Miller and his brother-in-law Jack Kelso came with their families to New Salem. On November 17, 1832, Miller purchased two lots from John Camron for $25, and lived here with his wife Nancy and their children, Caleb and Levicy. His home was headquarters for Baptist preachers who came to the neighborhood. Kelso and his wife lived with the Millers. Kelso and Miller had married the Turner sisters before coming to New Salem from Kentucky. Due to their relationship and family origins, a choice of this "dogtrot" style of home would have been understandable. The open area was usually used for eating or as a sitting area away from the heat. Kelso was a hunter, fisherman, and "jack of all trades." He was able to supply all the money he needed by doing odd jobs, in addition to trapping and foraging.