George M. Miller Pages 192, 193 - GEORGE M. MILLER, aleading farmer of Chester Township, Ottawa County, and one of the oldest Germanresidents 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 ofthe same land. Their family numbered eight children, of whom the following arestill living: George M., Henry, and Fredericka, wife of Fred Ata, of ChesterTownship. The mother died in Germany in 1848, and in 1850 the father was unitedin marriage with Sophia Kober. They came to America in 1876, and settled uponthe farm of our subject, where the death of Mr. Miller occurred July 20, 1881,at the age of eighty-one years, seven months and twentydays. His second wife is still living, and resides in this county. To them wereborn three children: Barbara, wife of J. Schler, of Grand Rapids; Regina, wifeof Benjamin Van Wildenburg, of Chester Township; and Mrs. Christina Bauer, awidow, who resides with Mrs. Van Wildenburg. In accordance with the laws of his native land, the subject of this sketchattended school until fourteen years of age, and then learned the trade ofnailmaking, manufacturing all kinds of nails then in use by hand. His fatherowned a farm, and in connection with his other business George also aided in itscultivation. With the desire to try his fortune in the New World, he bade adieuto home and friends in 1852 and sailed for America, landing in New York City onthe 25th of September. He remained in New York State until 1854, whenhe started for Michigan, reaching Grand Rapids on the 22d of October, with acash 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 hiswages were advanced to $26 per month. Living economically and frugally, with hissavings 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 ChesterTownship, Ottawa County, settling a half-mile from his present home. This farmof eighty acres was almost entirely unimproved. Mr. Miller built a"box" house, the floor being boards laid upon the ground, and thecracks in the dwelling were so large that the snow would sift through upon thebeds. Mr. Miller has since traded his first farm for one hundred and sixty acres, ofwhich sixty acres were cleared. This is his present place of residence, and nowone hundred and twenty acres of the homestead are under a high state ofcultivation. His landed possessions aggregate five hundred acres, of which threehundred and sixty acres are cultivated, and to his two sons he has given onehundred and five acres each. He has been alike generous with his daughters, towhom he has given $1,000 each. He continued the development of his land until1883, since which time he has practically lived retired; however, he has madehis farm one of the best in the community, placing upon it all the necessaryimprovements and conveniences, and transforming the raw fields into tracts ofrich fertility. He has made judicious investments in real estate, and inconnection with his brother and brother-in-law owns much of Conklin. He was foryears actively engaged in the real-estate business, and yet carries onoperations in that line to a considerable extent. On the 2d of August, 1859, Mr. Miller was joined in marriage with BarbaraSchuler, a native of Germany, who came to America with her parents, Lachman andCatherine Schuler, she being their only child. The mother still makes her homewith 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 witheight 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 KentCounty; 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 andintelligence are received as the passport into good society. During the late warMr. Miller served as recruiting officer of his township. In politics, he is oneof the prominent members of the Democratic party in Ottawa County, and has beenhonored with many local offices. For eight years he was Township Treasurer, andfor fourteen years was Highway Commissioner. His long-continued service is ahigh testimonial to his fidelity to duty. In 1872, Mr. Miller made a trip toGermany, and pleasantly spent several weeks in renewing the acquaintances of hisyouth and visiting childhood scenes, but he is content with America as the landof his abode, for here he has found a pleasant home and met with prosperity.

Portrait & Biographical Record of Muskegon & OttawaCounties, Michigan 1893, Chicago: Biographical Publishing Company

Transcriber: Susan Gates Davis
Created: 31 March 2003