William Read Miller

William Read Miller
12th Governor of Arkansas
In office
January 11, 1877 – January 11, 1881
Preceded by Augustus Hill Garland
Succeeded by Thomas James Churchill
Personal details
Born November 23, 1823
Batesville, Arkansas
Died November 29, 1887 (aged 64)
Little Rock, Arkansas
Political party Democratic
Spouse(s) Susan Elizabeth Bevens
Profession Lawyer
Religion Presbyterian

William Read Miller (November 23, 1823 – November 29, 1887) was the 12th Governor of the State of Arkansas.

Biography

Miller was born on a farm in Batesville, Arkansas. He was educated in local schools.

Career

Miller was elected county clerk of Independence County, Arkansas and served from 1848-1854. He was appointed State Auditor in 1854 and was reelected to that position in 1858, 1860, 1862, and again in 1874 after Reconstruction ended. Miller studied law and was admitted to the bar in 1868.

Miller was elected Governor of Arkansas in 1876, and was reelected in 1878. Miller was the first native born Arkansas governor.[1] The Miller administration focused on public education and the state's financial problems. He signed legislation that funded the State Blind Asylum and the Arkansas Industrial University.

After leaving office Miller served as the Deputy Treasurer of Arkansas in 1881 and 1882. In 1886, he was elected to the position of State Auditor.

Family life and death

Miller was married to Sarah Susan Bevers and they had seven children.

Miller is buried at the historic Mount Holly Cemetery in Little Rock, Arkansas.[2]

References

  1. ↑ "William Read Miller (1877-1881)". Ohio State House Museum. Retrieved August 14, 2012.
  2. ↑ "William Read Miller". Find A Grave. Retrieved August 14, 2012.

External links

Political offices
Preceded by
Augustus Hill Garland		 Governor of Arkansas
1877–1881 		Succeeded by
Thomas James Churchill