James J. Miller Biography


	This biography appears on page 1868-1869 in "History of South 
	Dakota" by Doane Robinson, Vol. II (1904) and was scanned, 
	OCRed and edited by Maurice Krueger, mkrueger@iw.net.

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	JAMES J. MILLER, of Yankton county, was born in Schleswig, which 
was formerly under the control of Denmark but since the war of 1864 the 
property on which the subject was born has come into possession of 
Germany. His natal day was the 1st of October, 1832, and his education 
was acquired in the Danish schools, which he attended until sixteen 
years of age. On leaving school he began working upon a farm for his 
uncle, J. L. Jacobson, in whose employ he remained for several years. 
When twenty-two years of age he was called upon to serve in the army of 
his country and remained in its service for eighteen months.

	Mr. Miller was united in marriage to Miss Ann Maria Nickelson, 
the wedding taking place in their native land, and unto them three 
children were born. The mother of these children passed away in her 
native land and Mr. Miller was again married, his second union being 
with Maria Kestma. Eight children have been born of this union.

	Shortly after his second marriage Mr. Miller and his wife sailed 
for the new world, reaching Yankton, South Dakota, in 1871. That day 
left an indelible impression upon their minds as they had to travel 
from Sioux City on a sleigh through one of the worst snowstorms 
witnessed in the west in many years. Mr. Miller secured a homestead in 
Yankton county and still resides thereon. He has made all of the 
improvements upon his property and has developed it into one of the 
most attractive farms in Yankton county. He served as school director 
for several years and was also road supervisor. In politics he has ever 
been a staunch Republican and he and his family are members of the 
Lutheran church.