J. A. MILLER, citizen and farmer of the Third District of Chester County, Tenn., was born in McNairy County, Tenn., April, 1847, and is one of a family of ten children. He is a son of R. S. and Elizabeth (Willett) MILLER and a grandson of Francis and Margaret (Skinner) MILLER. R. S. MILLER was born in South Carolina, in 1816, and came to McNairy County, Tenn., with his parents when a young man. He was a farmer by occupation, a tanner and a prominent citizen of the county. He died July 11, 1874. Elizabeth (Willett) MILLER was born in McNairy County, in 1822, and is now living with her son, J. A. Her parents were Edward and Polly (Tedford) WILLETT, the former born in Virginia about 1790, and moved to Lincoln County when a young man. He was twice married, was a farmer by occupation and was in the “Jackson war” a short time. He died in 1862. His wife, Polly (Tedford) WILLETT, was born in East Tennessee about 1800, and died in 1836.
Our subject was reared at home and received his education in the district schools and at Purdy in 1879. He was elected magistrate of the Eighth District, McNairy County, and the next year was chosen trustee of the county. He held this position until that part of the county was cut off to help form Chester County, and at the organization of, that county he was elected magistrate of his district (No. 8, Chester County), a position he continues to hold. He is engaged in farming and is operating the same cotton-gin that his father built in 1838. He is a Republican in politics and a member of the Grange order.
Transcribed by David Donahue