Biographies
MICHAEL MILLER
MICHAEL MILLER--To the student of history, and to all loyal Californians,
nothing could be more interesting or worthy of preservation than the lives of
the late "Mike" Miller and his wife, Charlotte. An honored pioneer of
Sacramento County, Mr. Miller was well known throughout the Valley. He was born
in Baden, Germany, in 1832, and came to this country in 1846 at the age of
fourteen. In Chicago he learned the trade of saddler,
and in 1850 crossed the plains, arriving three days before California was
admitted to statehood. His first business venture was a grocery store, which he
conducted for three years in the town of Coloma. He then came to Sacramento and
worked at his trade of saddler. In company with Mr. Wise, he bought a lot 60 by
80 feet on Ninth Street, opposite the Plaza. An old shack stood on the ground,
but this was torn down and a two-story brick block erected, and here the two
partners conducted a livery stable, one of the first in Sacramento. Later Mr.
Miller bought out his partner's interest and ran the business alone for many
years. This property, which has since become valuable, and is retained in the
family, cost Mr. Miller at that time five thousand dollars, and apt
illustration of the rise of property valuation in the state.
The name of this worthy pioneer is found
on many of the early day rosters in Sacramento Valley. He was a member of the
old Volunteer Fire Department, those sturdy boys who, at the call, dropped
everything and, in full regalia, dashed to the rescue of both life and
property, at no small risk, with the primitive weapons at hand; he was a member
of the old Sacramento Hussars, a volunteer company which was later taken
into the State National Guard. Prominent in the Republican party,
he served four years as supervisor. Fraternally, Mr. Miller was a member
of the I. O. O. F., having joined the Coloma Lodge shortly after coming to
California; in church affiliations he was a Catholic. February 1, 1913, marks
the passing of this man, well known for his many good deeds and active interest
in all that pertained to the upbuilding of our
glorious state.
On April 13, 1858, occurred the marriage
of Mr. Miller and Charlotte Walters, who was born in Germany. She was brought
to the United States at three years of age, and was reared in Zanesville, Ohio.
With her sister, she came to California in 1855, via Panama, and lived in Hangtown, now Placerville, and there the marriage took
place. Mrs. Miller witnessed many events in the early days in Sacramento, among
them the laying of the foundation of the State Capitol Building, and of the
Catholic Cathedral. She was a personal friend of General John H. Sutter and his
wife, and dined at their home. John Marshall, the first discoverer of gold, was
also among her friends; in fact, her personal reminiscences include so many
famous events and people that to chronicle them would be to write a chapter of
early days in Sacramento. For many years a member of the Episcopal Church, Mrs.
Miller has lent her aid to many good works in her home community, always taking
an active interest in the advancement of this valley where she has spent the
greater part of her life; the property originally purchased by her husband is
still in her possession, together with other real estate holdings, and for the
past forty-five years Mrs. Miller has resided in the same house, the old home
endeared to her by many memories. After
Mr. Miller's death his sons carried on the business, later turning it into a
garage. Charles F., the oldest son, died August 31, 1922, and Henry K., the
only surviving child, now carries on the garage, and aids his mother in looking
after the business interests. He married Jeanette Sullivan and they had two
daughters: Caroline, the late Mrs. Laurine, who
had a child, Jenny Marie; and Annie Pugh.
Transcribed by Sally Kaleta.
Source: Reed, G.
Walter, History of Sacramento County,
California With Biographical Sketches, Page 287. Historic Record Company,
© 2006 Sally Kaleta.