V. R. Miller, one of the early settlers and prominent citizens of McGregor, was born in North Hero, Vt., on the 20th day of September, 1827. His parents were William and Chloe (Howard) Miller natives of Clinton County, N.Y. His grandfather on his mother's side was a soldier in the Revolutionary war and was wounded at Camden, S.C., taken prisoner and held for several months on a man-of-war ship. They were given the choice to enlist in the British service or be held as prisoners. Himself with several others consented to enlist thinking their chances better to escape but was held thirteen years, when he deserted and joined the American army, serving in all twenty-six years. Mr. and Mrs. Miller were the parents of eight children, six living-- Herman, V. R., Alexander, Aurilla, Silas A. and Edward. In the spring of 1848 Mr. Miller emigrated to Clayton County, and located in Farmersburg Township, and the same year V. R. came through with the family. This being before railroad times, they traveled by canal from Whitehall to Buffalo, thence by steamer to Milwaukee and thence by teams to Prairie du Chien. The snow commenced falling on the 2d day of November, and the ground was covered with eighteen inches of snow. V. R. left the family and crossed the river, where he found Alex. McGregor, John Gould, John Stewart and H.D. Evans all living in one house. He proceeded to Farmerburg on foot, through the deep snow, taking him all day to make the journey, reaching his destination tired and nearly worn out. The following morning his father started with teams for the family. Mr. and Mrs. Miller are now living at Lime Springs, Ia. In 1850 the subject of this sketch married Marietta Bass, a daughter of Lyman Bass, of Long Island. Four children blessed this union, three living-- Theodore, Fannie M. and Mary E. Mrs. Miller died in 1862. He again married, Elizabeth Boynton, widow of C.S. Boynton. Mr. and Mrs. Boynton were the parents of four children-- Emily, Francis, Oscar D. and C.S. source: History of Clayton County, Iowa, 1882, p. 996-997 |