Father: John W. Miller
Mother: Hester Sherwood
Spouse: Addison Toms
b: 11/Dec/1823 - Albemarle Co., VA
d: 21/Dec/1897 - bur: Miller Cem.,
Casey Co., KY
m: 21/Nov/1863 - Casey Co., KY
Child-1: Sarah Elizabeth - b: 7/Sep/1865 - Casey
Co., KY
d: 30/Jun/1941 - Casey Co., KY - bur: Antioch
Christian Church Cem., Phil
m: William M. Marple - 20/Sep/1896 - Casey Co., KY
2: James
J. - b: 13/Mar/1867 - Casey Co., KY
d: 10/Jul/1912 - bur: Miller Cem., Casey Co.,
KY
Biographical Details:
Eliza A. Miller was born July 20, 1830, near the village of Dunnville in Casey County, Kentucky, and was the youngest known child of John W. and Hester Sherwood Miller. She presumably grew up in Casey County in which she appears to have remained resident for her entire life. Of her seven siblings, only two of her sisters ever married, viz., Frances Ann to Robert J. Austin and Elizabeth to John T. Evans. Both of these couples had relocated to Gentry County, Missouri, by 1850. Concomitantly, her two remaining sisters appear to have died young and none of her three brothers, viz., Thomas A., Elijah Johnson, and Jefferson, ever married. Moreover, Jefferson evidently died fairly young, but Thomas and Elijah lived to be quite old considering average lifespans in the nineteenth century. It is not known why the male members of the Miller family were so averse to marriage. They do seem to have been avidly engaged in trading land and livestock, so, perhaps, business and trade were their overriding interests. Even so, Eliza married Addison Toms on November 21, 1863. They were both considerably more than thirty years of age at the time of their marriage. Two children were born to them, viz., Sarah Elizabeth and James J. Toms. Sarah later married William Marple, but James continued the male Miller tradition of remaining a batchelor. Accordingly, when her brother, Elijah J. Miller, died in the late 1890's, Eliza Toms was identified as one of his heirs. Elijah had also relocated to Gentry County about 1850 (although he evidently returned to Casey County later in life). Accordingly, Eliza Toms was party to the lawsuit of the heirs against the executors that "broke the will" of Elijah J. Miller and, subsequently, was party to a Warranty Deed, along with her nephew, Robert J. Austin, Jr., issued by all the other heirs (of which there were sixteen) conveying two contiguous parcels of land in Gentry County in exchange for the sum of $14,664.42.1 Her son, James, acted as her "attorney in fact" in the transaction. The largest of the two parcels contained three hundred and eighty acres more or less and was located directly to the west of the town of Albany on the bottom of the East Fork of the Grand River.2 (This parcel was still in possession of Eliza's daughter, Sarah E. Marple, in 1930.3) Presumably, since both Eliza and her daughter remained in Kentucky, the land was rented out. The second parcel contained one hundred and twenty acres and was located in Howard Township about a mile west of the village of Lone Star (and just to the northwest of John Evans' original land patent). It is known that as early settlers, the Austin family had continuously owned land in this locality since the original settlement of Gentry County and, thus, it seems likely nthat Eliza and Robert divided the two parcels betwen them, with Eliza owning the larger and Robert the smaller. However, by 1914 the second parcel evidently had been sold. Eliza A. Miller Toms died in Casey County, Kentucky, on February 4, 1921, and was buried with her husband and son in the Miller Cemetery.Source Notes and Citations:
1. Warranty Deed
This Indenture, Made on the 7# day of July A. D. One Thousand Eight Hundred and Ninety Nine, by and between Sarah E. Marsh and husband James A. Marsh, Martha C. Ireland and husband Thomas A. Ireland, Mahala J. Hunter and husband J. T. Hunter, Mary M. Norris (a widow), Thomas J. Evans and wife Sarah F. Evans, James J. Evans and wife Mary E. Evans, John H. Austin and wife Hila E. Austin, Almira P. Birch (a widow) and Samuel G. Clark and wife Florence Clark, all of Gentry County, Missouri, and Mary J. Graves (a widow) of Harrison County Missouri, and Sarah F. Thomas and husband Junius C. Thomas of Cass County, Missouri, and and Nancy E. Baldock and husband John W. Baldock of Oklahoma County, Oklahoma Territory, and Ulysses S. Clark (single) and Charles C. Clark (single) of Jackson County, Missouri, and Perry J. Clark, (a widower) of Washington County, Nebraska, and Hester Marsh and husband Willard S. Marsh of Buchanan County, Missouri, parties of the first part, and Eliza Toms of Casey County, Kentucky and Robert J. Austin of Fairfax County Virginia parties of the second part. Witnesseth, That the said parties of the First Part, in consideration of the sum of Fourteen Thousand, Six Hundred and Sixty Four and 42/100 Dollars, to them paid by the said parties of the Second Part, the receipt of which is hereby acknowledged do by these presents, Grant Bargain and Sell, Convey and Confirm unto the said parties of the Second Part their heirs and assigns, the following described Lots, Tracts or Parcels of Land, lying, being and situate n the County of Gentry and State of Missouri, to wit: All All (sic - doubled "All") their right, title, interest and estate of in and to the South East quarter of the South East quarter of Section Twenty two (22), and the South West quarter of the South West quarter and the West half of the South East quarter of the South West quarter of Section Twenty three (23); and the North West quarter (except 40 acres being that part of said tract lying East of Grand River as it was June 15#, 1882.) and the North half of the South West quarter of Section Twenty six (26), and the North East quarter of the North East quarter of Section Twenty Seven (27), (except three and 51/100 acres out of the South East corner thereof, described as follows, commencing at the South East corner of said last named forty acre tract, thence West 25 rods, thence North 221/2 rods, thence East 25 rods, thence South 221/2 rods to the place of beginning) and about Three and 80/100 acres out of the South East corner of the North East quarter of Section Twenty Seven (27) described as follows, commencing at the South East corner of the North East quarter of Section Twenty Seven (27), thence West 40 rods, thence North 14 rods, thence East 40 rods, thence South 14 rods to the place of beginning, and the North East quarter of the South East quarter of Section Twenty Seven (27) all in Township Sixty three (63) of Range Thirty One (31), containing 380.29 acres more or less; and the West half of the South East quarter and the West half of the East half of the South East quarter in Section Sixteen (16) of Township Sixty four (64) of Range Thirty (30), containing 120 acres more or less. Subject to the taxes thereon for the year 1900 and thereafter. It is understood that on June 15# 1882, by conveyance of that date E. J. Miller and S. W. Clark, then owners respectively of the S. E.1/4 of the N. W.1/4 and the N. E.1/4 of the N. W.1/4 of Section 26, Twp. 63, Rng. 31, made the channel of the Grand River the dividing line between them, the said Miller thereby becoming the owner of all of the N. W.1/4 of said Section 26, lying West of said river, but that since that date the channel of said river has so changed as to throw a small tract of the said Miller's land on the East side of said river, which said tract, be the same more or less is hereby conveyed. The Right-of Way heretofor granted to th St. Joseph and Des Moines Rail Road Co., through Section 26, Twp. 63, Rng. 31, being about six acres, is excepted from this conveyance. To have and to hold the premises aforesaid with all and singular the rights, privileges, appurtennances and immunities thereto belonginmg or in anywise appertaining unto the said parties of the Second Part, and unto their heirs and assigns, Forever, the said parties of the First Part, hereby covenanting that they are lawfully seized of an indefeasible Estate in Fee in the premises herein conveyed: that they have good right to convey the same; and that the premises are free and clear of any incumbrance done or suffered by them or those under whom they claim, and that they will Warrant and Defend the title of the said premises unto the said parties of the Second Part, and unto their heirs and assigns, Forever, against the lawful claims and demands of all persons whomsoever. In Witness Whereof, The said parties of the First Part have hereunto set their hands and seals the day and year first above written.
/s/Thomas J. Evans (seal)
/s/Williard S. Marsh (seal) /s/Sarah F. Thomas (seal) /s/Sarah F. Evans (seal)
/s/Hester Marsh (seal) /s/Junius C. Thomas (seal) /s/James J. Evans (seal)
/s/John H. Austin (seal) /s/Perry J. Clark (seal) /s/Mary E. Evans (seal)
/s/Hila E. Austin (seal) /s/Samuel G. Clark (seal) /s/Martha C. Ireland (seal)
___________ /s/Mary M. Norris (seal) /s/Florence Clark (seal) /s/Thomas A. Ireland (seal)
|U.S.I.R.| /s/James A. Marsh (seal) /s/Almira P. Birch (seal)
| Stamps | /s/Sarah E. Marsh (seal) /s/Ulysses S. Clark (seal)
| $1550 | /s/J. T. Hunter (seal) /s/Charles C. Clark (seal)
|________| [/s/Mahala J. Hunter (seal) /s/Nancy E. Baldock (seal)
/s/Mary J. Graves (seal) /s/John W. Baldock (seal)]State of Missouri County of Gentry} ss.
On this 7th day of July 1899, before me personally appeared Thomas J. Evans, James J. Evans, Martha C. Ireland and husband Thomas A. Ireland, Samuel G. Clark and wife Florence Clark, Sarah E. Marsh and husband James A. Marsh, Mahala J. Hunter and husband J. T. Hunter, Hester Marsh and husband Willard S. Marsh, Perry J. Clark, single, Almira P. Birch, single, Mary J. Graves, single, and Mary M. Norris, single, and John H. Austin, to me known to be the persons described in and who executed the foregoing instrument, and acknowledged that they executed the same as their free act and deed. In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my official seal at my office in Albany Mo. the day and year first above written. My term expires April 29, 1903.
(L S) /s/D. D. Kingsborough Notary PublicState of Missouri County of Jackson} ss.
On this 8# day of July 1899, before me personally appeared Ulysses S. Clark and Charles C. Clark, to me known to be the persons described in and who executed the foregoing instrument, and acknowledged that they executed the same as their free act and deed. In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my official seal, at my office in Kansas City, Mo. the day and year first above written. My term expires July 29# 1900.
(L S) /s/Nora L. Shannon Notary PublicState of Missouri County of Gentry} ss.
On this 11# day of July 1899, before me personally appeared Hila E. Austin the wife of John H. Austin, to me known to be the person described in and who executed the foregoing instrument, and acknowledged that she executed the same as her free act and deed. In Testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my official seal, at my office in Albany, Mo. the day and year first above written. My term of office expires April 29# 1903.
(L S) /s/D. D. Kingsborough Notary PublicState of Missouri County of Gentry} ss.
On this 11# day of July 1899 before me personally appeared Sarah F. Evans wife of Thomas J. Evans, to me known to be the person described in and who executed the foregoing instrument, and acknowledged that she executed the same as her free act and deed. In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my official seal at my office in Ford City, Mo. the day and year first above written. My term of office expires June 6#, 1900.
(L S) /s/W. P. Graves Notary PublicTerritory of Oklahoma Oklahoma County} ss.
Before me F. H. Shelley, a notary public in and for said County and Territory on this 10th day of July 1899 personally appeared Nancy E. Baldock and John W. Baldock wife and husband to me known to be the identical persons who executed the within and foregoing instrument and acknowledged to me that they executed the same as their free and voluntary act and deed for the use and purposes therein set forth. Witness my hand and official seal the day and year above set forth: My Commision Expires April 11#, 1901.
(L S) /s/F. H. Shelley, Notary PublicState of Missouri County of Gentry} ss.
On this 12# day of July 1899, before me personally appeared Mary E. Evans wife of James J. Evans to me known to be the person described in and who executed the foregoing instrument, and acknowledged that she executed the same as her free act and deed. In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my official seal, at my office in Stanberry Missouri the day and year first above written. My term expires February 22nd 1901.
(L S) /s/Sam H. Benson, Notary PublicState of Missouri County of Gentry} ss.
On this 12# day of July 1899 before me personally appeared Sarah F. Thomas and Junius C. Thomas her husband, to me Known to be the persons described in and who executed the foregoing instrument, and acknowledged that they executed the same as their free act and deed. In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my official seal at my office in Albany, Mo. the day and year first above written. My term expires April 29# 1903.
(L S) /s/D. D. Kingsborough, Notary PublicFiled July 22#, 1899 at 8 A. M. /s/Dale Flowers Recorder (filed: 22 Jul 1899, Bk. 99, Gentry Co., MO, pgs. 487-90.)
back to bio.2. Anonymous, Standard Atlas of Gentry County, Missouri, Geo A. Ogle & Co., Chicago, IL, 1914.
Eliza Toms: 1) Twp. 63 N; Rng. 31 W; Sec. 22; SE¼ of SE¼ - 40 acres. 2) Twp. 63 N; Rng. 31 W; Sec. 23; SW¼ of SW¼ - 40 acres. 3) Twp. 63 N; Rng. 31 W; Sec. 23; W½ of SE¼ of SW¼ - 20 acres. 4) Twp. 63 N; Rng. 31 W; Sec. 26; W½ of NW¼ - 80 acres. 5) Twp. 63 N; Rng. 31 W; Sec. 26; N½ of SW¼ - 80 acres. 6) Twp. 63 N; Rng. 31 W; Sec. 26; part of E½ of NW¼ - 38 acres more of less. 7) Twp. 63 N; Rng. 31 W; Sec. 27; NE¼ of SE¼ - 40 acres. 8) Twp. 63 N; Rng. 31 W; Sec. 27; NE¼ of NE¼ less 31/3 acres at SE corner - 362/3 acres more or less. 9) Twp. 63 N; Rng. 31 W; Sec. 27; SE corner of SE¼ of NE¼ - 3.80 acres more or less.
back to bio.3. Anonymous, Plat Book of Gentry County, Missouri, W. W. Hixson & Co., Rockford, IL, 1930. (Available electronically at digital.library.umsystem.edu)
S. E. Marple: 1) Twp. 63 N; Rng. 31 W; Sec. 22; SE¼ of SE¼ - 40 acres. 2) Twp. 63 N; Rng. 31 W; Sec. 23; SW¼ of SW¼ - 40 acres. 3) Twp. 63 N; Rng. 31 W; Sec. 23; W½ of SE¼ of SW¼ - 20 acres. 4) Twp. 63 N; Rng. 31 W; Sec. 26; W½ of NW¼ - 80 acres. 5) Twp. 63 N; Rng. 31 W; Sec. 26; N½ of SW¼ - 80 acres. 6) Twp. 63 N; Rng. 31 W; Sec. 26; part of E½ of NW¼ - 48 acres more of less. 7) Twp. 63 N; Rng. 31 W; Sec. 27; NE¼ of NE¼ - 40 acres. 8) Twp. 63 N; Rng. 31 W; Sec. 27; NE¼ of SE¼ - 40 acres.
back to bio.
Additional Citations:
4. 1870 US Census Population Schedule for Casey County, Kentucky, National Archives, Washington DC: pgs. 281A, (microfilm: roll M593_454; img. 561).5. 1880 US Census Population Schedule for Casey County, Kentucky, National Archives, Washington DC: pgs. 701B, (microfilm: roll T9_408; img. 684).
6. 1900 US Census Population Schedule for Casey County, Kentucky, National Archives, Washington DC: pgs. 40A, (microfilm: roll T623_514; img. 515).
7. 1910 US Census Population Schedule for Casey County, Kentucky, National Archives, Washington DC: pg. 232A, (microfilm: roll T624_470; img. 455).
8. 1920 US Census Population Schedule for Casey County, Kentucky, National Archives, Washington DC: pgs. 226B, (microfilm: roll T625_562; img. 480).
9. Marriage Records, Casey County, Liberty, KY, (LDS Family History Library microfilm: rolls #0591587-0591590 and #1942728, Salt Lake City, UT, 2002).
10. Death Certificates, Cabinet for Health and Human Services, Commonwealth of Kentucky, Frankfort, KY, (Death Certificate No. 2781, Office of Vital Statistics, Commonwealth of Kentucky, Frankfort, KY, (microfilm: roll 7017460; img. 2791) & Death Certificate No. 14219, Office of Vital Statistics, Commonwealth of Kentucky, Frankfort, KY).
11. Nancy Perry,"Miller Cemetery", unpublished. (Casey County KYGenWeb Archives, www.rootsweb.com/~kycasey/caseycems/MillerCemetery.txt, 2004.)
12. Miller Cemetery, Casey County, Kentucky (www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=cr&CRid=75134&CScn=Miller&CScntry=4&CSst=19&CScnty=1011&, continuously updated).
13. W. M. Watkins, The Men, Women, Events Institutions & Lore of Casey County Kentucky, The Standard Printing Co., Inc., Louisville, KY, 1939: pgs. 212-3.