Bio: Miller, Joel S. (History - 1837)

Contact: Janet Schwarze 

Surnames: MILLER FREEMAN ENGLISH

----Source: Biographical History of Clark and Jackson Counties, Wisconsin, by The Lewis Publishing Co., 1891.

JOEL S. MILLER, of Melrose was born in Cortland County, New York, September 29, 1837, the son of William Miller, also a native of that county, born February 11, 1811. In 1853 he went to McHenry County, Illinois, remaining until 1864, when he came to Jackson County, locating in Alma Center. In 1868 he opened a hotel, which he sold in 1883, and invested the money in town property. He died June 28, 1889 politically he was a Republican, and held several public offices. Our subject's mother, Rachel Heath, was born in Cortland County, New York and is now living in Alma Center, Wisconsin. She is the daughter of Joel Heath, a native of New York who came to McHenry County, Illinois, in an early day. In 1854 he went to La Crosse County, where he died, at an advanced age. He was a farmer by occupation and politically a Democrat. Mr. and Mrs. Miller had ten children, namely: Joel S., Rachel A., Amy M., Helen A., Jerome B., Albert, Myron A., and one who died in infancy.

The subject of this sketch, Joel S., was reared and educated on a farm in Chautauqua County, New York. In 1853 he went to McHenry County, Illinois and commenced work on the Illinois Central Railroad, where he continued until February, 1864. In that year he went to Venango County, Pennsylvania, remaining until 1888, when he came to Jackson County. In May, 1889, he came to Melrose and engaged in the hardware business, and now carries a stock of $2,500. Politically he is a Republican.

Mr. Miller was married October 26, 1873, to Mary E. Freeman, who was born in West Canada, July 18, 1852, the daughter of Samuel and Ann (English) Freeman, both natives of England, who came to this country in an early day. In 1856 they came to Jackson County, Wisconsin, and now reside in Black River Falls. The father has been in the hotel business nearly all his life. In his younger days he was a Republican but now votes the Democrat ticket.

MILLER FREEMAN ENGLISH