James Miller (general)
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| James Miller | |
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| 1st Territorial Governor of Arkansas | |
| In office 1819–1824 |
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| Succeeded by | George Izard |
| Personal details | |
| Born | April 25, 1776 Peterborough, New Hampshire |
| Died | July 7, 1851 (aged 75) Temple, New Hampshire |
James Miller (April 25, 1776 – July 7, 1851) was a member of the United States House of Representatives from New Hampshire, the first Governor of Arkansas Territory, and a Brigadier General in the United States Army during the War of 1812.
James Miller was born in Peterborough, New Hampshire. He started a law practice at Greenfield, New Hampshire in 1803. He joined the New Hampshire state militia and commanded an artillery unit, until General Benjamin Pierce noticed him and recommended that he be commissioned as a Major in the regular army. Miller joined with the 4th United States Infantry.
In 1811 Miller's unit went to fight Indians in Vincennes, Indiana, where he was promoted to Colonel. In May 1812 his regiment moved to Detroit, Michigan. He was the commander during the Battle of Maguaga. Shortly afterwards, Miller was taken prisoner in 1813 and was later exchanged.
In 1814, Miller was Colonel of the 21st Infantry Regiment and led his men in the capture of the British artillery at the Battle of Lundy's Lane. His "I will try sir!" quote became famous and he earned the name of "Hero of Lundy's Lane".
Miller was made a Brigadier General by the U.S. Congress after the battle but soon left the army in 1819.
He served as territorial Governor of Arkansas from 1819 to 1824. He was elected to the United States House of Representatives in 1824 but never took office. He was instead appointed Collector of Customs in Salem, Massachusetts, a post he served in until 1849.
Miller died of a stroke at Temple, New Hampshire.
Miller County, Arkansas is named for James Miller.
| Political offices | ||
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| Preceded by First |
Territorial Governor of Arkansas 1819-1824 |
Succeeded by George Izard |
| Government offices | ||
| Preceded by Willam R. Lee |
Collector of Customs for Salem 1824-1849 |
Succeeded by Ephraim F. Miller |
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