Born of Scotch ancestors[1] in the Finger Lakes region of New York state, Miller had moved to the Dakota Territory in 1878.

In the late 19th century, the government sold off large amounts of land at inexpensive prices in the Dakota Territory after extinguishing Native American claims, and Miller joined the thousands of people moving there.

So many came from the Northern Tier of states that they established a political and social culture similar to that in New York, the Upper Midwest and New England.

He had no aspirations to the office, but North Dakota Republicans were convinced that he was the only candidate who could unite the party – Miller had developed a reputation for honesty by resisting lobbyists and others who attempted to obtain favorable action from the Council through bribery and other corrupt means.

He returned to his bonanza farm business, raising wheat and grain on an industrial scale.

His partner Herbert F. Chaffee and he arranged for milling flour, and supplied feed and other agricultural services.

In 2014 the mausoleum was restored and a plaque was added with Miller's name and title; a United States flag was installed nearby.