David M. Miller

DAVID M. MILLER, a well known farmer living in section 15, township 34, range 20, in Hackberry township, Labette county, Kansas, is a native of Sandusky county, Ohio, and was born in September, 1846. He is a son of Joseph and Barbara (Overmire) Miller.

Joseph Miller was born in Pennsylvania, and when a young man removed to Perry county, Ohio. He afterward lived in Indiana, where his death occurred. His wife was born in Perry county, Ohio, and she also died in Indiana. Twelve children were the result of this union, eight of whom arrived at maturity, and five of whom are now living. Those living are: Elijah, who is a farmer, Emeline (Zink), Mary E. (Overmire) and Angeline (Briney), all of Indiana; and David M., the subject of this sketch.

David M. Miller removed with his parents, in the spring of 1850, to Indiana, where they located in Fulton county. He attended the common schools of that county, and remained there until 1880. He then located in Labette county, where he rented a farm in Hackberry township, one mile east of his present home. In August, 1880, Mr. Miller bought his farm in section 15, which contains 120 acres, and was known as the De Cow farm. He also bought 80 acres of the northeast quarter, and 40 acres in the section lying north of section 15. He now owns 280 acres, altogether. In 1895 Mr. Miller erected his present eight-room dwelling, and now uses the old house as a granary. He has five acres of orchard, and raises stock and grain, - his stock being of the finest grade. Hackberry and Lake creeks flow through his land, thus, bountifully supplying the farm with water. Mr. Miller is a conscientious worker, and takes great pride in the general appearance of his home, which bespeaks its owner's thrift and energy.

While a resident of Indiana, Mr. Miller was united in marriage with Catherine Buhler, who was born in Seneca county, Ohio, in 1850. She is a daughter of Frederick and Christina Buhler, of Fulton county, Indiana. Mrs. Miller was reared in that state. She is a member of the United Brethren church. Ten children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Miller: Mary; Emma; Sarah Clarinda; Marion M.; Lewis Albert; Joseph F.; Milo; Bert; Edna; and Myrtle. Mary is the wife of Henry Sharp, who is in the creamery business at Matfield, Kansas, and has two children. Emma married Thomas Kirby, who lives three miles east of her parents, and has one daughter. Sarah Clarinda died at the age of three years. Marion M. is married to Ila Dobbins, has one daughter, and is living one mile east of his parents. Lewis Albert, a farmer of Fairview township, is married to Lillie Dobbins, and has one son. Joseph F. is married to Bertha Brock. Milo is a farmer, but lives at home. Bert, Edna and Myrtle are at home.

Mr. Miller was a Democrat, in politics, but is now a member of the Populist party. He has served as a justice of the peace, and as trustee of the township; he was a member of the school board of District No. 7, for a number of years, but resigned a short time ago. Fraternally, Mr. Miller is a member of the I. 0. 0. F., of Bartlett. He and his wife are members of the Sons and Daughters of justice, and each carries a $2,000 life insurance policy. Mr. Miller has always been an active and progressive citizen, and is highly respected by his townsmen.