There is considerable debate regarding the parentage of Philip Miller. One popular theory is the Philip Miller is the son of David Miller. Here are research notes regarding David that may be useful to the researcher. For reasons of accuracy, I've not yet placed David Miller in the online pedigree as there are no solid records that place him there.
--------------------------------------------
1785 974.884 R4f Taxpayers of Fayette Co., PA
p. 108� Miller, David� German TWP 1785�
1790 Maryland Marriages 1778-1800 p. 156
� Miller, David, 4 May 1790 to Cath. Kast
� First German Evangelical Reformed Church
� Frederick, Maryland
� (Probably not our David since first children born before 1790)
�1795 974.884 R4f Taxpayers of Fayette Co., PA
� p. 108� Miller, David� Franklin TWP 1795
�1800 Census Fayette Co., Georges TWP
� Millar, James
� 1 male above 45
� 1 female 16-26
� 1 female above 45
� Millar, David
� 1 male under 10
� 1 male 10-16
� 1 male 26-45
� 2 females under 10
� 1 female 10-16
� 1 female 26-45
� Millar, Andrew
� 1 male under 10
� 2 males 10-16
� 1 male 16-26
� 1 male over 45
� 2 females under 10
� 1 female 10-16
� 1 female 16-26
� 2 females over 45
�1803 Land Records of Fayette County, PA Liber E Folio 147
On 27 May, 1803, David MILLER acquired by Deed of purchase from Joseph LEATHERMAN and Magdalene LEATHERMAN, his brother-In-law and sister-In-law, a tract of land situated on a branch of Georges Creek, In Georges Township, Fayette County, Pennsylvania, called "Strawberry Hill", paying for this land 605 pounds, 13 Shillings, 4 Pence. This land was obtained by Joseph LEATHERMAN form the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania by patent dated 12 January, 1802. �
�1810 Census Fayette Co., Georges TWP
� P. 972
� Miller, Nathaniel� 00100 20100�
� p. 974 Hayden Town
� James Miller� 31010 01010
� p.968 Georges Twp.
� Miller, David� 21110 01101
�1839 La Fayette Vol 3 No. 2 pg 36
� 1839 Tax List - Georges TWP
� Miller, David (old)
� Miller, Philip - Farm Laborer
� Miller, William - Farmer
�1840 Census Fayette Co., Georges TWP
� William Miller� 211001� 111001
� Dan'l (or David) Miller� 0000010001 0000000001
� Abraham Miller� 110001� 0020011
� Philip Miller� 012101� 211000
�1841� Fayette County Will Book 2, p, 269�
In the Name of God Amen I, David Miller of Georges Township, Fayette County and State of Pennsylvania, being sick and weak in body but of sound mind and Memory and understanding (praised be God for it) and considering the certainty of death and the uncertainty of the time thereof and to the end I may be the better prepared to leave the world Whenever it shall please God to call me hence do therefore Make and declare this my last Will and testament hereby revoking and making void all wills by me at any time heretofore made. First I will that all my just debts as shall beby me owing at my death together with my funeral expenses and all charges touching the proving of or otherwise concerning this my will, shall in the first place out of what moneys may be on hand, or if there should not be sufficient sum, then out of my personal estate and effects, until they be fully paid and satisfied. Second, it is my will that my loving wife Catherine retain such of my personal estate as she may think most advisable for her own use and comfort, and the balance of it to be sold by my executor, and after all my expenses as above stated are paid then my executor is pay one third part of it to my loving wife Catherine, and the other two thirds to my son William Miller. Third, I will and bequeath my farm whereon I now live known by the name of Strawberry Hill adjoining land of Joseph Leatherman, Joseph Huse, Jesse Evans and others containing about one hundred and fifty acres to my son William Miller his heirs and assigns on condition that the said William provide for and support my loving wife Catherine in everything that is needful for her comforts and happiness for and during her natural life, and likewise he the said William is to provide for and support my son Henry who has been for years, and is still a Lunatic with every necessary convenience of life for and during his natural life, and such support is in lieu of any other bequeath that I might have made to my Lunatic son. Fourth, it is my will that my son William in consideration of the above Bequeath to him, that he pay my son Samuel Miller who lives in Tuscarawas County, Ohio, two hundred dollars in two years from the time of my death. This sum of two hundred dollars together with one hundred dollars that I gave my son Samuel some time since and one quarter section of land in Tuscarawas County Ohio that I gave to him some years since I give and bequeath to him and his heirs as his portion. Fifth, it is my will that my son William in consideration of my bequest to him that he pay to my daughter Sarah McFaddon who lives in Wayne County, Ohio Four hundred dollars in two years from my death. This sum of four hundred dollars together with two hundred and twenty dollars that I gave to my daughter Sarah some time since I give and Bequeath to her as her portion. Lastly I do contitute and appoint my son William Miller to be my Executor to this my last will and testament. In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my seal the twenty fourth day of December in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and forty one. Signed sealed and acknowledged to be the last will and of the testator in the presence of
� Samuel Nixon
� Joel G. Leatherman
�Miscellaneous:�
FROM http://www.reach.ucf.edu/~arhs/data/Bobbi/BRITT/MILLER�
FIRST GENERATION
Martin and Priscilla Miller were born about 1570 and were of Scottish descent, intermingled with English blood. They lived in Ashford, Kent, England. Ashford is near the Scottish border. He was a weaver. Martin and Priscilla Miller had the following children:
1. John
2. Thomas
3. William
4. Nathan or Simon
5. George
6. Joseph
7-10. daughters
SECOND GENERATION
All six sons of Martin and Priscilla Miller were dissenters in politics and religion. They came to America to find freedom of conscience and liberty. They settled in New England and took up large tracts of land. They had many slaves to work in their fields. Some of their children, along with other settlers from New England, found their way into what is now Frederick County, Maryland. This branch of the Miller family is our forefathers. The Millers lived active and useful lives usually as farmers. Their farms were well tilled and had comfortable homes. They had energy and perseverance. Which one of the sons is Abraham Miller's ancestor is not known. It has been said that Abraham Miller was the grandson of Martin and Priscilla Miller. The large span of years makes this unlikely.
THIRD GENERATION
Abraham Miller was the grandson of Martin and Priscilla Miller of Ashford, Kent, England. He was born on 24 Aug. 1707. He settled in Frederick County, Maryland. He is sometimes referred to as Abraham Millar. On 11 June 1736 Benjamin Tasker, President of the Governor's Council of Maryland, gave his "Bond in Writing Obligatory" to convey the entire tract of "Tasker's Chance" to Abraham Miller, Daniel France, John George Lye, Joseph Smith, Peter Lavey and Jacob Stoner, the consideration to be 2,000 Pounds Sterling, but this sale never actually concluded. At the request of Abraham Mill and the others named, the land was conveyed to Daniel Dulaney. This was the land upon which the present city of Frederick was laid out. It was surveyed on 15 Apr. 1725 for Benjamin Tasker and contained 7,000 acres of land. It was patented to Benjamin Tasker on 7 June 1727. The petition to the General Assemble of the Province of Maryland for the formation of All Saints Parish was signed by more than two hundred persons, one of which was Abraham Miller. It became one of the wealthiest in the Province of Maryland. The first rector appointed was Rev. Joseph Jennings. On 28 July 1746 Abraham Miller bought from Daniel Dulaney a tract of land containing 294 acres for 16 pound Sterling. This was part of "Tasker's Chance". On 26 Oct. 1750 he deeded this land back to Daniel Dulaney for 240 Pounds Sterling. He made a profit of 224 Pounds Sterling. On 3 Mar. 1750 Abraham Miller bought from Peter Lavey 240 acres of land for 80 Pounds Sterling. This land was called "Cooper's Pint". On 24 Nov. 1752 Abraham Miller purchased from Jacob Barre some household goods, two "chists" and one sorrel mare. The consideration was not stated. On 19 May 1753 He bought from Frederick Upp "one certain emprovement called Dere Spring" for 20 Pounds Sterling.
When excavations were begun on 11 May 1881 for removing all remaining gravestones in the German Reformed Church Cemetery at Frederick, Maryland one of the gravestones found was the slab of Abraham Miller. This was an old colonial burying ground. The gravestone had an angel and an hour-glass beautifully carved at its head which said he was born 24 Aug. 1707 and died 20 Sept. 1754. His wife's name was Frances. He died on 20 Sept. 1754. His will is dated 18 Sept. 1754, proved 5 Oct. 1754, recorded in Liber A-1 Folio 55 and is as follows:�
"In the Name of God Amen The Eighteenth Day of September in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred & fifty four I, Abraham Miller of frederick County in the province of Maryland being sick & weak in body but of perfect mind & memory, Thanks be given to God therefore, Calling unto mind the mortality of my Body, & knowing that it is appointed for all Men once to dye, do make and ordain this my last Will & Testament, that is to say principally & first of all I give & recommend my Soul into the Hands of God that gave it, and for my Body I recommend it to the Earth to be buried in a Christian like & decent manner at the Discretion of my Executors hereafter mentioned, and as touching such worldly Estate wherewith it hath pleased God to bless me in this Life I give devise and dispose of the same in the following manner & Form. Imprimis it is my Will & I do order that in the first place all my just Debts & funeral Charges be paid & satisfyd. Item I give and bequeath unto Francis me well beloved Wife all them two Tracts of Land whereon I now live one called Coppers point the other Tract called Millar's Chance or Millars Choyse to have & to hold the aforesaid Tracts of Land with the three Mills thereon & other Improvements, without any Mollestation or Debernance whatever for and during her nartrell Life and after her Desese the aforesaid two Tracts of Land & mills to be equally divided between my two Sons that is to say Isaac Miller and Abraham Miller. And my Will and Desire is that they & each of them pay or cause to be paid at the Time of the said Abraham & Isaacs having & being fully possess, with the above said three hundred Acres of Land & Mills, the Sum of fifty pounds each unto my two younger Children (that is to say) David Miller & Mary Miller or to the surviving one & to their Heirs. Item I give unto my Son Jacob Miller, fifty Acres of Land part of the Land taken with the Resurvey that is to say part of the Resurvey on Millars Chance & fifty Acres purch joying or near the aforesaid fifty Acres purch of Daniel Duhany Esqr. And my Will & Desire is that Robert Davis have forty Acres joining Place where he now lives part of the same Resurvey that is to say part of the Resurvey on Millars Chance to have the same conveyed & made over to him his Heirs and Assigns forever at and as soon has he the said Davis shall pay the Sum of thirty five pounds Current Money of Maryland to my Heirs or Executors hereafter mentioned. Item I give & bequeath to my Daughter Elizabeth Perger one hundred Acres of Land at and joying to the place where she now lives which said one hundred Acres of land is to her and the Heirs of her Body to enjoy the same her said Husbin Christian Perger to have his Life Time on the said Land. Item I give unto Christian Millar & his Heirs one hundred Acres of Land joyning the two Tracts whereon I live & it being of the aforesaid Resurvey on Millars Chance.
Item my Will and desire is that my Son Jacob Miller should have and possess all that Resurvey granted me out of his Lordships Land office on a Tract of Land, called Coupers point not yet compleated and also that he join Nath. Wiehham Junr. in the same the said Wiehham compleating the said Survey & pay on equal part of what charge may or shall be in securing the same. Item my Will & Desire is that Mr. Edward Dorsey of Ann Arundell county Genl. man do make over, unto Robert MacFerson & Henry Canhart ten hundred Acres of Land, each joining to the Land where they now live being part of the Resurvey taken upon a Tract of Land Called Millars Chance, and according to the Corses mentioned in their Deeds drawn by Mr. Wiehham to include the said Quantity of ten hundred acres each. -- they paying the said Bonds past for the same & the said Conhart paying five pounds more than mentioned in his Bond. Lastly my Will and desire is that my Wife Frances Miller and my Son Jacob Miller to be my whole sole Executors after my Decease, & to have and possess all and singular my whole personable Estate & to pay and discharge all just Debts due from me & receive all just and true Debts due to me in Witness whereof I have hereunto set my Hand & Seal, the Day & year above written.
HIS
ABRAHAM MILLER (SEAL)
MARK
Signed Seal'd published and declared by the same Abraham Millar as his Last Will & Testament in the presents of us the subscribers
Nath Wiehham Robert McPherson Stephen Ramsberger
October 5th 1754 Nathaniel Wiehham Robert McPherson & Stephen Remsberger the Subscribing Witnesses to the foregoing Will being duly and solemnly sworn on the holy Evangels of the Almighty God depose and say that they severally saw the Testator Abraham Millar sign the foregoing Will, and heard him publish and declare the same to be his Last Will & Testament
that at the Time of his so doing he was to the best of their apprehension of sound & disposing mind & memory & that they subscribed their respective Names as Witnesses to the said Will in the presence of the said Testator and at his Request.
SWORN TO BEFORE ME
REVERDY CHESELIN DY. COMY
FREDK. COUNTY"
Sometime after 20 Sept. 1754 and before 11 June 1759 Frances Miller married, second, --- Shellhouse. On 11 June 1759 Jacob Miller and Frances Miller Shellhouse filed their account as executors of the will of Abraham Miller, showing the money on hand to be 171 Pounds, 10 Shillings. Abraham and Frances Miller had the following children (order
unknown):
1. Jacob
2. Isaac
3. Abraham
4. Elizabeth m. Christian Perger
5. Christian
5. DAVID m. Catherine
d. 1783
(see following)
6. Mary
FOURTH GENERATION
David Miller was possibly born in Frederick County, Maryland. On 7 May 1742 he purchased from George Gillespy 100 acres of land called "Gillespy's Purchase" for 226 Pounds Sterling. It was part of a tract of land called "The Three Friends". At the same time he also bought from Thomas and Jean Edmonston 25 acres of land for 100 Pounds Sterling. This 25 Acres was in three parcels and was part of the land called "The Three
Friends". David Miller married Catherine --- and died in 1783. His will is dated 27 Feb. 1783, proved 5 Mar. 1783 and is as follows:
"In the Name of God Amen this Twenty seventh day of February one thousand Seven hundred and Eighty three I David Miller of Frederick County and State of Maryland being at present by me Senses and Remembrance thanks be given to God but being very weak and Sickly and
knowing that there is a time appointed for all men to die do make and Ordain this my last Will and testament that is to say principally and first of all I give and Recommend my Soul unto the hand of the Almighty God that gave it and as Touching such Worldly things or Estate wherewith it has pleased god to Bless me in this life I give demise and Dispose of the Same in the following manner and form ---.
First my Will and Desire is that my Just and True Debts to be paid and Satisfied --- Secondly my will and Desire is that Cathrine my well Beloved Wife to have all the Money Now that is to be made Received out of the Grain that is Now to Spare and Also Ten pounds Coming from Jacob Miller Junr, and also to Have and to hold the whole of my Estate untill my Youngest Child Comes Of Age that is to say the whole of the Lands I now hold in possession which shall be in her possession During her Widow Hood and if she should Marry before the Youngest Child Comes of Age then she to fall to her thirds and the Remaining two part to be for the use of Raising the Children till the Youngest Child is of Age and then to be equally divided amongst them all that is to say, Jacob, Elisabeth, David, Henry, Catherine, Susanna, Daniel and the moveable Estate to be Divided Amongst them all According to Law and my Will and Desire is that Catherine my well beloved to be the only and Sole Executor of this my Last Will and Testament in Witness Whereof I have hereto set my hand and Affixed my seal this day and Year first above written.
Signed Sealed published pronounced and Declared by the said David Miller as his last Will and Testament in the presence of us.
ABRAHAM MILLER PETER TROUTMAN JACOB MILLER"
On 10 Mar. 1786 Catherine Miller filed her account, shoeing cash on hand of 124 Pounds Sterling, 3 Shillings and 4 pence. David and Catherine Miller had at least the following children:
1. Jacob m. Margaret Dentlinger on 9 Oct. 1776
2. Elizabeth m. David Huntz on 27 Oct. 1782
3. David II m. Catherine Heffner on 23 Apr. 1770
enlisted in Rawling's Regiment on 5 apr. 1777
4. HENRY b. 1743
m. Catherine ---
d. 1793
(see following)
5. Catherine
6. Susanna m. Michael Hutzell on 10 Dec. 1791
7. Daniel
FIFTH GENERATION
Henry Miller was probably born around 1743 in Frederick County, Maryland. He is listed in the Provincial Census of Frederick County, Maryland of 1776 as being 33 years of age. On 29 Aug. 1769 he sold to Peter Nafdzeegar 200 acres of land called "Huckleberry Bottom" for 288 Pounds in Pennsylvania currency. He was granted this land by a patent dated 25 Mar. 1761. On 20 June 1770 he bought from Ludwig Roderick 404 acres of land for 450 Pounds Sterling. This land was part of a tract of land called "Resurvey of Stony Hill" and "Addition to Stony Hill" and "Johnson's Struggle". Henry Miller is described as a blacksmith in the deed.
On 20 Feb. 1773 Henry Miller bought for one shilling current money of Maryland Lot No. 72 in Elizabeth Town in Frederick County. It had belonged to Jonathan Hager and was 82 feet by 240 feet and had a current rent of 6 shillings 6 pence annually. On 1 Par. 1775, shortly after Paul Revere's ride, Henry Miller sold to Flex Souther this lot for 72 Pounds "current and lawful money of the Province of Pennsylvania". On 18 Aug. 1785 Henry Miller, Valentine Null, Windle Null, Philip Crouse and other joined in a boundary agreement delineating the boundaries of their various tracts of land. On 31 Oct. 1785 Henry Miller sold to Valentine Null the tract of land whereon he lived for 100 Pounds gold or silver. This tract of land wa part of a tract of land called "Addition to Brooke's Discovery on the Rich Lands". The acreage was not specified. Henry Miller married Catherine ---. He lived in Frederick County before moving to Fayette County, Pennsylvania. His will is dated 11 Mar. 1793, proved 24 May 1793 and is as follows:
"In the Name of God, I Henry Miller being weak in Body, but in sound Mind and Memory calling to Mind the uncertainty of this Life, do make this my last Will and Testament, directing my Body to be Buried at my decease in a christian like manner Item it is my will that all my Just Debts to be discharged by my Executors ---
I Give and bequeath unto my beloved Wife Catherine all my Real and personal Estate whatsoever during her Natural life, and that she shall have full power and lawful Authority to sell and dispose of ye same or any part thereof at private sale to the best advantage id she should think proper, and she shall not be accountable for any part thereof whatsoever but at her decease whatever shall be remaining thereof shall be equally divided between all my Sons and daughters, share and share alike. And if no Sale of my Estate Real or personal should take place Before my Wife Catherine's decease, then my Two Sons Joseph and David Miller shall have full power and lawful Authority to dispose of the same or any part thereof which shall remain at private sale to the best advantage and the money so arising to be equally divided between all my Sons and daughters share and share alike, My Son Joseph having received one Hundred and seventy six pounds in part of his share of my Real and personal Estate, My Son David having received the sum of one Hundred and twenty one pounds in part of his share of my Real and personal Estate, my son John having received the sum of Three Hundred pounds in part of his share of my Real and personal Estate, and if the said sum of three Hundred pounds should exceed his part of my Real and personal Estate, when a final settlement of the whole shall take place, he shall have six years time to pay the Ballance without Interest ---
It is my Will that if my Wife should depart this life and a sale and division of my Real and personal Estate should take place before my Son Jacob should arrive to the Age of Eighteen years, then said son Jacob shall be put out to a trade by my Executors, to such as he shall like, and if he should refuse to obey his said Master & not continue with him untill he arrives to the Age of twenty one, my said Executors shall have full power and lawful authority to deduct off from his share of my Estate ye Just and full sum of fifty pounds lawful Money which said sum shall be Equally divided among the residue of my Sons and Daughters, share and share alike and the Ballance of his share shall be put out on Interest untill he shall arrive to the full Age of Twenty one --- And Lastly I do hereby nominate and appoint my two Sons Joseph and David Miller my whole and sole Executors of this my last Will and Testament revoking all other Wills by me formerly made, and that they shall have full Power and lawful Authority to Convey by a good and sufficient Deed of Bargain and sale for all or any part of my Real Estate when ever a sale of the same shall or may take place and that they shall be allowed all reasonable Expenses whatsoever for settling of my Estate which shall be adjusted by any two reasonable Men, Sign'd Sealed and pronounced to be my last Will and Testament this Eleventh day of March in the year of our Lord seventeen Hundred Ninety three.
HIS
HENRY MILLER (SEAL)
MARK
Be it remembered that on the date above written we the subscribers In the presence of the Testator and at his Request and in the presence of each other did subscribe our Names as Witnesses and that he did Acknowledge the same to be his last Will and Testament.
WM. FERGUSON JEREMIAH GILBERT JOSEPH LETTERMAN
DANIEL ARNOLD
Frederick County May 24th 1793
Then came Joseph Miller and David Miller Exectrs. of Henry Miller late of Frederick County deceased and solemnly Affirmed and declared that the aforegoing Instrument of Writing is the true and whole Will and Testament of the said deceased that hath come to their Hands & possession.
GEO. MURDOCK REGR.
Frederick County May 24th 1793
Then came Jeremiah Gilbert and Joseph Letterman two of the subscribing Witnesses to the aforegoing last Will and Testament of Henry Miller late of Frederick County deceased & solemnly affirmed and declared that they did see the Testator therein Named sign seal this will, that they heard him publish pronounce and declare the same to be his last Will and Testament, that at the time of his so doing he was to the best of their Apprehension,
of a sound and disposing mend memory and Understanding, that they respectively subscribed their names as Witnesses to this Will in the presence and at the request of the Testator that they did also see William Ferguson and Daniel Arnold the other two subscribing Witnesses, sign their Names as Witnesses to this Will in the presence and at the request of the Testator and all in presence of each other.
GEO. MURDOCK REGR."
Henry and Catherine Miller had at least the following children:
1. Joseph
2. DAVID m. Catherine Getzendanner
d. 1842
(see following)
3. John
4. Jacob
5. daughters names unknown.
SIXTH GENERATION
A few years after his father's death around 1798, David Miller settled in Georges Township, Fayette County, Pennsylvania. He married Catherine (Getzendanner) Ambrose, daughter of Baltis and Anne (Steiner) Getzendanner (see GETZENDANNER) and widow of Christopher Ambrose. On 27 May 1803 he bought a tract of land situated on a branch of Georges Creek called "Strawberry Hill" for 606 Pounds, 13 Shillings, 4 Pence. He acquired the land from Joseph Leatherman and Magdalene Leatherman, his brother-in-law and sister-in-law. Joseph Leatherman obtained the land by a patent dated 12 Jan. 1892 from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania for 606 Pounds 13 Shillings, 4 Pence. The name for this tract was probably suggested by Horace Walpole's house and museum at Strawberry Hill. On "Strawberry Hill" are remains of a village founded prior to Anglo Saxon habitation. Tradition locates a French village in 1730 and evidence exists to warrant it an abiding place of the time before the mysterious moundbuilder. When the Anglo Saxon traders and hunters first penetrated the area, this was the hunting ground of the Six Nations or Mingo Indians. After 1890 a schoolhouse was built on this property and name Miller's Schoolhouse for David Miller. On 27 Mar. 1798 Joseph Leatherman executed his bond to David Miller in the penal sum of 1,000 Pounds for the conveyance to David Miller of the land he purchased from Samuel Reed, James Reed and David Reed (sons of Thomas Reed). The bond is as follows:
"Whereas Samuel Reed, james Reed & David Reed have this day Conveyed their right of a tract od Land in Georges Township, Fayette Count, Willed to them by their father, Thomas Reed, unto Joseph Leatherman. And Whereas by agreement David Miller has paid a part of the purchase money and is entitled to a part of the Land, which part is not yet defined or worked out - Now the said Joseph Leatherman doth hereby bind himself his heirs executors and administrators to make a good and sufficient title unto the said David Miller of such part of said Land as my be mutually agreed upon between the parties as soon as it can be conveniently done. For the true performance of which he hereby binds himself his heirs executors and administrators in the penal sum of One Thousand Pounds, lawful money of Pennsylvania. Sealed with his seal dated the twenty seventh day of March one thousand seven hundred and ninety eight.
Sealed and delivered
in the presences of
Alexander McClean
James Reed"
Another agreement between David Miller, Joseph Leatherman and George Curstead to David Reed is as follows:
"This will bindeth us Joseph Leatherman, David Miller and George Curstead, all of Georges Township, Fayette County and Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, to pay or cause to be paid unto David Reed, son of Thomas Reed, late of the same place, deceased, the sum of one hundred and two pounds twenty shillings and six pence, lawful money of Pennsylvania, on or before the 1st day of April which will be in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and ninety nine. To which payment will and truly to be made and done in the penal sum of one hundred and five pounds five shillings of like lawful money aforesaid. Sealed with our Seals the twentieth day of March in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and ninety eight.
Sealed and delivered
in the presence of
Andr. Trapp
Alexander McClean"
On 16 Mar. 1816 David Miller bought from Jonas Hughey and Elizabeth Hughey a parcel of land containing 2 acres and 83 perches for $100.75.
David Miller died in 1842. His will is dated 24 Dec. 1841 and probated 27 Dec. 1842. In it he left to his wife Catherine such of his personal estate as she desires and one-third of the remainder of his estate. Son William was appointed executor and received the balance of his personalty and the farm known as "Strawberry Hill" if he provide for his mother and for his brother Henry, a lunatic. Son Samuel, who lived in Tuscarawas County, Ohio, was to receive $200.00. He had already received a quarter-section of land in Tuscarawas County from him. Granddaughter Sarah McFadden was to receive $400.00. She had already received $220.00. The will is witnesses by Samuel Nixon and Joel G. Leatherman. David Miller and his wife are buried in the private burying ground on what was originally a part of "Strawberry Hill". This private burying ground is near the York Run Works of the J.C. Frick Coke Company. David and Catherine Miller had the following children:
1. Samuel m. Susan Smith
2. WILLIAM b. 14 Feb. 1806
m. Mary Davis
dau. of James and Kezia (Phillips) Davis
She died on 4 Aug. 1871
d. 14 Oct. 1891
(see following)
3. Henry
SEVENTH GENERATION
William Miller was probably born about 14 Feb. 1806 in Fayette County. On 23 Nov. 1827 he married Mary (also called Polly) Davis, daughter of James and Kezia (Phillips) Davis (see DAVIS). He was a farmer and resided at "Strawberry Hill" in a log cabin. He served as a School Director in Georges Township. Mary Miller died on 4 Aug. 1871, aged 66 years. William Miller died on 14 Oct. 1891, aged 85 years 7 months and 30 days. His obituary was a follows:
"The death of William Miller, of Georges Township, Fayette County, in his 86th year, removes from the vicinity of Fairchance, one of the oldest citizens. He was born and died on the same farm. His father moved from Maryland in 1792 or '89, and the old house is still standing into which he moved and in which William was born. One old citizen said to the writer on the day of the funeral: "Mr. Miller was an honest man. I have known him from childhood and never knew him guilty of a mean or dishonest trick; he was a good citizen, a faithful friend." He was a member of the Baptist Church at Smithfield for over 60 years, holding the position of Clerk for some years. The last few years he has been too feeble to attend regularly, but it was rarely his seat was vacant when he could be there. He leaves a family of nine children, all of whom have grown to manhood and womanhood, several of them having families of their own. His wife died twenty years ago. A large number of his friends gathered at his funeral to testify to their love and esteem for him. He wa buried in the Baptist Graveyard at Smithfield on the 16th, beside the wife of his youth and manhood. Rest after labor comes sweet, and to him my the waking be
meet."
William and Polly Miller are buried in the Baptist Cemetery in Smithfield,
Pennsylvania beside their son, Squire Ayers Miller. His will was dated 1 Jan. 1888. In it he left the home farm, part of "strawberry Hill" to his son Alfred. to his son, John C. he left a farm on the southeast side of Morgantown road. These two farms constituted the original "Strawberry Hill". To his sister, Sarah McFaddon he left the home occupied by her in 1888 and purchased by him from George Shanaberger. William and Polly Miller had the following children (from the Bible of William Miller which was in the possession of Mary E. Miller):
1. David b. 4 Oct. 1828
m. Priscilla Woodall
d. 1899
Had: i. Edward ii. Alice iii. Anna iv. George
2. Hannah Nixon b. 3 July 1830
m. Pleasant Cook
d. 16 Mar. 1922
3. James Davis b. 3 Mar. 1832
m.1) Anna Harding
Had: i. John m. Clara Young
ii. William m. Pauline Kuhn
iii. Adarine m. George Spacht
m.2) Martha Douglas
Had: iv. John m. Ida Deen
had: 1. Robert Donovan
2. Glenn m. Ora ---
4. Sarah Davis b. 12 Feb. 1834
m. Jonathan McFadden
d. 1920
Had: i. Emma m.1) Robert Brownfield
had: 1. Candace
m.2) Charles Nicum
Had: 2. Margaret 3. Heary 3. George 4. Kate
ii. Hannah m. James Sweney
had: 1. Laura 2. Charles 3. William 4. Ada
5. Kate 6. Grace 7. harry 8. Otho 9. Ola
10. Rosalie 11. Cora Edith 12. Earle
13. Sarah Ellen
iii. Mary m. James Moser
had: 1. Hora 2. Clyde 3. Leslie
4. Thomas 5. Sarah 6. Harmon
iv. Ella m. James Jenkins
Had: 1. Olive 2. Hodge 3. Charles 4. William
5. russell 6. Mary 7. Garnet 8. Nellie
v. William, no children
vi. Anna Caroline m. --- had: 1. Sarah
5. Adoniram Judson b. 3 May 1836
m. Sarah Burchinal
Had: i. William Thomas died young
ii. Clara m. Samuel Wilson
Had: 1. Ethel m. John Wilson
Had: 1. Lawrence
iii. Anna Laura m. Joseph Noon
Had: 1. Charles 2. Harry 3. Joseph
iv. Mary Ellen
v. Emma Dell m. Benjamin Conn
Had: 1. Bessie 2. Arthur 3. Marie 4. Helen
5. Elinor
vi. Charles B. m. Carrie Moore
Had: 1. Lloyd 2. Arthur 3. Mabel 4. Charles,Jr.
vii. Clyde W.
6. CAROLINE b. 13 Mar. 1838
m. Samuel Greenlee Britt
(see BRITT)
7. Squire Ayers b. 7 Feb. 1843
d. 19 Feb. 1896, no children
8. Albert Samuel b. 23 Apr. 1842
m. Frances E. Britt
Had: i. Franklin Pierce b. 19 Jan. 1866
m.1) Anna Belle Darby on 30 Aug. 1887
Had: 1. Clarence Altha b. 11 Feb. 1890
m. Daisy May Curstead
Had: 1. Dorothy Agnes 2. Reland Rita
2. Ray Arleigh b. 5 Aug. 1892
m. Florence E. Graham
3. Kenneth Roy b. 22 Oct. 1902
divorced and m.2) Mrs. Setta Barnes
ii. Asenath m. William Kensinger
iii. M. Alice m. John L. Darby
iv. N. Olive m. Enos Field
Had: 1. Pearl 2. Elmer 3. Frances
v. Omer A. m. Cora Hemminger
Had: 1. Ethel 2. Garnet 3. Salome
vi. Emily m. David Philllips
vii. Robert L. Britt m. Beryl Hugh
Had: 1. unnamed 2. Russell A. 3. Mabel
4. Emily died young 5. Virginia 6. Ruby
9. Marcellius Estep b. 23 Jan. 1844
m. Miranda Cook
d. 1911
Had: i. Flora ii. Dell
iii. Anna m.1) Clement Flack m.2) Gustave Schlenck
Had: 1. Marceline 2. Omar
m.3) Adam Hoag
10. Alfred Jackson b. 27 Dec. 1845
m.1) Sarah James
Had: i. Ewing m. Helen Dunn
Had: 1. Wayne died young 2. Herbert
3. Sarah 4. Mary
ii. William m. Pattie Shoaf
Had: 1. Alfred 2. Marie 3. Russell 4. Margaret
5. Belle 6. Harold 7. Arthur 8. Ewing
9. Earle
iii. Lizzie m.1) --- Carmack m.2) --- Pinnell
m.2) Margaret Emory
d. 1906
11. John Calvin b. 9 Aug. 1850
m. Belle Field
d. 1888
Had: i. Marie m. Charles Wilson
Had: 1. Estell 2. Donald 3. Adele
ii. Charles m. Carried Campbell
Had: 1. Marabell 2. Lloyd
REFERENCES
1. Administration Account Book of Frederick County, Maryland in
Office of Register of Wills. No. 1 p. 169; No. 1 Folio 196.
2. Brumbaugh. Maryland Records. vol. I p. 236 or 238.
3. Compendium of American Genealogy.
4. Cresham, John. Biographical and Portrait History of Fayette
County, Pennsylvania. p. 510
5. Darby, Milton M. and Miller, Clarence A. The Lineage of the
Miller and Allied Families of Fayette County, Pennsylvania and Frederick County, Maryland.
6. Ellis. History of Fayette County, Pennsylvania. pp. 565, 572, 574
7. Papers of Nellie Britt Granger.
8. Land Records of Frederick County, Maryland. Liber B, Folio
274; Liber B Folio 398; Liber E Folio 1; Liber E Folio 178; Liber P Folio 181; Liber P Folio 126; Liber L Folio 469; Liber N Folio 210; Liber W.R.6? Folio 72; Liber W.R.6? Folio 166?.
9. Land Records of Fayette County, Pennsylvania. Liber R Folio 147; Deed Book E Folio 4234;
10. Maryland Archives. vol. 18 p. 145.
11. Miller Family in America. In Newberry Library, Chicago, Ill.
12. Probate Records of Frederick County, Maryland. Liber A-1 Folio 55; Liber O.M. No. 2 Folio 29.
13. Records of Fayette County, Pennsylvania.
Will Book No. 1 Folio 269; Transcript Record, Will Book 1 Folio 305; Will Book 8 Folio 281.
14. Scharf. History of Western Maryland. Vol. I p. 502.
15. Schultz. First Settlements of Germans in Maryland.
pp. 50, 525.
16. Toynbee, Pagett. Strawberry Hill Accounts.
Oxford Press, 1927.
17. Williams; McKinsey. History of Frederick County, Maryland.
pp. 8, 24 |
