Capt. John. McMillan, attorney at law, of Decaturville, is a native of Decatur County, was born April 4, 1823. His father, Gilbert McMillan, came from Stewart to Decatur County in 1822, living until April 4, 1858. The mother, Sarah (Nichols) McMillan, who died August, 1845, bore nine children, six of whom are living. Our subject worked on a farm until 1848, when he became deputy sheriff, holding the position until 1852; he was then elected sheriff of the county, discharging his duties in a creditable manner for six year; was the second man called to that office. He next engaged in merchandising. The first year of the war he organized a company and was elected captain. He served actively and gallantly in the well-remembered battle of Shiloh; also in a number of skirmishes. When the army was reorganized at Corinth and officers discharged, he returned home. In 1870 he became clerk of the county court, performing his business in such a satisfactory way that he retained the position twelve years, since which time he has managed his agricultural and cotton interests. He is a strong Democrat, a Mason and consistent member of the Southern Methodist Church, a well known and worthy citizen. He was married March 30, 1851, to Mary A., daughter of Thomas Hay, a respected inhabitant of Decatur County. The union resulted in the birth of four children: Leora married J. T. Rogers; John G. is a physician; Wm. I., an Indian agent, located in Arizona Territory, and Ella, who is at home. Mrs. McMillan died October 6, 1883.

Source: Goodspeed 1886