My Genealogy Hound

Herman L. Miller, jeweler and druggist at Aurora Springs, is the fourth son in a family of eight children born to John T. and Louisa (Loiree) Miller, natives of Pennsylvania, and of Dutch and French descent, respectively. The father was a farmer, and followed this occupation in Pennsylvania until his removal to Ohio in 1855. He settled in Athens County, until 1867, moved to Moniteau County, Mo., in March, 1867, and from there to Miller County, of the same State, in 1870. The father died February 20, 1874, and the mother January 25, 1888. Herman L. Miller attended the public schools of Ohio until about sixteen years of age, and then came to Missouri, where he entered the drug store of J. M. Dunlap, High Point, Moniteau County, in 1868, remaining there two years. He then went to California, Mo., and assumed charge of the drug department of Hill & Russell; thence to Maclay & Co., Tipton, Mo., in 1872. He started in business for himself at Elston, Cole County, January, 1876, and continued there until January, 1881. He then went from there to Miller County, settling at what is now Aurora Springs, but what was then a small place with four small buildings, or rather shanties. His first work was to cut away the underbrush and to at once erect a building in which to open a restaurant and bakery. This store he shortly started in partnership with his brother, under the firm title of Miller Bros. The town at that time was filled with camps from all quarters, and the future prosperity of the location seemed assured. Mr. Miller was married in December, 1881, to Miss Mary H. Sterling, of High Point, and immediately afterward erected what was then the finest house in Aurora Springs. To Mr. and Mrs. Miller were born two sons: Roy Sterling and Grant Earl. At the present time Mr. Miller has a fine jewelry store, and also handles an excellent line of drugs. He takes quite an active part in politics, and cast his first presidential vote for Gen. Grant at his second election. He was a member of the first city council, was first city clerk, and assisted in the incorporation of the city in 1881. He is a member of the Odd Fellows lodge, having passed through all the chairs, and he and family are members of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church. Mr. Miller is now mayor of Aurora Springs.