James Hughes Miller

James Hughes Miller (August 29, 1843 – June 27, 1890) was a lawyer and state legislator in Illinois. He served as Speaker of the Illinois House of Representatives and was a Republican. He was born in Marseilles, Ohio. He helped establish the Illinois State Historical Library.

Biography James H. Miller was born in Wyandot County, Ohio on August 29, 1843. His family came to Illinois in 1851, settling first in Winnebago County, and later in neighboring Ogle County. Miller was reelected to the Illinois House of Representatives in the 1888 general election. In 1889, Asa C. Matthews was appointed Comptroller of the Treasury by President Benjamin Harrison. Matthews subsequently resigned from the legislature to take the position. In turn, the House elected Miller as speaker. In ill health, Miller died June 27, 1890, in Manitou Springs, Colorado while vacationing there as part of a recovery effort.

He had a wife and four children. He abided his rule to never say anything bad about anyone living.