My Genealogy Hound

J. R. Miller, who is a prosperous merchant and farmer of Faulkner County, was born in Memphis, Tenn., January 2, 1856, and is the son of J. J. and Nancy A. (West) Miller, the former being an Ohioan by birth. They were the parents of five children, two still living. J. J. Miller went to Memphis in 1844, and worked at his trade, that of a painter, and was married there the same year. He remained in Memphis until 1847, when he moved to Ohio, and from there to Louisville, Ky., going thence to New Albany. Returning to Memphis he died there in 1863. His wife survived him till 1868. Our subject received his education at the public schools, living with his father until twenty years of age, when he went to Craighead County, Ark., and farmed for two years. In 1876 he moved to St. Francis County, and from there to Hot Springs, but remained only a short time. He then built a large boat and ran up and down the Arkansas River, and finally moved to the shore at Chrisman Place. His boat was afterward destroyed, after which he built a storehouse, and sold goods at Caldwell Landing. In February, 1884, he closed out his stock, and in a short time came to Mayflower, and has resided here ever since. On January 11, 1864, Mr. Miller was united in marriage to Mauda E. Jackson. To this marriage three children were born: Catherine, John and Nancy. April 15, 1878, Mr. Miller was bereft of his wife, and in 1880 he took for his second and present wife, Mary S. Surat, and they are the parents of three children: Sophia, Lizzie and William H. He has a good store of general merchandise, his stock usually invoicing from $600 to $700, besides which he owns 200 acres of land, forty being under cultivation. The town was founded in 1882, and has a post office and two blacksmith shops and two stores, also a saw-mill and two shingle-mills within a mile and a half, which are doing a good business. Mr. Miller is a good, all round mechanic, and as such is never idle. He has been justice of the peace, and during his service had the honor of marrying one couple. He also bound over one darkey who was sent to the “Pen,” besides disposing of several other cases of minor importance. He is a stanch Democrat, and always supports the principles of his party. Active and enterprising as a citizen, he cheerfully gives his support wherever it is needed, and is not a follower but a leader in matters tending to the prosperity and growth of the community.