Johann J Miller immigrated to the United States sometime in 1847 from Bavaria, Germany, and was granted citizenship on Dec 18, 1854. He married Dorothea Kirchner sometime in 1850, and 12 children were born to this union, 4 of which died in infancy. He was was conscripted into the Pennsylvania Reserves during the Civil War, but never saw action as his brother Valentine was paid to take his place.
Johann had apparently over invested in farm land and found himself unable to meet his obligations and sometime in early 1868 he and the family moved to Delaware County in Iowa, where his brother Valentine, and his other brother Frederick it is felt, lived as well. The High Sheriff of Clearfield County, Pennsylvania issued a DEED POLL for the sale of his farm land there to cover a debt of $7,500. This property was sold at public auction on June 15, 1868 for $2,912.80 to Joseph Potter,the highest bidder. On May 15, 1869, Johann purchased 160 acres in Section 4 of Jackson township for $1600. This land was located one mile north and one mile west of the village of St. Mary's.
He made and signed a will just 19 days before he passed away, at 60 years, 2 months and 30 days of age. He was buried in the St Mary's Catholic Cemetery in Warren County, Iowa.
Dorothea was to pass away at the home of her daughter Julia Miller BUSSANMAS at the age of 83 years, 8 months and 3 days. The seven surviving children were at her bedside. She also left 69 grandchildren and 19 great-grandchildren to mourn her passing. She was lain to rest beside her husband, having survived him by 26 years.
Johann & Dorothea Kirchner Miller had 72 grandchildren and 236 great grand children.