George M. Miller
Pages 192, 193
- GEORGE M. MILLER, a
leading farmer of Chester Township, Ottawa County, and one of the oldest German
residents of the community, was born in Wurtemberg, Germany, January 30, 1831,
and is a son of Christian and Barbara (Kurz) Miller, who were also natives of
the same land. Their family numbered eight children, of whom the following are
still living: George M., Henry, and Fredericka, wife of Fred Ata, of Chester
Township. The mother died in Germany in 1848, and in 1850 the father was united
in marriage with Sophia Kober. They came to America in 1876, and settled upon
the farm of our subject, where the death of Mr. Miller occurred July 20, 1881,
at the age of eighty-one years, seven months and twenty
days. His second wife is still living, and resides in this county. To them were
born three children: Barbara, wife of J. Schler, of Grand Rapids; Regina, wife
of Benjamin Van Wildenburg, of Chester Township; and Mrs. Christina Bauer, a
widow, who resides with Mrs. Van Wildenburg.
In accordance with the laws of his native land, the subject of this sketch
attended school until fourteen years of age, and then learned the trade of
nailmaking, manufacturing all kinds of nails then in use by hand. His father
owned a farm, and in connection with his other business George also aided in its
cultivation. With the desire to try his fortune in the New World, he bade adieu
to home and friends in 1852 and sailed for America, landing in New York City on
the 25th of September. He remained in New York State until 1854, when
he started for Michigan, reaching Grand Rapids on the 22d of October, with a
cash capital of $200. He began working on the 24th as a teamster, for
$16 per month, and was thus employed for three years, during which time his
wages were advanced to $26 per month. Living economically and frugally, with his
savings he purchased seven lots in Grand Rapids and erected two residences.
There he remained until 1860, when, on the 2d of April, he removed to Chester
Township, Ottawa County, settling a half-mile from his present home. This farm
of eighty acres was almost entirely unimproved. Mr. Miller built a
"box" house, the floor being boards laid upon the ground, and the
cracks in the dwelling were so large that the snow would sift through upon the
beds.
Mr. Miller has since traded his first farm for one hundred and sixty acres, of
which sixty acres were cleared. This is his present place of residence, and now
one hundred and twenty acres of the homestead are under a high state of
cultivation. His landed possessions aggregate five hundred acres, of which three
hundred and sixty acres are cultivated, and to his two sons he has given one
hundred and five acres each. He has been alike generous with his daughters, to
whom he has given $1,000 each. He continued the development of his land until
1883, since which time he has practically lived retired; however, he has made
his farm one of the best in the community, placing upon it all the necessary
improvements and conveniences, and transforming the raw fields into tracts of
rich fertility. He has made judicious investments in real estate, and in
connection with his brother and brother-in-law owns much of Conklin. He was for
years actively engaged in the real-estate business, and yet carries on
operations in that line to a considerable extent.
On the 2d of August, 1859, Mr. Miller was joined in marriage with Barbara
Schuler, a native of Germany, who came to America with her parents, Lachman and
Catherine Schuler, she being their only child. The mother still makes her home
with her daughter, at the age of seventy-six. The marriage of Mr. and Mrs.
Miller was celebrated in Grand Rapids, and their union has been blessed with
eight children, namely: Christina, wife of Michael Frank, of Chester Township,
Ottawa County; Henry and Philip F., both of the same township; Fredericka C.,
wife of John Ulmer, of Ottawa County; Elizabeth, wife of John Ritz, of Kent
County; Barbara and Clara, both at home.
The parents are members of the Lutheran Church, and are highly respected people,
who hold an enviable position in social circles where true worth and
intelligence are received as the passport into good society. During the late war
Mr. Miller served as recruiting officer of his township. In politics, he is one
of the prominent members of the Democratic party in Ottawa County, and has been
honored with many local offices. For eight years he was Township Treasurer, and
for fourteen years was Highway Commissioner. His long-continued service is a
high testimonial to his fidelity to duty. In 1872, Mr. Miller made a trip to
Germany, and pleasantly spent several weeks in renewing the acquaintances of his
youth and visiting childhood scenes, but he is content with America as the land
of his abode, for here he has found a pleasant home and met with prosperity.
Portrait & Biographical Record of Muskegon & Ottawa
Counties, Michigan 1893, Chicago: Biographical Publishing Company
Transcriber: Susan Gates Davis
Created: 31 March 2003
URL: http://ottawa.migenweb.net/biographies/1893/millergm.html
Contact County Coordinator: Evelyn_Sawyer@msn.com