WILLIAM M. MILLER, whose farm lies on section 34 of Kent Township, sprang from the Miller family of Columbia County, Pa. His parents were John and Catherine (Moore) Miller, who were natives respectively of that and Luzerne Counties, and were reared and married in Columbia County. They both died in Carbon County, Pa. The father was a farmer and teacher, and during his life followed several other occupations. They had thirteen children, ten boys and three girls.

William M. Miller, whose sketch is herewith given, was the fourth child. He was born in Northampton County, Pa., on the 27th of September, 1826. His residence in Pennsylvania was in Carbon and Luzerne Counties until he came West. While living in Pennsylvania he found his principal occupation in the lumber regions of that State. In the spring of 1869 he set out for the West, and came almost directly to Stephenson County, settling in Kent Township, where he has since been a resident, and all the time engaged in agricultural pursuits. His farm consists of 170 acres, 140 of which are improved. He has a good residence, barn, and all necessary out-buildings for the storing of grain and shelter of stock.

Mr. Miller was married at Beaver Meadow, Carbon Co., Pa., on the 17th of June, 1847, to Martha Stivers, who was born in Wilkes Barre, Luzerne Co., Pa., on the 25th of December, 1826. They have had eight children - Emma C., James A., Matilda, Alice, William H., Lizzie A., Jesse F. and Minnie. Emma C. is the wife of Frank H. Pitcher, and resides in Kansas; James married Catherine Auman, and resides in Nebraska; Matilda died when she was but two years of age; Alice married Frank Keister, and resides in Kent Township; William married Catherine Fraser, and resides in Nebraska; Lizzie is the wife of Harrison Willet, and resides in Kansas; Jesse married Mary Allison, of Kent Township; Minnie is at home with her father.

Mrs. Miller died in Kent Township on the 14th of October, 1883. She was a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church and died as she had lived, a Christian in every sense of the word. Mr. M. is also an attendant of the same church. On account of his peculiar fitness for the position, Mr. Miller has been chosen the Director of Schools in his district.

Contributed by Carol Parrish from Portrait and Biographical Album of Stephenson County, Ill. (1888), p. 587