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Jacob T. Miller was born March 5, 1826. He was probably born in Muhlenberg Co.,Kentucky.  His parents were Fredrick P. and Mary (DURELL) MILLER.  His
spouse, Elizabeth Peak HANKS, was born May 24, 1826 in Hopkins Co., Kentucky.  Her parents were Joshua and Esther (GATLIN) HANKS.  Jacob and Elizabeth married in Hopkins Co. Kentucky, October 9, 1847.  Click here to view pictures of Jacob and Elizabeth.

They lived in Kentucky until their move to Stoddard County Missouri near what later became known as Dexter, approximately 1856.  Jacob and Elizabeth and family are listed in the 1860 Census records in that county.  After moving there, the Civil War broke out, and Jacob joined the Union forces as a Private in Company "C", 12th Regiment of Cavalry under the command of Thomas B. Walker on January 26, 1862. For several weeks he was stationed at Cape Girardeau, Missouri.  At this time he wrote at least two letters home to his wife. I have a copy of these two letters.

During his duty he was injured and received an honorable discharge after serving approximately 6 months with the Union troops.  He was discharged on July 9, 1862 at
Ironton, Missouri. He was 36 years old.  His pension Certificate # is 797809,Can # 16485, Bundle #41. His name was not listed on the Cavalry roll,but he was able to show proof of duty by his his dischargepapers in his possession.  He was examined by a doctor who determined he was entitled to the pension due to injuries sustained during his time as a soldier. According to his own statement, he was thrown into the horn of his saddle which badly injured him. Click here to see a picture of Private Jacob T. Miller

Jacob was 5 feet 8 l/2 inches tall, had a dark complexion, hazel eyes, dark hair,
and he was a farmer. Shortly after his discharge, the family moved to Carterville, Illinois, in Williamson County.  Family legend says they left Stoddard County because
of the skirmishes and hostilities going on in the area during the Civil War. About 1872, they moved to Massac County Illinois, at Hillerman where they lived until their deaths in 1907. They lived in Illinois about 44 years.

According to their death records, Jacob died January 29, 1907 of heart failure, at the age of 81. His wife,Elizabeth died February 26, 1907, of pneumonia, less than a month later.

Jacob and Elizabeth donated the land for the Salem church and cemetery where he, his wife, Elizabeth, and many of their descendants are buried.