VIDEO: Honoring the Life of a Civil War Veteran

* This obituary appeared in the program for the Headstone Dedication Service at Artesia Cemetery.

John W. Miller (1831-1909)

What do we know about Corporal John W. Miller, other than the fact that he was a Unionist? He stood about 5'6", having a light complexion, auburn hair and blue eyes. Records indicate he was Protestant and that he could read and write. We know that he was born to Miles and Rebecca Miller on October 24, 1831, in Ohio. He moved around a bit, having residences in Indiana, Iowa and Illinois. Corporal Miller moved to California about 1870, living in Arroyo Grande in San Luis Obispo County and eventually settling in the Downey-Norwalk-Artesia area. On August 13, 1908 he moved to the Sawtelle Old Solider's Home; however he contracted pneumonia, passing away in the early hours of March 29, 1909.

We know something about his military service. On November 1, 1864 he enlisted in the 118th Illinois Infantry, from the township to Sonora, Hancock County, Illinois. The 118th was a veteran regiment with a history of numerous engagements and skirmishes. It appears to have included both regular infantry and mounted rifles. At the time of his enlistment it was encamped in the vicinity of Baton Rouge, Lousiana.

The month John Miller enlisted his regiment was severely engaged in the vicinity of Liberty and Brookhaven Lousiana, taking many prisoners, capturing a cannon and in destroying contraband economic and military supplies, also burning a Depot of the N.O.R.R. After a seven day expedition they returned to Baton Rouge, having marched 200 miles and being engaged in combat on five of those seven days.

During the next month the 118th was on the move to Lousiana and Mississippi and fought numerous skirmishes before returning to the area near Baton Rouge.

From the end of the December 1864 through the end of May 1865, the Regiment was posted to "out-posting," that is, manning the outer limits of the Union lines in their area of operations. There were almost daily scouting parties and frequent skirmishes with Confederate troops.

The record shows that in September 1865 almost the entire Regiment was down with Dengue Fever (then known as "breakbone fever"). on some days less than 100 men weer able for duty!

In October 1865, the Regiment was transported by steam ship up the Mississippi River to St. Louis and from there by rail to Camp Butler, Illinois where they were paid off and mustered out of service on the 13th of the month. By this time John Miller had been promoted to Corporal.