Richard F. Miller stands out as a young yet accomplished farmer and stock-raiser in China Township, Lee County, having been born in Somerset County, Pennsylvania, in 1860. Moving to Lee County at eight years old, he has dedicated his life to agriculture, managing a successful 200-acre farm known for its productivity and modern methods. Married to Anna R. Hartzell since 1879, together they’ve created a welcoming home for their five children. Miller’s effective blend of traditional farming with contemporary techniques highlights his role as a forward-thinking farmer, while his community involvement and political engagement as a Republican reflect his commitment to both his profession and local affairs.
Richard F. Miller has already won a good record as an enterprising farmer and stock-raiser, although he is yet a young man, and his farm in China Township compares favorably in point of importance and tillage with others of its size in Lee County. Our subject is the eleventh of the twelve children of Moses W. and Catherine (Livengood) Miller, and he was born in Somerset County, Pa., June 22, 1860. He was eight years old when he came to Lee County in 1868 with his father, and the most of his life has been passed here.
He was reared to agricultural pursuits on the old homestead in China Township, and when he arrived at years of discretion selected farming as his lifework. When he entered upon his career, he was well grounded in the principles of agriculture, and has shown by what he has accomplished that he selected his occupation wisely, as none of the young farmers of this vicinity has been more successful than he in tilling the soil. His farm comprises two hundred acres of very productive land, neatly divided into convenient fields by good fences, amply supplied with roomy and substantial buildings for all necessary purposes, and the best modern machinery is used in cultivating and harvesting the crops.
Mr. Miller was happily married in China Township December 5, 1879, to Miss Anna R. Hartzell, a daughter of J. C. W. and Catherine J. (Trostle) Hartzell, natives of Pennsylvania, and now well-known residents of Nachusa Township. Mrs. Miller is the eldest of five children, and was born in Nachusa Township April 3, 1857. She is the mother of five children: Rosa F., Alfred T., Clifford B., Kate B., and Cora Ety. She understands well how to make home cozy and attractive and cordially seconds her husband’s genial hospitality, so that all who cross their threshold are sure of a pleasant welcome.
Our subject is a wide-awake, active young man, prompt in carrying out whatever he undertakes, and quick to take advantage of all honorable means of increasing his possessions. His habits are good, and his standing is of the best. He is somewhat prominent in local political affairs and gives his allegiance to the Republican party. He has been School Director, and while an incumbent of that office acted for the best interests of his township in educational matters.