Biographies

JOHN M. MILLEN, one of the prominent and progressive agriculturists of Henderson County, who is now living on section 8, township 10 north, range 4 west, claims Indiana as the State of his nativity, his birth having there occurred September 14, 1840.

He comes of an old southern family. His father, John Milieu, was born in Chester County, S. C. , and in that State was reared to manhood. There he was married, in 1834, to Miss Barbara Moffett, and about a year later they emigrated westward, settling in Monroe County, Ind., where the father followed farming. They had eleven children, namely: W. C, Mrs. Elizabeth Strong. J. M., Charles S., Mrs. Martha J. Wallace, Mrs. Emeline Bell, James P., Samuel, Thomas, Wallace and Mrs. Ida Rodman. The father died in the spring of 1869, but the mother is still living, and has reached the advanced age of eighty years.

John M. Milieu spent his early childhood days in his native county, and then accompanied his parents on their removal to Tennessee in 1847. Three years later the family came to Illinois, settling in Adams County in 1850. There he aided in operating the home farm until the breaking out of the late war, when he responded to the country's call for troops to aid in suppressing the rebellion.

In August, 1861, he donned the blue and became a member of Company G, Third Illinois Cavalry, in which he served for three years, when, in September, 1864, he was honorably discharged. He then returned home, remaining at the North until February, 1865, when here-enlisted as a member of Company F, Second Hancock Veteran Reserve Corps. He was then in the service for a year, and was with Gen. Grant at the time of Lee's surrender. His country- found him a loyal and faithful defender of the Old Flag and the cause it represented.

After being mustered out, Mr. Milieu returned home and resumed farming. On the 29th of January, 1868, he was united in marriage with Miss Sarah A. Gordon, a native of Henderson County, and a daughter of Daniel M. Gordon, one of the honored pioneers of this locality, widely known by all.

Unto Mr. and Mrs. Milieu were born nine children, six sons and three daughters, as follows: William Gordon, Charles F., Frank W., Elizabeth J. (now the wife of William Whiteman), Flora Agnes, Minnie I., JohnM. and James M. (twins), and Ralph. William G. died at the age of twelve, and James M. died in infancy. The Millen household is a hospitable one, and its members have many warm friends in this community.

Mr. Millen is a Republican in politics, and has been honored with some local offices. He is now serving as Road Commissioner for the fifth year, having by fidelity to duty won the election. He and his wife hold membership with the United Presbyterian Church, and, with the exception of the youngest two, their children are all members.

Socially, our subject is connected with Oquawka Lodge No. 172, G. A. R. In this community he has a wide acquaintance, and has won the confidence and good will of all with whom he has been brought in contact.

From the Portrait and biographical record of Hancock, McDonough and Henderson counties, Illinois : containing biographical sketches of prominent and representative citizens of the county (1894)
May, 1894. Lake City Publishing Co.