The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1909-11-19

attending physiciars did not expect
him to live through the first night.
His remarkable vitality alone was re-
sponsible for the fact that he lived
more than a few hours.
Since he first came to Shawnee coun-
ty in 1868. the name of Bradford Mil
Ter has been on the list of prominent
citizens He had several hobbies" ="
and they were al for the betterment
of Shawnee county. progressive
farmer, a good friend and an honest
county and city official, is the record
he leaves behind HIM.
Bradford Miller was born in ALI
arce, Stark county. Ohio, August 70,
1S40 and was therefore SO years of age
at the time of his death. His father
was Rev John B. Miller. a pioneer Of
Ohio. Bradfol i Miller was educated at
Mount Union college, and taught school
during his early manhood In May,
1852 he enlisted in Company G, Eighty
sixth Ohio volunteer infantry, and was
made first lieutenant by company cleo
ton. AS such lie served 100 days, and
was then recalled to act as enrolling
officer at Alliance. Ohio. in which ca
pacity he served during the remaining
wears of the war. For a short time
after the war, he held a position with
the Cleveland & Pittsburg railroad. and
IT 1868. came to Topeka He establish
ed n real estate business in Topeka,
which he conducted for many years.
1r 1873, Re purchased the farm. ten
miles west of Topeka and his manner
of farming gave the Bradford Miller
farm a reputation all over the country.
His advanced farming methods and
careful management made the place on
the Dover road a beauty spot on the
face of a rather barren country. He
vas an early advocate of alfalfa.
In 1873 he was elected county COM
missioner. and served until 1876 His
term of Office covered the period of the
Preat grasshopper famine, and he con-
Quoted the distribution of supplies to
the sufferers. In 1873 he was assessor
for the city of Topeka. His next Off
Iial title was treasurer of Shawnee
county, to which Office he was elected
'n 1880, and served two terms. While
,till county treasurer, in the last year
IF his term, he was appointed mayor
of Topeka to fill the unexpired term of
Joseph c. Wilson. resigned, and was
sfterward elected to the office
After his term as mayor of Topeka,
Mr.. Miller returned to his farm, where
he pursued his agricultural improve
n ents until failing health induced him
70 move to the city in 1902
During the later years of his life
Mr.. Miller was greatly interested in
the Improvements of farm products,
and was the originator of the Shawnee
County Corn club, an organization for
was one of the founders of the Colored
Industrial school of Topeka, and chair
man of the board of directors. This
organization will miss him greatly
For years he had given his time and
attention to this institution for the
betterment of colored boys
Mr. Miller was a lifelong member of
the Presbyterian church Since he
came to Topeka he was an active mem
ber of the First Presbyterian church Of
this city In the days of the Farmers
Alliance. ne was an active member,
seeing in the organization the better
ment of the farm class. He remained
in the organization until It was dis
rupted by politics. He was also a
member of the Masonic order
Mr. Miller was married in Ohio March
10. 1864, to Harriet Summers. His wife
survives him. Five children. two sons
and three daughters, were born to this
union, and they were all at his bedside
when he passed away this morning.
They are, Henry o. Miller of Tulsa,
Oklahoma, Bradford H Miller of Okla
homa City, Mrs. c. c. Mcpherson and
Mrs. ]. R. Wilt. both of Rossville, and
Mrs. A. T. Lucas of Topeka. Mr. Mill