Source:
MEMORIAL RECORD
of
BUTLER COUNTY, OHIO
Containing Biographical Sketches of Representative Citizens of the County
Together with Biographies and Portraits of all the
Presidents of the United States
Publ. Chicago
Record Publishing Company
1894

MR. SAMUEL H. MILLIKIN.  Few of the residents of Hamilton are better known throughout the surrounding country than the above-named gentleman, who is one of the leading business men of this thriving city, having a large trade and unbounded popularity.  For more than a decade engaged in the practice of dentistry, in 1889 he transferred his attention from professional to commercial lines, succeeding George W. Hughes as a dealer in wall paper, carpets, queensware, bric-a-brac, etc.  His storeroom is well appointed and large, having a depth of two hundred and two feet, and a good basement.  He has the judgment requisite to success, and having also an upright character and social nature, is entitled to the respect lie receives from all who know him.      The family of which Dr. Millikin is a worthy descendant has been identified with the history of Hamilton for many years.  His paternal grandfather, Samuel, was born in Pennsylvania, of Scotch Irish descent, and was a soldier both in the War of 1812 and the Mexican War.  His profession was that of a physician, in connection with which he also conducted a drug business.  Early settling in Butler County, he helped to lay the first logon the first log house in Hamilton, and from that time until his death, at the age of eighty-five, he was a contributor to the progress of the city and interested in its development.  He was six feet in height, the shortest in stature of eight brothers, of whom the tallest was six feet and four inches in height.  His brother John attained the advanced age of ninety-two years and six months.      The maternal grandfather of our subject, Samuel Snively, was born in Greencastle, Pa., to which state his father had emigrated from Switzerland.  Very early in the history of Hamilton he came hither, and here he continued to make his home until his death, at the age of about sixty. A tanner by trade, he became the owner of two large tanyards, and such were Ins energy and business ability, that he accumulated a fortune of about $75,000, which in his day represented as much as three times that amount would at present.  He died of pneumonia about 1863.      Born in Hamilton, Ohio, John Millikin, father of our subject, began in life as a clerk, later became a farmer, then engaged in the milling business, and subsequently became superintendent of agencies for the firm of Long & Allstatter, of Hamilton, which position he held for twenty years.  When a young man he went to Vermillion County, Ind., where he cultivated a farm for seventeen years, and then, returning to Hamilton during the war, embarked in the milling business, but owing to fluctuating prices he lost money in the enterprise.  At the time of his death, August 28, 1892, at the age of sixty-five, he was in the employ of Long & Allstatter. He was a member of the Presbyterian Church, to which his widow still belongs.  A man of exemplary character and upright life, he was esteemed wherever known, lie was kindhearted, generous and strictly moral, indulgent with his children, devoted to his home, and accommodating as a neighbor.  A man of large physique, weighing two hundred and forty-three pounds, he was also large in mental calibre and moral grandeur, and his memory is revered by all with whom he had business or social relations.      By his marriage with Mary C. Snively, a native of Hamilton, John Millikin became the father of four sons and four daughters, namely: Adda S., wife of S. B. Berry; Ella, Mrs. J. W. Shields; Henry L.; Samuel H. ; Agnes, wife of Caleb W. King; Horace F., Mary L. and John M.  The subject of this sketch was born February 9, 1853, during the residence of his parents in Vermillion County, Ind.  He was about nine years old when the family returned to Hamilton, where for a time he attended the common schools.  His first experience in business was as a newsboy, after which he spent one year in a photograph gallery.  Then learning the trade of a carriage blacksmith, he followed that occupation seven and one-half years. After four years’ experience as a dentist, he was graduated from the Dental College of Cincinnati, and then continued at the profession, which he practiced for thirteen years or more.      Miss Mary, daughter of John and Elizabeth (Schneider) Schelly, became the wife of Dr. Millikin September 15, 1886, and two children have been born to them, Arnould Schelly and Eugene Donald.  Mrs. Millikin is identified with the Zion Lutheran Church, while the Doctor is a member of the Presbyterian Church. Socially he affiliates with the Royal Arcanum and the Knights of Pythias, and also belongs to the alumni of the State Dental Society. In political views he is independent, giving his allegiance to the men whom he believes best qualified for positions of trust. His investments have proved profitable, and he is the owner of real estate in Hamilton and some valuable farm land in the county.      Personally Dr. Millikin is a gentleman of fine address, courteous and hospitable, and entertains broad and liberal views upon the leading questions of the day. He is considered a man of more than ordinary intelligence and unusual business abilities, and his integrity is unquestioned. His own interests having been closely identified with those of Hamilton from boyhood, he may justly feel that he has been no unimportant factor in promoting its progress. He is in the prime of life and in the midst of Ins usefulness, and greater things may be expected of him in the future. Source:  Memorial Record of Butler County, Ohio - Publ. 1984 - Page 123

Maj. John M. Millikin

MAJ. JOHN M. MILLIKIN.  There is in the record of this eminent man, now passed from earth, much to interest and instruct, and from it lessons may be gleaned worthy of emulation by the young.  To a mind thoroughly awake to the reality and meaning of human existence, there are noble and immortal lessons in the career of the man who, without other means than a dear head, a strong arm and true heart, conquers adversity and gains a position of eminence in his commonwealth.  Such a one was the subject of this biography, for many years a successful attorney of Hamilton, and the recipient, at the hands of his fellow-citizens, of many honorable and responsible positions.      J. M. Millikin was born in Greensboro, Greene County, this state, October 14, 1804, a son of Dr. Daniel and Joan (Minor) Millikin.  When he was three years old his father moved west, and was the first physician who took up his permanent abode in Hamilton.  John M. carried on his studies under the instruction of Dr. Alexander Proudfit, who taught school here about 1812-14, and under other teachers of that early day.  In 1824 he entered Washington (Pa.) College, where he remained one year.  On his return to Ohio in 1825 he took up the study of law with Jesse Corwin, and September 5, 1827, at Columbus, was admitted to practice by the Supreme Court of Ohio. Immediately afterward he opened an office in Hamilton.  In 1834 the law firm of Millikin & Bebb was established, and this connection continued until 1840, when the senior member retired from practice.  In 1829 he was appointed Brigade Major and Inspector of Militia, in which capacity he served until 1833.  On the 1st of January, 1841, he was appointed Aide-de-Camp by Gov. Thomas Corwin, and in 1846 was a member of the State Board of Equalization.  In 1856 he was elected a member of the State Board of Agriculture, to which responsible position he was twice re-elected, and for one year served as President of the Board.  For some time he filled the position of Trustee of the Miami University, to which he was appointed in 1860.  By the Secretary of the Interior he was in 1873 named as a member of the commission to proceed to the Indian Territory for the purpose of making a treaty with the Creek Nation for the relinquishment of part of their territory to the Seminoles.  The highest honor conferred upon him was in October, 1875, when he was elected State Treasurer.  In that responsible position he served with distinguished efficiency, proving by his successful management of the department his thorough knowledge of finances. In 1877 he was again the nominee of the Republican party, but suffered defeat with the rest of the ticket.  He retired from the office January 14, 1878, with a record as state official of which his descendants may be justly proud. In his own city, as well as throughout the state, Major Millikin is a most influential man.  Among the most important positions held by him here were those of President of the Agricultural Society, President of the Greenwood Cemetery Association and President of the Farmers’ Club. September 6, 1831, he was united in marriage with Miss Mary Greenlee Hough, who still lives.  They were the parents of four children who attained their majority, namely: Minor and Dan, of whom mention is made elsewhere in this volume; Joseph, and Mary, who married, and died September 17, 1870.  The husband and father passed away in 1884. Source:  Memorial Record of Butler County, Ohio - Publ. 1984 - Page 117