- JASON B. MILLER, a prominent and influential resident of
Porter Township, who makes his
- home on section 12, was born in the State of Vermont. His
birth occurred on the 14th of March, 1830. His parents were Levi
and Louis (SHERMAN) MILLER, the former a native of Massachusetts,
and the latter of the Green Mountain State. His father followed
the occupation of farming throughout his entire life. When quite
a young lad, Levi MILLER removed with his parents to Vermont,
and assisted his father in the development of a farm. The educational
advantages which he received were those afforded by the common
schools, and, after attaining his majority, he turned his attention
to agricultural pursuits, purchasing 140 acres of land, which
he operated until the fall of 1849, when he sold out, and, with
his family, came to the West, settling in Porter Township, Rock
County. Purchasing forty acres of land, he placed it in the hands
of his son Jason, who engaged in its cultivation. He continued
with our subject, a respected and esteemed citizen, until his
death.
- The children born to Levi and Lois MILLER were seven in number,
as follows: Emily, who is now
- the wife of John ALVIS, is a resident of Janesville; Sherman
L. is now living in Oregon; Judy makes her home in Northern Wisconsin;
Laura wedded Joseph BEVENS, and resides in Milton Junction; J.
P. is a citizen of West Mitchell, Iowa; Jason, of this sketch
is the sixth in order of birth; Chester R., the youngest of the
family, makes his home in Faribault, Minn. Mr. and Mrs. Levi
MILLER were members of the Baptist Church and gained many warm
friends in the community where they resided. In political sentiments
he was a Republican, and felt an interest in the welfare and
success of that party. He passed to his final rest March 14,
1866, and was interred in Fassett Cemetery, at Edgerton. His
wife, who was a most estimable lady, survived her husband until
the 18th of November, 1885, when, she too, was called home.
- Our subject is numbered among the early settlers of Rock
County, dating his residence from
- 1849, when his parents came here with their family. For some
time he engaged in operating his father's farm of forty acres,
and in connection cultivated a tract of eighty acres, which he
purchased in 1850. In 1863 he further extended the boundaries
of his farm by the purchase of seventy-five acres, making in
all a total of 195 acres, although he has since disposed of fifty
acres. The little cabin of pioneer days was replaced, in 1884,
by a fine two-story residence, which, with other useful and beautiful
improvements, makes his farm one of the best to be found in the
vicinity. Mr. MILLER is one of the self-made men of Rock County.
When starting out in life, his cash capital consisted of only
$56, but he has steadily worked his way upwards to a position
of ease and affluence. In connection with general farming he
carries on tobacco raising, and has been very successful in that
line of business. His stock is of the best grades, every improvement
necessary to a well-regulated farm has been made, and the entire
surroundings indicate the thrift and enterprise of owner. Mr.
MILLER has filled various offices, discharging his duties in
a prompt and able manner; was Superintendent of Porter Township,
filled the office of Assessor, and, after several terms, at different
intervals, has been Chairman of the Board of Supervisors.
- On the 13th of October, 1860, Mr. MILLER was united in marriage
with Miss Dorcas
- BARBER, who is a native of Chemung County, N.Y. Eight children
have been born of the union of this worthy couple; Mildred G.,
the eldest, who was born Sept. 23, 1861, is now the wife of A.
P. NICHOLSON, a dentist of Edgerton, Wis.; Flora, born July 27,
1863, is now deceased; Loie is also deceased; Fannie, born Dec.
31, 1867; Frank H., Nov. 20, 1869; Fred S., March 4, 1871; Clifford
P. is now deceased; and Maud E., born Oct. 10, 1878, is the youngest
of the family. The children have all received liberal educations,
having had the advantages of college and normal courses, and
bid fair to become useful and honorable men and women. During
his long residence in Rock County Mr. MILLER has always contributed
liberally toward the advancement of any enterprise for the public
welfare. He is well known throughout the community, is respected
by all with whom business or pleasure have brought him in contact,
and is a valued citizen. Politically, he is a supporter of the
Republican party.
- Mrs. MILLER's parents are Augustine and Frances G. (HAYDEN)
BARBER, the former a
- native of Connecticut, and the latter of Pennsylvania, though
after their marriage they resided in the State of New York until
they came west to Wisconsin in the year 1866, and are now residing
in Fulton, Rock County.
-
- Taken from "The Portrait and Biographical Album of
Rock County, Wis." (c)1889, pp. 346-347.
-
- Courtesy of Carol
|