SHEBOYGAN HISTORY

Henry H. Miller, Page 680

HENRY H. MILLER, dealer in hardware, tinware, stoves, doors, sash, paints, oils, etc., owns and conducts two stores in the city of Sheboygan.  He was born in Burlington, Wis., July 8, 1858, being the eldest of seven children, four sons and three daughters, born to Henry and Helen (Thelie) Miller, both of whom are natives of Germany.  When eighteen years of age, the father came to the United States, and for forty years has been a prominent business man of Burlington, dealing in grain, stock, harness, real estate, etc.  The lady who became his wife emigrated to this country when a young woman.  Both are living in Burlington.

    Until twelve years of age, the subject of this memoir attended the German schools, then spent a year in the English schools.  When thirteen years old, he commenced to learn the tinner's trade in his native town, continuing eleven years.  Going to Dane County, he engaged in the hardware business on his own account, in London, at which place he was Postmaster and Town Treasurer.  In 1888, he disposed of his store there, and purchased a stock in Sheboygan from a Mr. Baumann, at No. 614 Eighth Street, and two years later located at No. 513 Eighth Street.  The storeroom at this place is 20 x 100 feet, while the second store, at No. 1214 Michigan Avenue, where he also carries on a hardware trade, is 22 x 70 feet.

    Mr. Miller was married at Burlington, Wis., August 7, 1883, to Miss Lucy Arnold, who is a native of Germany.  The names of their three children are:  Ernie, Mabel and Oliver.  The family belongs to the Catholic Church.

    In the truest sense Mr. Miller is a self-made man.  The first year that he worked at his trade he received $1.25 per week; the second year, $2; and the third year, $3.  At the expiration of that period he had completed the trade, but, as he had to pay his own expenses, found himself over $200 in debt.  When eight more years had rolled by, not only were his debts all paid, but a sufficient sum was accumulated to start in business for himself.  His helpful wife has contributed not a little to his success.  While he was working outdoors, she would attend to the store and post-office.  Thus, side by side, they have faithfully toiled, and as a result are not in comfortable circumstances.