GEORGE M. MILLER, a leading farmer of Chester Township, Ottawa County, and one of the oldest German residents of the community, was born in Wurtemberg, Germany, January
30, 1831, and is a son of Christian and Barbara (Kurz) Miller, who were also natives of the same land. Their family numbered
eight children, of whom the following are still living: George M., Henry, and Fredericka, wife of Fred Ata, of Chester Township. The mother died in Germany in 1848, and in 1850
the father was united in marriage with Sophia Kober. They came to America in 1876, and settled upon the farm of
our subject, where the death of Mr. Miller occurred July 20, 1881, at the age of eighty-one years, seven months and twenty
days. His second wife is still living, and resides in this county. To them were born three children: Barbara, wife of J. Schler,
of Grand Rapids; Regina, wife of Benjamin Van Wildenburg, of Chester Township; and Mrs. Christina Bauer, a widow, who resides with Mrs. Van Wildenburg.
In accordance with the
laws of his native land, the subject of this sketch attended school until fourteen years of age, and then learned the trade
of nailmaking, manufacturing all kinds of nails then in use by hand. His father owned a farm, and in connection with his other
business George also aided in its cultivation. With the desire to try his fortune in the New World, he bade adieu to home and friends in 1852
and sailed for America, landing in New York City on the 25th of September. He remained in New York State until 1854, when he started for Michigan, reaching Grand Rapids on the 22d of October, with a cash capital of $200. He began working on the 24th as a
teamster, for $16 per month, and was thus employed for three years, during which time his wages were advanced to $26 per month.
Living economically and frugally, with his savings he purchased seven lots in Grand Rapids and erected two residences. There he remained
until 1860, when, on the 2d of April, he removed to Chester Township, Ottawa County, settling a half-mile from his present home. This farm of eighty acres was almost entirely unimproved.
Mr. Miller built a "box" house, the floor being boards laid upon the ground, and the cracks in the dwelling were so large
that the snow would sift through upon the beds.
Mr. Miller has since
traded his first farm for one hundred and sixty acres, of which sixty acres were cleared. This is his present place of residence,
and now one hundred and twenty acres of the homestead are under a high state of cultivation. His landed possessions aggregate
five hundred acres, of which three hundred and sixty acres are cultivated, and to his two sons he has given one hundred and
five acres each. He has been alike generous with his daughters, to whom he has given $1,000 each. He continued the development
of his land until 1883, since which time he has practically lived retired; however, he has made his farm one of the best in
the community, placing upon it all the necessary improvements and conveniences, and transforming the raw fields into tracts
of rich fertility. He has made judicious investments in real estate, and in connection with his brother and brother-in-law
owns much of Conklin. He was for years actively engaged in the real-estate business, and yet carries on operations in that
line to a considerable extent.
On the 2d of August, 1859, Mr. Miller was joined in marriage with Barbara Schuler, a native of Germany, who came to America with her parents, Lachman
and Catherine Schuler, she being their only child. The mother still makes her home with her daughter, at the age of seventy-six.
The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Miller was celebrated in Grand Rapids, and their union has been blessed with eight children,
namely: Christina, wife of Michael Frank, of Chester Township, Ottawa
County; Henry and Philip F., both of the same township; Fredericka C.,
wife of John Ulmer, of Ottawa County; Elizabeth, wife of John Ritz, of Kent County; Barbara and Clara, both at home.
The parents are members
of the Lutheran Church, and are highly respected people, who hold an enviable position in social circles where true worth
and intelligence are received as the passport into good society. During the late war Mr. Miller served as recruiting officer
of his township. In politics, he is one of the prominent members of the Democratic Party in Ottawa County, and has been honored with
many local offices. For eight years he was Township Treasurer, and for fourteen years was Highway Commissioner. His long-continued
service is a high testimonial to his fidelity to duty. In 1872, Mr. Miller made a trip to Germany, and pleasantly spent
several weeks in renewing the acquaintances of his youth and visiting childhood scenes, but he is content with America as the land of his abode,
for here he has found a pleasant home and met with prosperity.
Portrait & Biographical Record of Muskegon & Ottawa Counties, Michigan 1893, Chicago: Biographical Publishing Company, 1893, Pgs 192, 193
