My Genealogy Hound

CHARLES MILLER, dealer in real estate at St. Joseph, and formerly Oil Inspector of Berrien County, was born in New Orleans, La., December 1, 1845. He is the son of Joseph and Catharine (Minger) Miller, both of whom were born in Germany, and emigrated thence to the United States, settling in New Orleans. After residing in that city for a number of years, the family returned to Germany, when Charles was about five years of age. He continued to live there until he was eleven years of age, attending the schools in that country. About 1856 the family left Germany and removed to Indianapolis, where the husband and father departed this life in 1874, the mother passing away in 1861.

Our subject accompanied his parents in their removal to Indianapolis, and there grew to mature years. In the common schools of that city he acquired a good knowledge of the English language and an excellent practical education. At the age of fourteen, he accompanied a gentleman named Andrews to Germany, and visited Ludwig, London, Paris, Havre and Monheim, remaining about one year. Returning to America, he learned the trade of a miller at Indianapolis. At the time of the survey for the line of the Chicago & West Michigan Railway, he was a member of the corps of surveyors that laid out the route. In the spring of 1867, he returned to work in the St. Joseph Flouring Mills, and in 1870 he was appointed head miller, in which capacity he remained for ten years, giving excellent satisfaction to the proprietors of the concern. He started in business for himself in 1880, when he embarked in the grocery, crockery and silverware trade in St. Joseph, and conducted the establishment with the greatest efficiency until 1889, when he sold the stock. In 1891 he was appointed Oil Inspector of Berrien County for a term of two years. He has been identified with the public affairs of St. Joseph ever since he became a citizen of the place. In politics, he is a Democrat and advocates the principles of that party first, last and all the time. His fellow-citizens, recognizing his capabilities, have called him to positions of honor and trust, and his services have been eminently satisfactory. In 1886 he was elected Treasurer of the city of St. Joseph for a term of one year, and was afterward re-elected, serving until 1888. Later he was elected Supervisor of the township, and still occupies that position.

Mr. Miller has a pleasant residence on Langley Avenue, where, in the society of his wife and children, he finds a delightful recreation from the cares of business. His wife, whom he married May 20, 1874, was formerly Miss Mary Berg, and is the daughter of Simon and Anna Maria (Johns) Berg, residents of St. Joseph. Mr. Berg was born in Bavaria, Germany, whence he emigrated to America, and at first located in Chicago, remaining in that city for a number of years. In 1850 he came to St. Joseph, and here resided until he passed away, December 28, 1883. Mrs. Miller was born in Lake Township, Berrien County, Mich., November 11, 1851. Mr. and Mrs. Miller are the parents of seven children: Simon C. and Joseph J., who are manly youths of seventeen and fifteen years, respectively; Katie M., who is eleven years of age; George N., Ellen M., Charles W. and Mary M., the latter a bright and interesting child of two years. The family worships at the Catholic Church, of which Mrs. Miller is a devoted member. Mr. Miller holds fraternal relations with Occidental Lodge No. 56, A. F. & A. M., at St. Joseph.