Denver, History of Colorado, BIOS: MILLER, Lui (published 1918) *********************************************************************** USGENWEB NOTICE: These electronic pages may NOT be reproduced in any format for profit or presentation by other organization or persons. Persons or organizations desiring to use this material, must obtain the written consent of the contributor, or the legal representative of the submitter, and contact the listed USGenWeb archivist with proof of this consent. The submitter has given permission to the USGenWeb Archives to store the file permanently for free access. *********************************************************************** File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by Maggie Stewart-Zimmerman http://www.genrecords.net/emailregistry/vols/00015.html#0003643 November 21, 1999 *********************************************************************** "History of Colorado", edited by Wilbur Fisk Stone, published by The S. J. Clarke Publishing Co. (1918) Vol. II p. 384, 386 photos of Mr. And Mrs. Lui Miller, p. 385 LUI MILLER. Among the pioneers who came to Colorado in 1860 Lui Miller is entitled to especial distinction, for it was he who brought to Denver the first carriage ever seen on the streets of the city and established the first bus line in the capital of Colorado. He was very successful in the conduct of a livery business but during the last twenty-five years of his life enjoyed a well earned rest, his demise occurring April 29, 1913, and many were the friends who mourned at his bier. Mr. Miller was born in Prussia in 1829 and received his education in his native country. Entering upon practical life. he heard such glowing reports of the opportunities offered in America to a strong man willing to work that he decided to seek his fortune on this side of the Atlantic and left his home, coming to this country in 1852, when twenty-three years of age. After leaving the eastern states Mr. Miller found employment for a time in the middle west, but as conditions there did not come up to his expectations he decided to look for opportunities in the undeveloped mountain region which is now the state of Colorado. In May, 1860, he therefore crossed the plains with an ox team and came to Denver, which remained his home until death called him. For many years he successfully conducted a livery stable at the corner of Fourteenth and Blake streets and in the early days of Denver he was one of the most familiar figures on its streets. In this connection it is interesting to note that Mr. Miller brought the first carriage to Denver that ever appeared in this city, and he also established the first bus line, the forerunner of the street railway. When the state records had to be transferred from Golden, the old capital, to Denver, Mr. Miller was assigned to make the removal. In 1884 Mr. Miller removed with his family to the Eagles Nest ranch, eighteen miles southwest of Denver and resided there for four years. During that time he was in the cattle business and had as many as one thousand head of horses and cattle on his ranch. This property is now the Ken-Caryl ranch and is owned by John C. Shaffer. His business ability and his reliable habit of keeping promises combined to make his business enterprises successful and about 1888 he was enabled to retire from further active work, having acquired a competence which permitted him to pass his last years in leisure and comfort. In St. Louis, Missouri, April 10, 1859, Mr. Miller was united in marriage to Christina Schok, who was born in Wurttemberg, Germany, October 13, 1838, a daughter of Jacob and Catharine (Schaefer) Schok, and in 1866 came to the United States and lived in Keokuk, Iowa, until her marriage. She was his companion when removal to Colorado was made in 1860. They established their home in Denver, which city largely remained their abode during the remainder of their lives. In their family were the following children: Louis, Frederick and Amelia, all of whom are deceased; Bertha, who married Albert C. Lighthall, now deceased, by whom she had the following children, Blanche M. Moore, of El Paso, Texas, Albert C., of Ogden, Utah, and Earl Howard, of Boulder; Frederlcka, who married Joseph Retallack, of Denver, and has a daughter, Gladys V., now Mrs. Wells, of Denver; Augusta, the wife of Benjamin T. Griffith, of Oelwein, Iowa; Emma, the widow of John W. Lambert, of Denver; Louise, who married A. B. Calhoun, of Topeka, Kansas, by whom she has a daughter, Christine; William J., of Globe, Arizona, who married Bertha Coplen, of Denver; Lui, who married Hilda Wallen and resides in Denver; and George A., deceased. It was given to Mr. and Mrs. Miller to celebrate that rare event in human life, their golden wedding anniversary, which took place April 10, 1909, at their residence at No. 1946 Emerson street. All members of the family were present and the tokens of love, respect and esteem presented to Mr. and Mrs. Miller were innumerable. Many of their friends who were unable to be personally present expressed their good wishes over the wire or in other suitable ways. About four years later, on April 29, 1913, at the age of eighty-four, Lui Miller, pioneer of the west, passed away, his death occurring at the same residence, and from' there he was buried on May 1st of that year. Among the older generation his many friends sincerely mourned his departure and the condolences ex tended to the family were many and heartfelt. His wife, who has survived him, is a well preserved old lady and lives at 1946 Emerson street, which home was built by Mr. Miller in 1901, and has been the family home ever since. At the time there were also living five daughters and two sons, while four of his children had preceded him to the unknown land. Through the labors of such men as Mr. Miller civilization was planted In the mountainous wilderness of what is now the prosperous state of Colorado and therefore great honor is due to him as one of those who made possible the present prosperity and who helped to create conditions which assure the present generation of the comforts and conveniences of a civilization which is equal if not superior to that of the older east.