James J. Miller

As printed in 1906

JAMES J. MILLER, whose intense and well-directed activity has been an important element in the public life and interests of Benton Harbor as well as in his private business affairs, is a native of Canada, born in 1854. His early education was there acquired and he came to Michigan at the age of thirteen years. His parents were Angus and Flora (Black) Miller.

Owing to the limited financial circumstances of the family James J. Miller found it necessary to provide for his own support when quite a young lad, and in Canada worked for two dollars per month and his board. From his earnings he at length saved enough to take him to Michigan, having determined to remove to the United

States, for he believed that he might have better business opportunities across the border. Accordingly he made his way to Bay City and secured employment in a meat market at a salary of fifteen dollars per month. Gradually he was advanced and his wages increased as he displayed efficiency and trustworthiness, and when his earnings had brought to him sufficient capital he embarked in business on his own account opening a meat market in Gladstone, Michigan, where he carried on business for a number of years. Moreover he was very active and influential in town affairs there and did much to mold public thought and opinion. His fellow citizens, recognizing his worth and ability, called him to various positions of trust and honor. He was chosen the first president of the village board upon its organization and following the incorporation of Gladstone as a city he was elected its first mayor, serving for two terms in that office. He gave to the new city a public-spirited, practical and beneficial administration. He had been active in securing the city organization and his efforts in behalf of the public welfare were far-reaching and beneficial. He had affiliated with the Democratic party, but he placed the general good before partisanship and the welfare of the community above personal aggrandizement. In 1891 Mr. Miller removed to Benton Harbor after disposing of his business in Gladstone and in this city established a meat market, which he continued for ten years. He then sold out and joined Seeley McCord in the establishment of a brick and tile factory conducted under the firm name of McCord, Miller & Company. The Benton Harbor Brick and Tile Company was incorporated in March, 1904, with Mr. Miller as president, treasurer and general manager. They manufacture brick and tile and have a capacity of about four or five million brick per year and two million tile. This is one of the important productive industries of the city, employment being furnished to from forty to sixty men, and the product is shipped to all parts of the state. It has become a profitable enterprise owing to the careful direction of its manager, who has been watchful of every indication pointing to success and has displayed keen discernment in the control of the plant.

In Benton Harbor Mr. Miller has also become recognized as a prominent and influential citizen, and for the past ten years has been and still is a member of the board of public works, acting thereon since its establishment. He has been president of the board and was trustee for nine years. He is also a member and director of the Benton Harbor Development Company. Any movement or plan for the benefit of the city receives his co-operation and endorsement. His insight is penetrative, his labors practical and his work has therefore proved an element in the best interests of Benton Harbor. Prominent in Masonic circles, he belongs to the lodge of this city, to the Chapter and Commandery in Benton Harbor, Michigan, and he is also connected with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. Pleasantly situated in his home life, he was married in 1876 in Bay City, Michigan, to Miss Lydia R. Powell, a native of that place and they have four living children: James M., Charles A., Flora B. and Fred McK. In a review of the life record of Mr. Miller we find perhaps that his dominant quality has been his unremitting diligence and upon this he has builded the superstructure of his success. Making his own way in the world from early boyhood, he has developed all his latent powers and resources and his concentration of purpose and laudable ambition have enabled him to progress where men of less resolute purpose have faltered.

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.