The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1912-10-23


Mr.. Miller has always been inter
ested in public affairs and was tire
less worker. In fact, his persistent
labor is thought to be responsible 1or
his death at this time. He was borA
in Cuyhoga county, Ohio, in 1S4S- HIS
early days were spent on the farm
where he early came in close symPa-
thy with the tillers of the soil.
When the war broke out he was too
young to go, but as the great struggle
progressed between the contendlnS
forces of the country and the nation >
life hung in the balance he couIn
not resist the temptation to get mt
the fray and do his part for his coun-
try; and so at the age of 16 years,
he enlisted in Company E, Second ONO
volunteer cavalry. He was under the
command of General Custer in the
third division of Sheridan's cavalry
corps.
He remained with his company un-
til the close of the war when he re-
turned to his native state.
Farming and teaching school werc
his occupations for four years It was
in 1869 that his determination to ma
a greater and better field of activity
led him to Topeka. He again
engaged as a school teacher and follow
ed this profession for two years. he
then accepted a position with a com
mission firm at Florence and moved
to Usage City in 1872 where he was
employed by a mercantile firm Later
he bought one-half interest in
business and later. with his brotner'
bought the entire business.
His history has been one of steady
advancement. The mercantile business
proved decided success, and in two
years the Miller Brothers began deal
ine, in and feeding cattle This branch
of their business grew so rapidly that
in 1884 it required so much of Mr.. Mil
ler's attention that he withdrew from
the mercantile business and since then
the stock business and farming has had
his almost undivided attention.
His capacity for business is indi
Gated by the fact that he and his
brothers operated over 10000 acres of
land and did it successfully. They fed
and marketed more than 5000 head of
cattle each year and did it proftably.
He assisted in organizing the Usage
County State bank in 1896 and con-
tinued to be one of its stockholders. Mr.
Miller and r. R. Rees, who is now con-
sressman from the Fifth district, were
the originators of progressive railroad
legislation in the Kansas legislature.
These two men were the first to propose
legislation for the regulation of rail-
roads or to provide for reports contain
inJ- the physical valuation of roads. Mr..
Rees was a member of the house at
that time. Mr.. Miller was so successful
and had gained such prominence as a
member of the state assembly that he
was induced to get into the race for
governor. He was a candidate against
w. J. Bailey of AtchisOn during the
campaign of 1902 but he was defeated
in the convention. He was urged to
become a candidate against W. R.
Stubbs in the campaign of 1910 but did
not enter the race. Mr.. Miller was
recognized as one of the regulars in the
Republican party.
He was not only successful in bust !
ness and in promoting legislation but /
he was recognized as one of the really /
big men of the state. Notwithstand- /
ting his activities along these lines. he 7
loved his home and enjoyed spending 4
time with his family and had d host of +
friends over the state.
He held the position at vice president /
of the Miller Live Stock and Investment I.
Company at the time of his death. He
has lived in Topeka about three years
at S11 buchanan street.
He was a member of the Masonic
bodies. the Knights of Pythias and the
G. A. r. at Usage City. In fact he was
one of the few who have kept the G. A +
r. organization alive in Usage City for
in the Presbyterian church in Osaee .
City Friday and the members of the
lodges will participate.
His wife died several years ago.
He is survived by his son CLYDE w
Miller and three brothers, DR. Henry
Miller of Rossvillei NJ. A. Miller Of
-offeyvilIe and W. W. Miller of To-
oeka.