John S. Miller

As printed in 1910

JOHN S. MILLER.

In the development of Nodaway county the subject of this biography has borne an important part, for he has long been prominently identified with the farming life of the locality, and while advancing his own interests he has not been neglectful of his duty to his fellow-citizens, therefore he is accorded a full measure of esteem by all who know him.

John S. Miller, proprietor of-the well known “Cedar View Stock Farm.” in Polk township, was born in Athens county, Ohio, on August 4, 1847, and he is a son of Daniel D. and Sarah (Bodwell) Miller, the former a native of New Jersey and the latter of Ohio. After their marriage, these parents settled in Athens county. Ohio, and the rest of their days were spent on the farm where they first located. They became the parents of six children, three sons and three daughters, and of this family the subject of this sketch is the eldest son and fourth child in order of birth. He was reared on the parental farmstead, where he lived until his marriage, at the age of twenty-two year's. He then settled on a farm in Athens county, where he lived until December, 1874, when he came to Nodaway county, Missouri, locating in Hughes township, where he spent the two following years. He then removed to Polk township and soon afterwards bought ninety acres of land there, on which he settled and where he has since resided. He has erected good buildings, planted a splendid orchard and, altogether, he has one of the best appointed farms in Nodaway county. Mr. Miller makes a specialty of the breeding and raising of Shorthorn cattle, Shropshire sheep, Poland-China hogs and White and Buff Leghorn chickens. In the handling of this stock he confines himself to thoroughbreds and enjoys a splendid reputation because of the high quality of the stock sent out from his place. He takes a justifiable pride in his efforts to raise the quality of farm animals and he has accomplished much along this line. Mr. Miller does nothing by halves, and in building his fences he uses cement posts, some of them of his own manufacture, this one item showing the thorough manner in which everything is constructed about the place. Mr. Miller has a practical knowledge of the carpenter's trade, which he learned while living in Athens county, Ohio, and this knowledge has stood him in good stead, he having one of the best-equipped carpenter shops in the county. He is a genial and companionable man and in his comfortable home the spirit of hospitality is ever in evidence. The home is a most delightful abiding place and is the center of a large social circle.

On November 15, 1868. Mr. Miller was married to Sarah Jane Angell. who was born in Athens county, Ohio, on April 13. 1846, a daughter of William and Magdeline ( Hailing) Angell. These parents were natives respectively of Pennsylvania and Ohio, and they both died in Athens county, Ohio. They were the parents of twelve children, of whom Mrs. Miller was the eldest. Mr. and Mrs. Miller have become the parents of nine children, namely: Cora C., the wife of \V. R. Phillips, of the state of Washington; Fred D., a farmer near Barnard, Missouri; Imlah D., of St. Joseph, Missouri; Carl C.. who died in infancy; Gladys B., the wife of John R. Evans, of Polk township; Daniel D., who resides at home; Mattie May, who was the wife of H. M. Dorman, died in the state of Washington on April 4, 1908; Arthur S.. of Washington; William Albert died August 20, 1898, at the age of twenty years.

Mr. Miller has taken a keen interest in public affairs, and has held the offices of justice of the peace for two terms and road overseer for many years, performing the duties of these offices to the entire satisfaction of his fellowcitizens. He also served over twenty years as postmaster, the office being known as Hughes postoffice. He gave it up when the rural delivery was established and the office discontinued. He and his wife are active members of the Missionary Baptist church, to which they contribute liberally of their time and means. Sufficient has been said of the subject to prove him entitled to a place in the front rank of the energetic, self-made men of his adopted state, those who, by well-directed enterprise and unswerving honor, have wrought nobly and well and who from the pinnacle of large success look back over lives of honor and rectitude in which is found little to criticise, but much to commend.

As printed in Past and present of Nodaway County, Missouri (1910). See the original pages. Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.