James H. Miller, who is engaged in general farming and stock-raising in Dent township, San Joaquin county, where he owns and operates about a quarter section of land, was born on the 1st of October, 1865, in the county which is yet his place of residence. His parents, Milton and Sarah (Maxwell) Miller, were natives of Missouri. The father came to California in the early days of the mining excitement, crossing the plains with an ox-team in 1849, the year following the discovery of gold. He worked in the mining regions for a time and then returned to Missouri, but he had become attached to the Golden state during his residence in the far west and in 1854 he returned to California, once more making the long and arduous journey across the hot plains to California. Making his way to San Joaquin county, he settled in Castoria township, near Atlanta, where he resided up to the time of his death, which occurred in 1901. he was one of the worthy pioneers residents of this part of the state and aided materially in promoting progress and improvement here at an early day. He was a self-made man, owing his prosperity entirely to his own efforts, his energies being well directed. he became well known as an agriculturist and stock-raiser, accumulated a handsome property and at his death owned over six hundred acres of valuable land. He had previously had much move extensive landed holdings, but had sold considerable property. In community affairs he was prominent and influential and his influence was a promoting factor in many enterprises which have resulted in public benefit. He served as a trustee of the Zine schoolhouse district for a number of years, and was active in advancing the interests of education in his locality. His political affiliation made him a Democrat.

Milton Miller was united in marriage to Miss Sarah M. Maxwell, a native of Missouri, and they became the parents of eight children who are yet living: Ida M., now the widow of W. B. McLaren; James H.; M. Etta; Milton E.; Jesse F.; Charles A.; William T.; and Laurence L. the mother passed away in 1899 and in 1901 Milton Miller died. In his death the community mourned the loss of a valued citizen, one whom his fellow townsmen had come to honor and respect, and who was found loyal in all matters of citizenship and reliable in business relations.

James H. Miller was reared to manhood in the county of his nativity, spending his boyhood days on his father's farm, where he became familiar with all the duties and labors that fall to the lot of the agriculturist. He began his education in the public schools of the neighborhood and afterward attended the Stockton Business College, so that he was well equipped for the practical duties of life. He has continued to follow the occupation to which he was reared and now has a good farm of about one hundred and sixty acres of land.

Mr. Miller married Zadie A. Walrad, a native of San Joaquin county and a daughter of Duwain Walrad, of Collegeville, San Joaquin county. They now have one son, Claude M. Mr. Miller endorses the principles of Democracy by his ballot and fraternally he is connected with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, belonging to the lodge at Ripon, California.

Source: History of the New California Its Resources and People, Volume II

The Lewis Publishing Company - 1905
Edited by Leigh H. Irvine