[citation needed] In 1880, he moved to Chickasaw County, Iowa, with his parents, and until 1894 followed the occupation of farming.

[citation needed] In the spring of that year he read law[1] in the office of A. C. Ripley, at Garner, Iowa.

[1] He was confirmed by the United States Senate on February 2, 1922, and received commission the same day.

[citation needed] Among the matters over which Miller presided was a suit alleging fraud against Governor William Langer, in 1934.

Miller, following a recusal motion by Langer, refused to step down as judge in the first retrial, which resulted in a hung jury.