Peter Miller
Peter Miller, farmer, section 24, Shabbona Township, was among the first of its substantial settlers, having located here June 5, 1845. He was born in Columbia Co., N.Y., Feb. 21, 1816, the son of Simeon and Betsey (Bedell) Miller. When ten years of age he was taken by his parents in change of residence to Cayuga Co., N.Y., where he was brought up on a farm, receiving a common school education. He was married in that county, Feb. 25, 1841, to Miss Elizabeth Quilhot, daughter of Henry and Hannah (Van Allen) Quilhot. She was born at Amsterdam, Columbia Co., N.Y., March 22, 1815.
Mr. Miller was engaged in agricultural pursuits, in the town of Conquest, Cayuga Co., N.Y., until the spring of 1845, when he emigrated to this State, arriving at Shabbona Grove June 5, that year. He purchased a claim to the southwest quarter of section 24, which he subsequently entered at Government price, and which has been the home of himself and family for 40 years. He has had five children, – three sons and two daughters, – namely: Isaac P., who was born April 18, 1843, and died June 4, 1857; Mary E., who was born May 28, 1850, and is now the wife of Dr. Francis Steward, of Rochelle, IL; Myndret S., who was born July 11, 1855, and married Clara E. Adams, and now resides at the old homestead; and Catharine J., who was born Oct. 29, 1861, and died Feb. 28, 1863.
Mr. Miller is a representative man of industrious, thrifty and successful farmers who took their lands from the Government in a natural state in the pioneer days; who endured the many trials and discomforts incident to a settlement in a new country, remote from markets and the many advantages of advanced civilization; and who, by industry, economy and good management have secured to themselves and children valuable and well improved farms, with tasteful and commodious residence, abounding in all the comforts of rural life in a rich and well settled country.
Source: Portrait and Biographical Album of DeKalb Co.
