Hines, H. K. "An Illustrated History of the State of Oregon." Chicago: Lewis
Pub. Co. 1893.  p. 1161.

     JAMES E. MILLER, one of the leading and influential citizens of Pendleton,
Oregon, was born in Fayette county, Indiana, January 4, 1853.  His parents,
James and Eliza (Campbell) Miller, natives of Pennsylvania, removed to Indiana
when young.  They were both reared and married in the latter State.  After
marriage they remained in Indiana, engaged in farming until 1857, when they
removed to Minnesota, bought a farm, where the father still resides.  His wife
died in 1888.  Mr. Miller is still an old man as he was born in 1820.  His
brother, John L. Miller, is a distinguished lawyer and noted politician of
Indiana.  He ran for congress on the Greenback ticket, in 1878, and was the
first member of that party.  This gentleman was Captain in the Eleventh Indiana
Zouave Regiment under Colonel Lew Wallace, afterward General Wallace.
     The subject of this sketch was the fourth child in a family of ten
children, seven of whom are now living.  He was reared on the farm and received
his education in the public school, learning all these offered.  After he
reached man's estate, Mr. Miller chose the profession of law for his calling,
and began the study of that science under Waite Freeman.  During the entire time
Mr. Miller was pursuing his studies he was obliged to manage the farm, so
labored under many disadvantages.  Notwithstanding all discouragements Mr.
Miller was admitted to practice his profession May 17, 1882, and in the
following spring came to Oregon, settling in Pendleton, where he opened an
office.  Since his arrival in the city, Mr. Miller has taken quite an interest
in the political affairs of the town and county.  He was a member of the State
Central Committee at the time of the voting upon the prohibition amendment in
the State Legislature.  Umatilla county was supposed to go 500 majority against
the amendment, but owing to the management of Mr. Miller, the amendment was
carried by 250 majority.
     About this time Mr. Miller became acquainted with the charming young widow,
Mrs. Dora McHutchen, nee Cherry, a native of Missouri, and March 6, 1889 they
were married.  Mrs. Miller had three children by her first marriage, namely:
Elizabeth, Fred and Nellie.  Mr. and Mrs. Miller have two children, namely: Dora
and La Verd.
     Mr. Miller has always had to labor under a disadvantage, as he was obliged
to aid his father in paying off an indebtedness.  He proved himself a good son,
as he never left his childhood home until his father owned his farm and was
entirely free from all incumbrances.  Since his arrival in Oregon Mr. Miller has
purchased himself a little home and is now in the enjoyment of a snug, little
fortune.  His business is rapidly increasing; and although so young a man, is
well versed in his profession.  Mr. Miller gives promise of becoming one of the
shining lights of the legal profession.  He is a Republican from conviction, and
upholds the principles of that party because he believes that the platform of
that organization is best suited to the needs of the party.  Mr. Miller has
never sought or held political office, the cares of his large practice
forbidding, but there is no doubt but that so popular a gentleman could be
elected to most any office within the gift of the people, if he would care to
accept.


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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.