Francis Edward Millner

FRANCIS EDWARD MILLNER, a prominent farmer and highly respected citizen of Cherokee County, is the owner of a fine farm of 160 acres in sections 19 and 20, township 33, range 25, in Shawnee township. He was born in Kings County, Ireland, June 13, 1839, and is a son of Francis and Hannah (Goodwin) Millner.

Francis Millner was born on the same farm as was the subject of this sketch. He was a farmer, miller and manufacturer of woolen fabrics, and also owned and operated a grist mill. His death was caused by falling from a horse, in 1841. In 1848 the widow, with her children, started for America, taking passage on the sailing ship, "Stephen Balway," and reaching their destination after a voyage of a little over six weeks. Their objective point was what is now Noble County, Ohio. There, a home was established, and there the devoted mother died, in 1856, having done all in her power to advance the interests of her children.

Mr. Millner attended school as much as possible, but started very early to work on neighboring farms. He remained in Ohio until 1862, when he went to Idaho, where he secured work in the mines about 35 miles from Boise City. There he was employed two years and a half, and then returned to Noble County, where he resumed farming. He continued to farm in Ohio until 1887, when he sold his property and came to Cherokee County, Kansas. Three years after coming to this beautiful and fertile part of the State, he bought 80 acres of land, in section 19, in Shawnee township, and several years later purchased an adjoining tract of 80 acres in section 20. This land has proven susceptible of a high state of cultivation, and Mr. Millner has successfully raised corn, potatoes, oats, hay and wheat. For the past five years, however, he has made hay his leading crop, cutting about 30 tons a season. He has also had very satisfactory results from raising cattle. On February 27, 1862, Mr. Millner was married to Keziah Hamilton, daughter of Thomas Hamilton, of Noble County, Ohio. They have had seven children, of whom six survive, namely: Ada, wife of Robert Settles, of Crestline; James Goodwin, of Shawnee township; Hattie, who is at home; Samuel S., of Sapulpa, Indian Territory; Francis Edward. Jr., of Miami, Indian Territory, and William, of Weir City.

Politically, Mr. Millner is a Republican, but is not a seeker for political honors. He was made a Mason in Noble County, Ohio.

History of Cherokee County Kansas and its representative citizens, ed. & comp. by Nathaniel Thompson Allison, 1904, transcribed by Carolyn Ward, instructor from USD 508, Baxter Springs Middle School, Baxter Springs, Kansas, 3/11/97.