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Jacob Miller and Ruth Kile Miller moved from Franklin County, Ohio to Henry County, Iowa in about 1855. They had six children, four boys and two girls. A few years later, the start of the Civil War would prompt many Iowans, including the three oldest Miller boys, to volunteer for military service.
The two oldest, James P. and Robert K. Miller, enlisted in the Fourth Iowa Volunteer Cavalry Regiment when it was formed in Mount Pleasant in October 1861. The third son, William, would later serve in the Fifth Illinois Volunteer Cavalry Regiment.
The 4th Iowa had a very distinguished record in the Civil War, having fought in 57 battles and engagements during the War, according to the Official Army Register, Volume 7.
They campaigned in Arkansas and Mississippi in 1862, 1863 and most of 1864, and were heavily involved in support of Grant during the Vicksburg campaign.
In the spring of 1865, General James Harrison Wilson assembled a cavalry force of approximately 13,500 troops, including the 4th Iowa, in Northwest Alabama. His mission was to proceed to Selma, Alabama, and destroy the large assemblage of foundries, mills, arsenals and other facilities which were producing war materials for the Confederacy.
The Union force destroyed numerous war material producing facilities in what is now Birmingham, before arriving in the Selma area on April 1, 1865. On April 2, the 4th Iowa led a mounted charge thru the outer fortifications and into the city of Selma, as the Confederate forces were routed. Wilson then extended his mission, and proceeded through Montgomery to Columbus, Georgia, where major facilities were destroyed. After Lee surrendered, the 4th participated in the search for Jefferson Davis and other Confederate officials who attempted to flee to Mexico. The 4th captured Confederate Vice President Andrew Stephens and several others.
James P Miller was awarded the Medal of Honor for capturing the colors and color bearer of the 12th Mississippi Cavalry during the capture of Selma, Alabama on April 2, 1865.
James was discharged on July 14,1865 , and was mustered in the following day as a Second Lieutenant. He was assigned to Company F, 138th U. S. Colored Regiment and served in Atlanta until his final discharge on January 6,1866.
He moved to York County, Nebraska in 1870 and established a homestead. He farmed for two years, and in 1873, became one of the first sheriffs in York County. His youngest brother, Alonzo P. Miller, who was called Lon at the time, served as his deputy for 12 years. He later was in the real estate business, and later returned to farming. In 1892, James was elected state senator, and served two terms in that position. He lived out the last years of his life in the city of York.
The Official Roster of Robert Anderson Post No. 32 of the Grand Army of The Republic in 1895, lists "Captain" James P. Miller, and his brothers, Robert K. and William H. Miller. Like James, Robert served in Company D of the 4th Iowa Cavalry from the time it was organized until the end of the War. William served in the 6th Illinois Cavalry. James served as Commander of Post No. 32 in 1890 and1891. He was also a member of the Knights of Pythias, and a charter member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. He organized the Old Settlers Society of York County, and was elected its first president, serving two terms in that capacity.
Note - The information in the last three paragraphs is from documents in the York County Historical Association files. These include books, "Compendium Of Biography" and "Cradle Days in York County", and the 1895 GAR Roster.
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The following is from the HALL OF HEROES MUSEUM being built in Pueblo, Colorado.
The President of the United States
in the name of
The Congress
takes pleasure in presenting the
Medal of Honor to
MILLER, JAMES P.
Rank and Organization: Private, Company D, 4th lowa Cavalry. Place and Date: At Selma, Ala., 2 April 1865. Entered Service At: Henry County, lowa. Birth: Franklin, Ohio. Date Of Issue: 17 June 1865.
Citation:
Capture of standard of 12th Mississippi Cavalry (C.S.A.).
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Iowa In the Civil War
