Charles Miller

As printed in 1906

CHARLES MILLER, superintendent of the Berrien County Infirmary, was born in New Orleans, Louisiana, December 1, 1845. His father, Joseph Miller, was a native of Germany, in which country he was reared and married. He wedded Miss Catharine Manning, likewise born in Germany, and on coming to America they settled at New Orleans but after a short period came north to Indiana. A brief period was passed in that state and Mr. Miller then returned to New Orleans but later became a resident of Indianapolis, Indiana, where he died at the age of sixty-seven years. In the meantime, however, he had made a trip to Germany, and while in that country his wife passed away. In their family were five children.

Charles Miller, the youngest, was but a lad when his parents went to the fatherland. Much of his youth was spent in Indiana and he was in Indianapolis when Oliver Morton was governor of that state and did many chores for him. He resided for a time in Wisconsin and about 1865 located in St. Joseph, Michigan, where he was engaged in the milling business. He was also connected with a surveying party that surveyed the West Michigan Railroad, now the Pere Marquette. Later he returned to the mill, having charge of the interests of the St. Joseph Milling Company as head miller for about twelve years. On the expiration of that period he engaged in merchandising in his own building in St. Joseph and to the business devoted the succeeding decade meeting with good success in the conduct of his store. After selling out he became city treasurer of St. Joseph, which office he held for two terms and he also served as supervisor for six consecutive years. He was likewise a member of the city council and was closely and actively identified with the interests of St. Joseph and the county. He was also one of the prime movers in the organization of the St. Joseph Improvement Association and through this means as well as in public office he contributed to the progress and substantial upbuilding of the city. Three times he was appointed superintendent of the poor, occupying that position until appointed superintendent of the infirmary in 1906, in which capacity he is now serving.

On the 20th of May, 1875, Mr. Miller was united in marriage to Miss Mary Berg, who was born in Berrien county, a daughter of Simon Berg, one of the pioneers of this part of the state. This marriage has been blessed with seven children, four sons and three daughters, namely: Simon C, who married Miss Pearl Stanley and resides in St. Louis, Missouri; Joseph J., who married Miss Helen Stoltz, and lives in Chicago; George, Charles, Catherine, Ellen and Mary, all at home. For over thirty years Mr. Miller has been a member of the Masonic fraternity and he also holds membership relations with the Knights of the Maccabees. His residence in the county covers a period of forty years and he is well known here. His business relations and public service have brought him a wide acquaintance, and investigation into his history shows much that is commendable and worthy of emulation.

As printed in A twentieth century history of Berrien County, Michigan (1906). See the original pages. Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.