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Below is a family biography included in the Biographical Review Volume of Biographical Sketches of The Leading Citizens of Hampshire County, Massachusetts published by Biographical Review Publishing Company in 1896.  These biographies are valuable for genealogy research in discovering missing ancestors or filling in the details of a family tree. Family biographies often include far more information than can be found in a census record or obituary.  Details will vary with each biography but will often include the date and place of birth, parent names including mothers' maiden name, name of wife including maiden name, her parents' names, name of children (including spouses if married), former places of residence, occupation details, military service, church and social organization affiliations, and more.  There are often ancestry details included that cannot be found in any other type of genealogical record.

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GORDON B. MILLER, of South Hadley, born June 25, 1819, in the house now the home of himself and his sister, is descended from one of the oldest and most respected families of Hampshire County. The house, which was erected by one of his ancestors in the year 1700, has many quaint and curious relics of pioneer times. Mr. Miller is a son of the late Aaron John and Theodosia (Parsons) Miller, who were born, reared, and married in the town of Ludlow, this county.

Mr. Miller’s parents after their marriage commenced housekeeping on this homestead, which was then owned by the groom’s grandmother, widow of his paternal grandfather, an early settler of the town. Aaron John Miller was one of the leading farmers of the town and a prominent citizen. In addition to his agricultural ventures he had quite a practice as a country doctor, in which capacity, being familiar with the medicinal properties of herbs and roots, he prescribed and cared for his neighbors whenever they fell sick. His wife, who was his faithful assistant in all of his good works, died November 10, 1854. He survived her, living until January 12, 1866. They reared seven children, as follows: Aaron John, named after his father, who died at the age of fifty-four years; Gordon B., the subject of this sketch; William A., a resident of Holyoke; Jane A., residing in Hadley, the widow of the late Edward R. Gaylord; Reuben P., who died in 1892; Mary E., residing on the old home farm with her brother; and Asa L., who died in October, 1869.

Gordon B. Miller obtained his early education in the pioneer schools of his time. The old log school-house attended by him still stands on land adjoining his farm. On attaining his majority, Mr. Miller began learning the trade of a harness-maker. He worked at it three years in Ludlow, and subsequently four years in Northampton. The indoor confinement proved injurious to his health, and he was obliged to seek more healthful work. Returning to the parental homestead, he assisted in the labors of the farm until the death of his father, since which time he has had full control of the estate. He has about thirty-five acres of land, mostly under cultivation. In raising hay, corn, and stock he has met with invariable success. Mr. Miller has made many improvements on the property, and has now one of the best-appointed and most valuable estates, for its size, of any in the county. He and his sister are held in high regard throughout the entire community. In politics Mr. Miller is a steadfast Republican, and in religious matters Miss Miller is a valued member of the Congregational church.

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This family biography is one of the numerous biographies included in the Biographical Review Volume of Biographical Sketches of The Leading Citizens of Hampshire County, Massachusetts published in 1896. 

View additional Hampshire County, Massachusetts family biographies here: Hampshire County, Massachusetts Biographies

View a map of 1901 Hampshire County, Massachusetts here: Hampshire County Massachusetts Map

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