Charles G. Miller, one of the pioneer settlers of La Salle county, and for some years engaged in the mercantile business in Ottawa, died at the residence of his son in Chicago on the 3rd inst., in the 72nd year of his age. He was a native of Lancaster, Pa., and had come to this county in about 1837, opening a tailoring establishment in the village of Dayton, then buying and working a farm in Dayton township for several years, and then opening a dry goods store in Ottawa. In 1862 he closed out his business here and returned to Pennsylvania, going into business at Pittsburg, but gave that up in about 1872, and since then had lived in Chicago. He was a man of more than average education, fond of books, a wide reader, and a ready and fluent speaker. Though active in his earlier days as a democratic politician, generous and big hearted, he never sought office and, except the postmastership at Dayton, we believe never held any. Two brothers, John and Uriah Miller, who survive him, are well known prominent citizens of this county; and a third brother, Reuben, who accompanied the Mormon exodus to Utah, we believe is still living there.¹

Charles was the son of Isaac and Esther (Gleim) Miller. He was born in 1809 in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. He and his wife, Eliza Smith, had four sons and a daughter: Mary, born abt 1834; William born about 1839; Milton B, born October 25, 1841 in Dayton; Edgar S born abt 1844; and Edward, born abt 1845. Charles was a justice of the peace in addition to serving as Dayton’s postmaster from1839 to 1845.

This is an ad for Charles’ dry goods store in Ottawa, showing the variety of items he offered. Note that the name of the store is the Pennsylvania Store, in honor of Charles’ home state. In 1857 ads appeared in the Ottawa Free Trader where Charles was selling his business in Ottawa and his farm prior to his move back to Pennsylvania. Charles never lived in La Salle county again, though he may well have visited his brothers after he (Charles) returned to live in Chicago.

1. The Ottawa Free Trader, September 17, 1881, p. 1, col. 2.