Reuben Miller was born Jan 15, 1868. He came to Bemidji in 1900 with his parents, D. G. and Anna Miller, and operated a gunsmith and locksmith shop with his father Delbert Miller until the latter’s death in 1919.
From 1919 onward, Reuben Miller operated the shop alone. He died on April 10, 1941. Up until his death, he was a member of the fire department, having entered the department in 1911. Representatives of the Bemidji fire department of which he had been a member for 30 years, attended the funeral in a body in uniform.
At the time of the 1900 census on June 1, Reuben Miller was the head of the household, with his wife May Jane and daughter Lottie, as well as his father and mother, and brother Morrie whose occupation was listed as assistant gunsmith. They were neighbors of the Fentons on one side and the McKinnons on the other – all pioneer families in Bemidji.
Mrs. R.E. Miller won first prize at a masquerade ball in March 1904. Not sure where they lived at that time. (March 8, 1904)
Reuben Miller has closed a deal for the purchase of the interest of C. H. Miles in the repair shop conducted by him on Beltrami avenue. (May 29, 1905)
The Millers moved to Winnipeg for a few years but were back in Bemidji in 1911.
Mr. and Mrs. R. E. Miller and daughter, Lottie, are in the city from Winnipeg, having come down here for the purpose of attending the funeral of the late Morriey Miller, brother of R. E. Miller. “Rube” is now in business at the Canadian metropolis and is doing very well, which fact pleases his many friends in this city. He will return to Winnipeg, probably, tomorrow and Mrs. Miller and Lottie will remain for several days visiting with friends before returning to the “Peg.” (March 29, 1910)
Reuben Miller was a charter member of the Moose Club of Bemidji. He held the office of Sergeant-at-Arms. (Dec 3, 1913)
Reuben and Mary Jane Miller lived at 413 Irvine Avenue in from at least 1918 until 1922. His mother Anna lived with them. Anyone having a knitting machine for sale, please call the R. E. Miller Repair Shop (Nov 9, 1922)
They lived at 413 America Avenue in 1930, and in Nymore in 1940.
Mrs. Mary Jane (Smith) Miller died on Dec 27, 1942. They had one daughter, Lottie, of Bemidji.