The father of our subject was one of the earliest pioneers of Missouri, settling in St. Charles County, in 1823. He entered a tract of land, and became prominent in that section, serving as County Judge and as a Representative in the State Legislature of 1849-50. In politics he was an uncompromising Democrat, and one of the leaders of his party in that section. He had arisen from an humble position in life solely by the exercise of his own industry and was a man of more than ordinary intelligence, respected by all who knew him.
The mother of our subject was born in Rockbridge County, Va., June 11, 1806, and died at the old homestead in St. Charles County, Mo., Feb. 11, 1881. She was a lady possessing all the Christian virtues, and a devoted member of the Old School Presbyterian Church. The parental household included thirteen children, namely: John, James, Martha, Marianne, Elizabeth, Nancy, Adelaide, Susan, Sally; George W., our subject; Anna T., Silas W. and Mary Ellen. Of these John, Elizabeth, Adelaide and Nancy are deceased. The others are residents mostly of Missouri.
Our subject was reared upon his father's farm in his native county, where he made his home until a young man of twenty-three years. When leaving the parental roof he proceeded to Jacksonville, Ill., where he entered college, taking the full term of three years in the scientific course, and was graduated in 1868. From college he established himself in St. Charles, Mo., where he commenced studying medicine under the instruction of Dr. B. W. Rogers, with whom he remained two years. Subsequently he attended lectures in the Medical College at St. Louis, from which he was graduated on the 6th of March, 1871.
Dr. Miller commenced the practice of his profession in Prentice, this county, but in December following removed to Jacksonville, of which he continued a resident and practitioner until the summer of 1872. On the 19th of June, that year, he established himself at Woodson, where he has since continued to reside.
The subject of this sketch contracted matrimonial ties July 19, 1871, with Miss Lucy H. Galbraith. Mrs. Miller was born March 17, 1845, in Jacksonville, Ill., and is the daughter of Samuel and Sally (Crume) Galbraith, who were natives respectively of Pennsylvania and Kentucky. The father was born Jan. 9, 1799, and died at his home in Jacksonville, Ill., July 28, 1863. The mother was born Jan. 21, 1807, and passed away eleven years after the death of her husband in Jacksonville, Feb. 23, 1874. Mr. Galbraith was for many years a coppersmith by trade, and with his excellent wife was a member in good standing of the Christian Church. They were the parents of nine children, of whom Mrs. Miller was next to the youngest. Of her union with our subject there were born three children - Sally Edith, George Ernest and Grace Ernestine, all of whom died in infancy.
Mrs. Miller departed this life Feb. 6, 1888, in the forth-third year of her age. She was a most amiable Christian lady, beloved by all who knew her, and a zealous worker in the Christian Church, to which she had belonged a number of years. Possessed of fine musical talents, she was adept with the violin and a splendid performer on the piano and organ. Ever ready to advance worthy enterprises having for their object the social and moral welfare of the community, she cheerfully presided at the various entertainments in the village, and by her pleasant face and loveable disposition made herself a favorite with all, especially the young. In her death the community lost one of its brightest lights, and her husband his most cherished friend.
Politically Dr. Miller supports the principles of the Democratic party. In the Masonic fraternity he has held the office of Past Master for a period of four years. He is also a member of the Christian Church, to the support of which he contributes liberally of his means, and in whose welfare he is warmly interested.
A portrait of Dr. Miller is worthy of an honored place among the prominent residents of Woodson.