Melchoir, 10, came to the United States from Switzerland with his mother and siblings December 13, 1848 on the ship Oregon. They departed from Antwerp, Belgium and arrived at the port of New Orleans, Louisiana, on the way to St Louis, MO, where I believe his father was already living. The family is found there in the 1850 Census.

Melchior Muller married Sophie Geiger January 19, 1860 at St Peter and Paul Cathedral, St Louis, Missouri. The 1860 Carlyle, Clinton County, IL Census lists Michael "Miller", 23, wife Sophia, 20, brother Gotfried, 20, mother Francis, 61, father (looks like Robert, but he usually went by Baptist)), 61, all born in Switzerland. His father has real estate valued at $3,000. There are four others living in the household, their names are hard to read. Two look like Arnold, 61, and George, 58, Zimmerman. All appear to be laborers on the farm.

There is a July, 1863, St Louis, MO Civil War Draft Registration for the Union that lists Melchoir Mueller, 27, born in Switzerland, a teamster, married, living at 459 Corondelet Avenue.

Mike was a worker on the construction of the Eads Bridge in St. Louis over the Mississippi River at some time. Building of the bridge began in 1868 and was finished in 1874.

In the 1880 Carlyle, Clinton county, IL Census Mike "Miller", 43, and Sophia, 39, have the following children at home: Albert, 18; Sophia, 16; Mollie, 14; Joseph, 12; Theodore, 11; Ben, 7; Annie, 5; Lena, 2; and Henry, 10 months.

In the 1900 Clinton County, Illinois Census he is listed as Michael Mueller, age 64. He is listed as being in the United States 52 years, but is not a citizen. He is a widower with six children at home. Son Bernard age 26, is a farmer; Anna age 25; Lena age 22; Henry age 20, is a cigarmaker; Michael age 19, is a blacksmith and John age 16, is a farmer.

The 1920 Clinton County, Illinois Census says "Mike" spoke German. Age 83, he is living with his son Bernard and family.