In January, 1849, Mr. Miller moved to where he now lives, and where he and his sons have cleared some 200 acres of laud. He has from time to time added to the original purchase, until he possessed nearly 1,000 acres; but a few years since, he transferred most of this to his children. His wife died April 9, 1875, having borne eight children, four of whom are living — Nancy, Lewis, George W. and Levi L. On March 2, 1876, he was united to Miss Nancy La Follet. She was born June 21, 1838, in Hampshire Co., Va., and came here in 1858. She has borne him two children, one of whom is living, named Howard J, Both he and wife are members of the United Brethren Church. He has always been a Democrat, and voted first for Andrew Jackson.

As printed in the source¹. Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.

LEWIS MILLER, who enjoys the distinction of being the oldest teacher now living in Crawford county, where his educational work was carried on for a number of years, resides on his excellent farm of 160 acres, situated two miles northeast of Lemert, O. He was born in 1836, in Seneca county, O., and is a son of Jacob and Phebe (Pennington) Miller.

Jacob Miller was born in Fairfield county, O., and in young manhood went to Seneca county and latter came to Crawford county. He followed farming in both counties and at one time owned almost 1,000 acres of land. His death occurred in his 8jd year. He married Phebe Pennington and of their eight children there are two survivors: Lewis and

Levi, the latter being a resident of Benton, O.

Lewis Miller attended school in boyhood in both Seneca and Crawford counties and afterward taught school for some years and there are many yet living who recall him as their able and helpful teacher. For four years he served as school examiner, has been a school director and has always taken much interest in the public schools. After coming to his present farm he made many improvements and erected all necessary buildings and repaired the others. He still keeps up his interest in his farming and stock raising industries and has the assistance of his son.

Mr. Miller married Miss Crilley A. IIousburg, who was born in Crawford county, one mile west of the Miller farm, a daughter of Leonard Housburg, and they have had seven children, namely: Jesse, who married Daisy

Dewell, and has one son, Wesley; Mary Fflie, who married A. Horton, and has four children— Oscar, Donald, William and Nellie; Ira J., who assists in the management of the home farm; Rnphena, who is the wife of f. ITeinle;.Arietta and Lawrence, both of whom live at home; and a babe that died. In politics Mr. Miller is a stanch Democrat and has served in public office at times and formerly was township clerk. He is one of the county's most highly respected citizens.

As printed in the source². Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.

LEWIS MILLER, farmer; P. O. Poplar; was born March 18, 1836, in Seneca Co., Ohio; he received a good education, attending the common schools while young, and, at the age of 18, entered the Otterbein University, situated at Westerville, Ohio, where he attended for two years, after which he attended Heidelberg College, at Tiffin, Ohio, one year. Mr. Miller had a desire to enter the legal profession, but, after commencing the study of law, was compelled to give it up on account of his health. His parents were Jacob and Phoebe (Pennington) Miller. His father is a native of Ohio, and still living; his mother was a native of Virginia; she died at the age of 06 years. Lewis has taught about twent_y terms of school, has been School Examiner for some time, and has been engaged in farming to some extent nearly all his life. He has been considerable of a sporting man, and was the owner of " Ketchup," bred and raised by his father, taking several handsome races, and making his be"st time at Tiffin, Ohio, in 2:24. Mr. Miller was married, on Feb. 12, 1880, to Crilley A.

Houseburg. He is a man of good information, and a Democrat.

As printed in the source¹. Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected.

GEORGE W. MILLER.

As a representative of an honored pioneer family, of the educational interests of Crawford county and now of the insurance business, George W. Miller is widely and favorably known throughout this section of the state. He has attained to an enviable position in the business world entirely through his own unaided efforts. Faithfulness to duty and strict adherence to a fixed purpose in life will do more to advance a man's interests than wealth or advantageous circumstances. The successful men of the day are they who have planned their own advancement and have accomplished it in spite of many obstacles and with a certainty that could have been attained only through their personal efforts. It has been along such lines that George W. Miller has won and maintained a creditable position in business circles in his native county, where he is now occupying the position of secretary of the Crawford County Farmers' Mutual Insurance Company and of the Crawford County Agricultural Society.

He was born in Todd township in 1859, a son of John D. and Mary (Kahl) Miller. The father came to Ohio with his parents in 1837 and located in Richland county. He was born in Cumberland county, Pennsylvania, in 181 3, and his parents, George M. and Cartherine (Rex) Miller, were also natives of the Keystone state. Having arrived at years of maturity, in 1840 John D. Miller married Miss Mary Deal, and their union was blessed with five children, three of whom are yet living: Nathaniel M., living in California; Annias D., a resident of Wyandot county, Ohio; and William A., of Seneca county, this state. Andrew J. died in 1901, in California; and a daughter died in childhood. Annias D. and William A. served through the Civil war as defenders of the Union. The mother of these children died in 1852. and in 1855 Mr. Miller wedded Mrs. Mary Barga. a widow who had two children, Albert and Lovina. She was the daughter of Henry and Susan (Rank) Kahl, who emigrated to Richland county, Ohio, from Pennsylvania, at an early date. The subject of this review is the only child born unto this marriage. His father came to Crawford county in 1852 and located on a farm just north of Oceola, where both he and his wife spent their remaining days, the later dying in 1890, at the age of sixty-six years, and the father in 1896, at the age of eighty-three. Both were consistent Christian people, and enjoyed the respect of all who knew them.

The childhood days of George W. Miller were spent on the old homestead which he now owns. His education was mostly acquired in the common schools, supplemented by a course in the Northwestern Normal, of Fostoria, Ohio. Having qualified himself for teaching he became a followed of that profession and for a number of years performed the duties of an instructor in the schoolroom through the winter months, while in the summer seasons he engaged in farming. Having the ability to impart readily and with accuracy to others the knowledge he had gained, and being also an excellent disciplinarian, he proved a competent educator, giving excellent satisfaction. During the last three years of his school work he was employed as principal of the Oceola schools. He did much to advance the efficiency of the schools and his labor was attended with gratifying results. He is now president of the county board of school examiners and of the Ohio Teachers' Reading

Circle of the county, thus keeping in close touch with the educational interests of this part of the state.

In 1880 Mr. Miller was united in marriage to Miss Dell A. Sigler, the youngest daughter of George E. and Harriett (Horrick) Sigler, of Todd township. Her parents were among the pioneers of Crawford county, having come here in the early '40s. They were the parents of four children: Mary L., Elliot W., Rosamond E. and Dell A. Mrs. Sigler, who was the daughter of John and Mary (Grimes) Horrick, died in 1898, but Mr. Sigler is still living on a farm in Todd township. He is a son of Jacob and Rachel (Hines) Sigler and is a native of Pennsylvania, while his wife was born in Ashland county, Ohio. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Miller has been born but one child, Minta M.. who is in the senior year in the high school of Bucvrus. In that city her parents have a pleasant home, justly celebrated for its warmhearted hospitality.

In 1898 Mr. Miller was elected secretary of the Crawford County Farmers' Mutual Insurance Company, which was organized in 1877 and now is the strongest farmers' mutual in the state. In 1899 he was elected secretary of the Crawford County Agricultural Society, and since his election the society has introduced the educational feature in their fair and it has proven one of the best attractions. A new hall has been constructed especially for this feature, which is filled each year with the best work from the schools of the county. Mr. Miller also served for fourteen years as treasurer and clerk of Todd township. In his political views, like his father, he is a stalwart Democrat, and takes an active interest in the work of the party, doing all he can for its substantial advancement and success. He is a man of strong purpose, of sterling worth and of unquestioned integrity and fidelity to duty, and enjoys the high regard of the people among whom his entire life has been passed.

As printed in the source³. Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.

The well-known citizen of Lykens township, Crawford county, Ohio, whose name appears above and some account of whose busy career it will be attempted here to give, traces his ancestry to Germany. His father. Christian Miller, was born in the fatherland, in 1824, and acquired the usual public-school education given to youths in his native land. As soon as he left school he began an apprenticeship at the shoemaker's trade. Later he served four years in the German army. In 1849 ne came to America, makingthe voyage on a sailing vessel, which landed in New York City fifty-five days after its departure from its German port.

Going west as far as Ohio, Mr. Miller located at Republic. Seneca county, where he worked a year as a shoemaker. Removing then to Lykens township, Crawford county he bought an acre of land, upon which he established a home and for five years carried on a shoemaking business. After that he bought eighty- acres of land near Lykens, where he farmer and worked at his trade for six years, until he bought his farm on which he died, October [3, 1879. His wife died February _>S, 1889, at the age of sixty-six years. They were members of the German Reformed church, and in politics Mr. Miller was a Democrat. "When he arrived in Ohio his cash capital consisted of fifty cents, but for some time before he died he was the owner of a fine farm of two hundred acres. In the best sense of that often-abused term he was a self-made man, and his character was such that he commanded the respect of all who knew him. He was the father of nine children, as follows: Jacob, who is the immediate subject of this sketch; Catharine, who is the widow of Richard Dewalt, of Chatfield township; Christian, w1k> lives in Texas township: John and Mary, who died in infancy; Lucy, who married Otto Weisenaure, of Lvkens township; Sarah, who is the wife of William Kirges, of Seneca county Henry D., pf Lykens township; and one who died in infancy.

Jacob Miller was born in Bloom township, Seneca county". August 9, 1840, and was a year old when his parents brought him to Lvkens township. He remained in his father's household assisting his father on his farm until he was twenty-two1 years old. when he married Elizabeth Stuckey, daughter of Daniel Stuckey, by whom he has had four children, Charles F.; Lola E., who married Loren Hufford, of Seneca county; Cora, who is at home: and Catharine E., who died in infancy. His wife died December 13, 1884. and he was married October 12, 1893, to Catharine Schaffer, who has borne him a daughter named Mabel L. Miller.

After his first marriage Mr. Miller removed to the farm on which he now lives, and for ten years he and his family lived in a building which he now uses as a cow stable. He owns one hundred and nineteen acres of good land,, one hundred acres of which is cleared, and he has improved the farm until it is one of the best in the vicinity. He is a member of the German Reformed church, which he has served faithfully in the office of trustee. Though not a politician in the accepted sense of the term, he is not without authority in the councils of the Democratic party, and has come to be known as a man of much, public spirit.

As printed in the source³. Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.

HENRY D. MILLER.

Henry D. Miller, who is engaged in general farming, was born May 25, 1869, on the farm in Lykens township, Crawford county, upon which he now resides. He is a son of Christian Miller, deceased. He attended the common schools in his youth and also assisted in the cultivation of the fields upon the old homestead, thus early becoming familiar with farm work in its various branches. When eighteen years of age he took charge of the old homestead, practical experience having well qualified him for the work. Since that time he has managed the farm, and its well cultivated fields and neat appearance indicate his careful supervision. He is an industrious, progressive farmer, and he annually harvests good crops. He now owns one hundred and seventeen acres of the old home place in Lykens township and is therefore numbered among the substantial young farmers of the community.

On the 28th of November, 1895, Mr. Miller was united in marriage to Miss Ida Margraff, a daughter of Charles and Leah (Miller) Margraff, and they now have one child, Donna Blanche, who is a most interesting member of the household. Mr. Miller is well known in Crawford county and his fellow citizens of Lykens township have honored him with office. He served as assessor in 1894 and 1895, and in his political affiliations he is a Democrat. His religious faith is indicated by his membership in the Reformed church,, and he holds social relations with the Knights of Pythias lodge of Lykens. He is a charter member of the organization and has filled all of its offices. A wide-awake and progressive farmer, he well deserves mention in the history of his native county.

As printed in the source³. Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.

JOHN R. MILLER, lumber merchant, Bucyrus; was born Nov. 13, 1840, near Londonderry, England; he is the son of Joseph and Sarah (Henry) Miller, both of whom were born in Cheshire, England, and who now reside in Perth Co., Out., Canada; Mr. Miller was 8 years old when his people emigrated from England to Canada; they settled on a farm in the same county in which they still reside; there the early life of John R. was spent, and an education received; at the age of 16 years, he began learning the carpenter's trade with one Jacol) Bald, of Stratford, with whom he remained for two years; his father buying a carriage factory, required the help of his son to run it; he therefore quit the carpenter's trade to take charge of the wood-work department in the shops of his father; his father continued the business for four years, when he sold out; this left young Miller free to make new arrangements for his own future; accordingly, in the spring of 1163, he came to Seneca Co., Ohio, to see an uncle, and, while there, he took a contract to build for him a barn; this piece of work served as an introduction for him, and, after its completion, he secured plenty of contracts for building; for a time, he followed the business of building in the States in summer, and returning to his home in Canada in winter. May 4, 1874, he was man-ied to Miss Mary E. McKinstry, of Bucyrus, Ohio. For two years after marriage, Mr. Miller lived in Seneca Co., Ohio. but. in February of 1876, he came to Bucyrus, where he has since resided; for one year, he worked at his trade, and then became a member of the firm of Osman Miller & Co., manufacturers and dealers in lumber: several changes were made in the firm until 1879, when Mr. Miller became the sole owner and proprietor; he has been one of the active, energetic business men of Bucyrus, and his success is the result of his own good financiering. He is a Republican, and a member of the Knights of Honor; Mrs. Miller, as wed as himself, is a member of the M. E. Church. They have two children living — Carrie Gertrude and James William.

As printed in the source¹. Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.

JOHX R. MILLER.

John R. Miller, deceased, was born in London clark, England, November 13, 1839, and when a boy of five years was brought to America by his parents, Joseph and Sarah (Henry) Miller, who settled in Stratford, Canada, where their son grew to manhood and was educated. When about thirty years of age he came to the United States. He first located in Attica, Seneca county, Ohio, where he followed his trade, that of carpenter. In the year 1874 he married Mary E., the daughter of James McKinstry, whose sketch is just given. He became a permanent citizen of Bucyrus about 1876, and followed his trade here at first, but at the time of his death he was engaged in the sawmill business. His death occurred August 27, 1884,. being killed by a bull he was leading in the barn-yard of his father-in-law, the bull going him to death ! LInto his marriage were born four children, viz.: Carrie Gertrude, James William, Sarah and John Robert. He followed contracting and building with success for several years in Bucyrus, and was a well respected citizen of the place.

As printed in the source³. Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected.

JAMES WILLIAM MILLER,* a well known member of the Bucyrus bar and for six years secretary of the Bucyrus Loan and Building Association, an important enterprise of this section, was born at Bucyrus, Aug. 5, 1878, and has always maintained his home in his native city.

The grandparents of Mr. Miller were Joseph and Sarah (Henry) Miller, and while they were of Scotch extraction they were born in Londonderry, Ireland. They married and lived there until 1844, when, with their three children, they-crossed-the Atlantic Ocean to Canada and established themselves in Stratford, Ontario; and both died on their farm there, the grandmother in 1895 " the grandfather in 1905, he being then in his 92nd year. They were members of the Presbyterian church. They had six sons and three daughters born to them, some of whom still reside in Canada, while others are residents of the United States.

John Robert Miller, the eldest son, was born in Ireland, Nov. 13, 1839, and was about eight years old when his parents came to Canada, where he grew to manhood and assisted his father in farming and dealing in horses. As his father's representative he came to Ohio for.the purpose of buying horses to send-to Canada, and on one of his numerous visits he met Miss Mary E. McKinstry, who was then a teacher at Bucyrus. She was born Jan. 28, 1849, in Marion county, O., and still survives, residing at No. 856 South Sandusky Street, Bucyrus, which city has been her home for 50 years. She is a daughter of James and Rebecca (Garberson) McKinstry, the former of whom was born in Pennsylvania, June 18, 1811, and in 1831 came to Knox county, O. He was of Scotch ancestry while his wife was of German extraction. In 1861 they moved to Bucyrus, where Mr. McKinstry died in 1902, the death of his wife having occurred ih 1869. They were members of the Presbyterian church. Three of their children are yet living, namely: Amanda, who is the wife of T. F. Shotwell, who is an attorney at Detroit, Mich.; Mathew, who is in the real estate business in Colorado, and who married Kaitherine Mealer and has one daughter, Myrtle Amanda; and Mrs. Miller. On May 5, 1874, John R. Miller was married to Mary E. McKinstry and then came to Bucyrus to live, establishing himself in the lumber, carpenter and building business. His death was caused by an accident, on Aug, 21, 1884, he being injured on his father-in-law's farm by some Jersey cattle. His children all survive. Gertrude, who was born June 7, 1878, is the widow of Frank W. Cory and resides at Cleveland, O. James William is the second born. Sarah, who" was born in December, 1880, married" G.''M. Meridith, of Indiana, and he is now a bookkeeper with the American Clay Machinery

Company, at Bucyrus. John Robert, Jr., who was born May 23, 1884, is a civil engineer on the West Division of the Ohio Central Railroad, with headquarters at Columbus.

After completing the High School course at Bucyrus, James William Miller entered the law department of the Ohio State University at Columbus, where he was graduated in 1901 and was admitted to the Ohio bar. He has been interested in the Bucyrus Loan and Building Association since its organization in February, 1887. Its present officers are: W. F. Earth, president; Frank L. Hopley, vice president; George C. Gormley, treasurer; and James.William Miller, secretary: The business is capitalized at $200,000, and the company operates mainly in Crawford county.

Mr. Miller was married at Bucyrus to Miss Edith Tapling, who was born June 23, 1880, at Lindsay, England, and was two years old when she was brought to Bucyrus by her parents, Francis E. and Elizabeth (Rose) Tapling. They reside at Bucyrus, the father being a carpenter by trade. Mrs. Miller graduated from the Bucyrus High School in 1898 and was a successful and popular teacher previous to her marriage. They have one daughter, Elizabeth Mary, who wa:s born June ir, 1910. They are active members of the Presbyterian church. Mr. Miller belongs to the Masonic Blue Lodge, Chapter and Council, at Bucyrus, and for six years was secretary of the Blue Lodge, and also is past chancellor of Demas Lodge, No. 108, Knights of Pythias.

As printed in the source². Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.

CHARLES H. MILLER, whose long, efficient and honorable service made him one of the best known railroad men for many years connected with the Pennsylvania system, has been a resident of Crestline, O., since 1860, and now lives retired, his home being located on the corner of Seltzer and Main Streets, Crestline. He was born in the city of New York, June 9, 1829, and is a son of John F. and Barbara (Giunder) Miller.

John F. Miller was born at Hamburg, Germany, Oct. 5, 1805, and died at Carrolton, O., July 2, 1897. When 12 years old he came to the United States on a cattle ship. For a number of years he lived in the city of New York and became a custom tailor, later in life moving to Carroll county, O. In New York City he married Barbara Giunder, who was born on the Atlantic Ocean when her parents, Jacob Giunder and wife, were coming from Switzerland to America. The mother died after the birth of her child and her burial was at seat. The father continued the journey with his motherless children, to Philadelphia, from there coming to Carrol county, O. In Switzerland he had been a linen manufacturer. His death occurred there when he was almost 100 years old. Mrs. Miller was reared by her brother and sister, mainly in New York State.

Her death occurred in Carroll county, O., when aged 84 years. She was a member of the Lutheran church. Four sons and three daughters were born to John F. and Barbara Miller. One son, Benjamin, died at the age of 75 years. Thomas J. left a son at death. John F. died without issue. All the sons and daughters reached maturity and the two survivors are: Charles H. and Mary, the latter of whom never married and who still occupies the old homestead in Carroll county.

Charles H. Miller grew to manhood in Carroll county and secured his education there. In 1851 he entered railroad life, becoming connected with the C. & P. Railroad, and worked on a construction train until 1853, when he went to Pittsburgh, where he engaged in merchandising for four years. He then returned to railroading and was conductor on a Pennsylvania line road until 1860, when he came to Crestline. Here he was placed in charge of the company's business with the title of dispatcher, but at that time his duties included a much wider territory than at present. In February, 1868, he was assigned to the position of livestock agent at Chicago, Ill., but still retained his home at Crestline. The company appreciated his services and gave him full credit for what had been accomplished. When he left the railroad service an elaborate dinner was tendered him by his fellow livestock agents of the Union Stockyards, at Chicago, on Dec. 29, 1900. He stood high in the regard of both employers and comrades and was given the privilege of naming his successor, his son-inlaw, Ernest A. Oliver being subsequently named to succeed him. He has a thorough knowledge of railroad history running back 'sixty-one years. Politically Mr. Miller is, like his father before him, a Democrat. He is a third degree Mason.

Mr. Miller was married at Carrolton, O., to* Miss Caroline Jackson, who was born there May 26, 1833, and died at her home in Crestline, Jan. 8, 1908. Although quiet and domestic in her tastes she was widely known for her sympathy and charity were given wherever needed and the circle of those who sincerely mourn her is large. She was the beloved mother of the following children: Ada, who married A. J. Wire, and died twelve years later; Carrie, who is the wife of Ernest A.

Oliver; Frank, who formerly was a member of the Ohio State Legislature, and is now engaged in the livestock business at Crestline; and Fannie, who is her father's housekeeper and devoted attendant.

As printed in the source². Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.

FRANK MILLER, whose prominence and usefulness both in public life and in business affairs justifies the assertion that he is one of the leading men of Crawford county, O., served with distinction for five years in the Ohio State Legislature, and from 1896 until 1900, was mayor of the city of Crestline, during which period municipal growth and progress was notable. Mr.

As printed in the source². Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.

HERMAN F. MILLER, who has been engaged in the fire insurance business at Bucyrus, O., for some ten years, having a convenient office in the Miller block, which w'as erected by his father, was born in 1853 in Crawford county, O., and is a son of John G. and Mary (Krebe) Miller.

John G. Miller was born in Wertemberg, Germany, in 1826, where his parents lived and died. His father was a baker and the youth learned the business and worked as a baker in his own land until 1852, when he decided to emigrate to the United States, in the hope of bettering his fortunes, lie took passage on a sailing vessel at Bremenhaven, Germany, and after a long voyage was safely landed at the port of New York. In the following year he reached the village of Bucyrus and was so pleased with the people that he decided to remain here although, at that time, he found hut a moderate demand for bakery goods, the housewives still doing much of their own having. Hence he found that by attending to his oven at night, after working at different things during the day, he could supply sufficient baker)' goods for his customers, and for a long time thus did business. In the meanwhile the excellence of his bread, pies and cakes gained him custom and slowly but surely he prospered and finally opened a bakery shop on South Sandusky street and made baking his main business and continued to be in active trade until his death, July 3, 1895. In 1876 he erected the handsome three-story brick block on the southwest corner of the Public Square and acquired and improved much other property. He was a Republican in politics but declined office, attending closely to his business. Formany years he was a consistent member of the German Methodist church, and was one of the most respected citizens of Bucyrus. In Germany he married Mary Krebe, who was born in Wertemberg in 1824. She accompanied him to America and to her frugal habits and careful management he attributed much of his business success. She has reached her eighty-seventh birthday and her many friends hope that she will live to see many more. But one child was born to the above marriage, Herman E.

Herman F. Miller was educated at Bucyrus and then learned his father’s trade and subsequently became a partner in the business and operated it until 1900, when he disposed of it and embarked in the insurance line and represents a number of standard companies. He has never been greatly interested in politics but votes with the Republican party. He is identified fraternally with the Masons and Elk's.

Mr. Miller was married at Bucyrus to Miss Mary Beal, who was born in Bucyrus township, Crawford county, June 4, 1876, and is a daughter of Rev. Isaac and Christiana (Hurr) Real, natives of Germany who came to America when young and were reared to marriageable age in Pennsylvania. In 1843 they came to Crawford county and settled on wild land in Bucyrus township, which they cleared, developed and improved and remained on their farm until 1896, when they retired to Bucyrus and now reside in great comfort in their home on South Sandusky avenue. Rev. Real, now eighty-live years ol age, for thirty-live years has ministered to the German Methodist

-U. ft J f It !

[This passage is too damaged in the scanned book to reproduce. See the original book.]

As printed in the source². Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.

JACOB MILLER, farmer; P. 0. Bucyrus; was born Aug. 17, 1820, and is the youngest son of John A. and Mary E. (Wert) Miller, residents of Dauphin Co., Penn. They moved to ' Crawford Co. in October, 1830. and settled in Todd, then Sycamore, Township. After living there about ten years, they removed to Holmes Township, where they lived, and died twenty-five years ago. Our subject worked on the farm and received a common education. At: the age of 22 j'ears, he married Miss Polly Shupp, daughter of a respected citizen of Holmes Township. This wife dying, he was again married, only to again lose the wife of his affections. He married his third and last wife, Mary Ream, on April 13, 1852. He has had nine children; born to him. Those living are Thomas, Eliza- !

beth, Sarah, Eve, Christopher, Maria and Emma. Catharine and John died in infancy. Mr. Miller and wife are both members of the Lutheran Church, are exemplary Christians, and are well esteemed in the township where they live.

As printed in the source¹. Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.

A thoroughly representative citizen and successful farmer of Holmes township, Crawford county, is Eli Miller, who was born in Richland county, Ohio, on March 13, 1850, a son of Joseph and Louisa (Hacker) Miller, and belonged to a family of ten children, nine of whom are living, viz.: Eli, of this biography; John S., residing on a part of the home farm; Ceno P., residing with his mother on the home place; Alva M., of Putnam county; Josiah, of Putnam county; Joseph F., of Wyandot county; Barbara, the wife of George Grau, of Whitley county, Indiana; Dora, the wife of Frank Muchling, of Putnam county; and Ellen, the wife of Joseph Nickler, of Liberty township. The parents of Mr. Miller were married in 1848, and they then located in Crawford county, purchasing the eighty acres of land which now is included in the Miller home, and as prosperity came the father purchased much more land, eighty acres lying to the north of his farm, eighty on the south and fifty a short distance east, making a large estate of two hundred and ninety acres in all. The father died January 28, 1897, and there passed away one of the most highly esteemed citizens of Holmes township.

Eli Miller, a worthy descendant of most excellent parents, was carefully reared by them through childhood, and attended the common schools. He was taught to be industrious and honest and those lessons have never been

6o8 CENTENNIAL forgotten. On February 20. 1873, he was married to Miss Julia A. Spalir, a native of this township, a (laughter of George A. Spahr (a sketch of whom appears in another part of this volume), one of the prominent farmers of this county. Following his marriage, Mr. Miller purchased fifty acres of land in the vicinity of the home farm, but finding the payments too heavy for a beginner he sold the property to his father and rented land until the spring of 1888, when he removed to his present home farm, which he had acquired in the fall of 1883. Here Mr. Miller has given his attention most successfully to general farming and stock-raising, becoming, as the years have passed, one of the reliable and substantial farmers of Holmes township.

Five children came to Mr. and Mrs. Miller, the survivors being: Elmer M., Dennis E., Harvey L., and Alfred E., Clarence J. being the name of the little son that passed early out of life. With the exception of Dennis, who is engaged in teaming in Bucyrus, these many, intelligent sons still remain under the parental roof. In politics Mr. Miller is a Democrat, and has taken a great interest in public affairs. For the past seven years he has been a trustee in the United Brethren church, of which he has long been a worthy member and to which his contributions are most substantial. Holmes township is fortunate in having among its citizens such honest, energetic and progressive men as Eli Miller.

As printed in the source³. Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.

WILLIAM H. MILLER.

William II. Miller is now living a retired life in Bucyrus, after long connection with stock dealing interests, whereby he won a handsome competence that now enables him to put aside the more arduous duties of business. He was born September 4. 1844. ni Winchester, Ohio, and is a son of John Miller, who died during the early boyhood of our subject. The father was a native of Germany and emigrated to this country about 1830, settling at Winchester, Crawford county, about 1837. The mother, Mrs. Catherine Miller, is still living.

William Henry Miller acquired his education in the common schools of his native county and subsequently resided with his brother-in-law, Jacob Yeaaglv. whom he assisted in farm work, receiving as compensation for his sei vices his board and clothing. He was thus employed until about seventeen or eighteen years of age. after which he worked for Ephraim Monnett and G. H. Wright. He afterward entered the service of William Kinear, with whom he remained until February, 1864, when he responded to the country's call for aid, enlisting as a member of Company E, Thirty-fourth Ohio Mounted Infantry. He was then only nineteen years of age. His command was known as Captain Shaw's Company, and after the promotion of Captain Shaw, Captain Helwig was in charge. Mr. Miller participated in the battle of Lynchburg and of Staunton and in the movement in western Virginia. He was wounded on the 24th X July, at the battle of Winchester, being shot through the hips. He was then taken from the field by two comrades, being supported by placing his arms around their necks, and in this way he was dragged along until late in the evening, when he was placed on a horse and rode until about ten or eleven o'clock at night. He was then put in an ambulance, in which he remained until the next afternoon, when he was transferred to a freight car with many other wounded comrades and thus taken to Sandy Hook, Maryland, where his wounds were dressed in the field hospital. He there remained for several days, and he and his comrades were again placed in box cars and sent to Baltimore. While in the hospital in that city gangrene set in and he also suffered from fever. Many of his comrades died of flesh wounds, from the effects of gangrene and blood poisoning, but the best possible care and 'attention was given the wounded soldiers. From Baltimore Mr. Miller was afterward transferred to Chestnut Hill, Philadelphia, where he remained until the surrender of General Lee, when he received an honorable discharge and returned to Bucyrus.

Here Mr. Miller worked at various employments for a time, after which he returned to the service of Mr. Monnett. After a time he was married and began farming upon rented land in Marion county, Ohio, which he operated on the shares, continuing to make that place his home for five years. He then rented a farm in Crawford county, of Robert Kerr, giving part cash for the use of the land, and paying the remainder of the rental in farm products. In a few years he was able to rent the entire farm of six hundred and forty acres, for which he gave fifteen hundred dollars a year. He then began dealing in stock-buying, feeding and selling cattle, and for about thirteen years he remained upon the Kerr farm. He then purchased a farm of one hundred and twenty acres south of Bucyrus, for which he paid nine thousand dollars. After a year or two there passed he engaged in buying and shipping stock, in partnership with Samuel Shriber. After leaving the farm he continued in that business for three years. He rented the place and took up his above in Bucyrus, however, continuing the stock business until the spring of 1900, when he retired to private life. In 1887 he purchased of Charles Raymer a farm of eighty acres, for the sum of three thousand seven hundred and fifty dollars, and in 1896 he purchased another tract of eighty acres on the east, known as the Morris farm, for which he gave thirty-four hundred dollars. His business affairs as a stock dealer were prosecuted so diligently and managed with such keen discrimination that he was annually enabled to add to his income and is now the possessor of a handsome competence.

In August, 1866, Mr. Miller was united in marriage to Miss Lucinda Weirick, a daughter of Aaron and Margaret Weirick. Her father was born in Weiricktown, Pennsylvania, June 6, 1814, and about 1834 emigrated to Crawford county, Ohio, where he purchased and operated a farm. His wife bore the maiden name of Margaret A. Clark, and was a daughter of Archibald and Ann Clark. Her birth occurred April 5, 1819. The mother of Mrs. Weirick's paternal grandmother lived to the very advanced age of one hundred and three years. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Miller have been born four daughters and a son, namely: Josephine, born April 29, 1867, Ellamina, born March 6, 1869; Margaret, born February 6, 1871, and died on the same day; Florence, born February u, 1872; and Sanford Aaron, who was born April 22, 1874, and died August 9, 1882. Mr. Miller is a consistent member of the Methodist Episcopal church, of Bucyrus, contributes liberally to its support and is deeply interested in all that pertains to its upbuilding and advancement.

As printed in the source³. Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.

EDWARD MILLER, general farmer and stock raiser, who until recently resided on his tract of 115 acres lying in Tod township. Crawford county, O., one-half mile west of Lemert, O., now resides near Chatfield, O., on a tract of 200 acres which he has exchanged for the former. He was born in 1864, on his father's farm two and one-half miles west of Bucyrus, and is a son of Henry and Mary (Kissel) Miller.

Henry Miller was born in Dauphin county, Pa., where he remained until he was 35 years of age, when he came to Crawford county and located on a farm of 80 acres west of Bucyrus. In 1870 he moved to the present homestead in Tod township, and the remainder of his life was passed here, his death occurring in his 82d year. He married Mary Kissel, who was also born in Pennsylvania and died in Crawford county, when aged jy years. They had eleven children born to them, namely: John C., Samuel, Henry, Mary, Ellen, Elias, Hiram, Rufus, Edward, Grant and Jacob; four of these, Jacob, Samuel, Henry and Mary, being deceased. John C. served three years in Company L, loth Ohio Vol. Cav., and Samuel served 18 months in Company A, 12th Ohio Vol. Cav., during the Civil War.

Edward Miller attended the country schools and assisted his father until he became of age and then spent two years in Missouri. After he returned he married and came then to his present farm, making improvements here which has greatly increased its value and cultivating it in such a way as to make it exceedingly productive.

Mr. Miller married Miss Celia Dolon, a daughter of William Dolon, who is in the stone quarry business, and they have two children: Clarence and Esta, both of whom reside at home. Mr. Miller and family belongs to the Methodist Protestant church at Lemert. In politics he is a Republican. He is an active citizen in taking an interest in public affairs in his neighborhood, but is no seeker for office, his time being fully engaged in looking after his large farm.

As printed in the source². Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.