Hines, H. K. "An Illustrated History of the State of Oregon." Chicago: Lewis Pub. Co. 1893. p. 1153. FRANCIS M. MILLER, Postmaster at Lebanon, was born in Keosauqua, Iowa, in 1844. His father, Jacob Miller, was of Scotch descent, and was born in Virginia and removed to Ohio. There he was married, in 1831, and engaged in farming until 1837, when he moved to the frontier and settled in Van Buren county, Iowa, among the Black Hawk Indians. He took a homestead of 160 acres and built a log cabin, and reclaimed from the wilderness and improved a fine farm. There he resided until his death in 1848. His widow still occupies the farm, at the age of seventy-seven years. They had nine children, seven of whom lived to maturity and still survive. Francis M. was the youngest son, and received what little education he received in his early days in Keosauqua. When Fort Sumter was fired upon, the whole family were thrilled with patriotism, and three brothers and one brother-in-law enlisted, in 1861, and Francis followed their example as soon as age would permit. He enlisted in the spring of 1863, in the Third Iowa Cavalry, commanded by Colonel J. W. Noble, late Secretary of the Interior. Their first engagement was at Pilot Knob, Missouri, and later at the capture of Little Rock, Arkansas. They were then transferred to the Department of Tennessee, and joined in the raid through Alabama and Georgia, and aided in the capture of Jefferson Davis. Mr. Miller was discharged in August, 1865, without wounds, but prostrated by hardships and exposure, which left lasting effects in weakness and disease. One brother and brother-in-law were killed at Tupelo, Mississippi, and another severely wounded and disabled at Pittsburg Landing. After his discharge Mr. Miller returned to his home, and in the fall entered the Iowa Wesleyan University, at Mount Pleasant, Iowa, taking the classical course, and graduating in 1871, with the second honors of his class. Means for his education were procured by teaching and by practicing the most rigid economy. He had things to such a fine point, that he was able to live at the expense of 65 cents per week. Considering the difficulties under which he labored, it is wonderful that he not only was able to go through the university, but that he should do so with high honors. He again returned home, and was at once elected Superintendent of County Schools, filling that office until January, 1874. He then entered the office of Messrs. Lea & Work, prominent attorneys of Keosauqua, and was admitted to the bar in 1875. He followed the practice of law at Keosauqua until the fall of 1876, when he removed to Oregon, and passed the winter at Albany. In the spring of 1877 he was engaged as principal of the public school of Lebanon, but after teaching for eighteen months he resumed his practice of law. He purchased town property in Lebanon, and has built several residences besides the Miller business block, completed in 1891. He was appointed Postmaster of Lebanon in July, 1891, by Postmaster-General Wanamaker. he has also served his city as Recorder and Marshal, and in 1888 was instrumental in organizing the John Miller Post, No. 42, G.A.R. He is serving his third term as Commander and Junior Vice-Commander of the Department of Oregon. He attended the national Encampment at San Francisco, as a delegate, and he also went in the same capacity to St. Louis. In March, 1892, he was appointed Judge Advocate on the staff of H. H. Northcamp, Commander of the Department of Oregon. For eight years he has been Secretary of Lebanon Lodge, No. 44, F. & A.M. and is a member of the Phi-Delta-Theta fraternity of the Wesleyan University. He was married, in 1875, to Miss Hilda S. Armstrong, of Tuscarawas county. They have three children: Walter A., Bessie B and Catharine. ******************* Submitted to the Oregon Bios. Project in April 2005 by Diana Smith. Submitter has no additional information about the person(s) or family mentioned above.