From A Biographical History of Central Kansas, Vol. II, p. 846
published by The Lewis Publishing Co, Chicago & New York, 1902

John L. Miller

J L Miller, one of the honored pioneers and leading agriculturists of Rice county, is a native of the Hawkeye state, his birth having occurred in Marion county, Iowa, in July, 1856.  His father, J H Miller, was born in Morgan county, Illinois, & the grandfather was a native of Pennsylvania, of Pennsylvanian-German descent, and became one of the first settlers in Morgan county, Illinois.  J H Miller married Miss Martha J Leighter, who was born in Jacksonville, Illinois.  She died when our subject was twelve years of age, leaving four children, -- John L, Martha J, Sarah Catherine, and Mary Isabella.  For his second wife the father chose Mary E Millard, and they were the parents of five children, -- Frank, Cora, Lora, William and Anna.  The father now resides near Winterset, in Madison county, Iowa, where he is engaged in farming.  He formerly voted with the Democracy, but is now a Populist.

J L Miller was reared on his father's farms in Marion and Marshall counties, Iowa, where he was early inured to the work of field and meadows. His early education was received in the district schools of his native state, but actual experience, reading and observation, have added greatly to his knowledge.  In 1878 he came with a team and wagon to the Sunflower state, a location being made in Rice county.  He began life on this western frontier without money or influential friends, and all that he now owns has been obtained by persistent effort and unfaltering energy. He first purchased eighty acres of land and began farming in a small way, but his landed possessions now aggregate four hundred acres of the best land to be found in central Kansas.  His principal crop is wheat, and he is also extensively engaged in raising a good grade of horses. His fields were under a high state of cultivation, yielding an excellent return to the owner, and his pastures afford excellent opportunity for the raising of stock.  For about eight years he has been engaged in raising a good grade of horses and mules, and now owns a thoroughbred Messenger, one of the best horses of Rice county.

In December, 1876, Mr. Miller was united in marriage to Samantha E Marshall, who for twenty-six years has proved a faithful companion and helpmate for the journey of life.  She was born in Madison county, Iowa, a daughter of John and Catherine Marshall.  The mother died in Iowa, and the father was called to the home beyond in Kansas.  The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Miller has been blessed with six children, three sons and three daughters, -- Charles Alton, Minta May, Essie Pearl, Emmet Roy, Goldie Marie and Leo Guy.  Mr. Miller formerly affiliated with the Greenback party, but is now a Populist.  The family have many warm friends in the county where they have so long resided, and are highly esteemed by all with whom they have come in contact.