Abraham Miller
His 10 sons and 5 daughters
Request:
Please reference "Gary Miller of www.millerfamilyhistory.com", if using any of these notes for personal or public use. What may begin as personal notes can later be published, so please make reference to this site in all notes obtained here. [update 7/5/2010: Since originally putting this information together a few years ago, quite a bit of new information has come along. For the most recent details please e-mail gary@millerfamilyhistory.com ]
Current Goal:
To find the parents and siblings of Abraham Miller. Was he Irish, English or German?
Progress:
A great deal of time, energy and travel have been expended researching the published claim that Abraham Miller is the son of Jacob Miller and grandson of Robert Miller and Ruth Haines of Chester County, Pennsylvania. While the paper trail and circumstantial evidence was compelling, the fact is that Abraham Miller was not a paternal descendent of Robert Miller. DNA testing of a descendent of Robert Miller and Ruth Haines, Elmer Miller, who has a very solid paper trail, does not match Abraham Miller's DNA. Further a test of a descendent of Robert Miller's uncle was a close match to Elmer Miller and also did not match Abraham Miller. So we have 2 DNA tests separated by many generations which match each other. Neither match Abraham Miller. To see the evidence that had been used to support Abraham's connection with that family visit: The Gayen Miller Connection. To see more about Abraham Miller's DNA visit: Abraham Miller DNA. (note that since that DNA page was created a descendent of Isaac Miller, another son of Abraham Miller, tested and was an exact match). DNA ancestral origins are not helpful in Abraham's case as they seem to fall evenly between Irish/English and German.
A possible sibling (or cousin) of Abraham Miller is Jacob Miller (born Feb 16, 1758). Jacob Miller purchased land from and next to Abraham Miller in 1806. He lived next to Abraham Miller until Abraham's death. [update: descendants of Jacob Miller have DNA tested and match each other but do match Abraham's descendants. Abraham Miller and his next door neighbor Jacob Miller were not brothers or paternal cousins.] Jacob had been living in Moor Township, Northampton County, Pennsylvania when he purchased that land. Abraham's first son, by his second wife, was named Jacob. This Jacob Miller, though, is married to a German wife and his children have names that are most common among Germans. Also note that there is later a Frederick Miller (also an innkeeper) who is also from Northampton County and living in Bloom Twp. That Frederick is German.
A possible name of Abraham's father is Jacob Miller. The source that inaccurately names Abraham the grandson of Robert Miller and Ruth Haines also states that his father was Jacob. It is possible that the researcher knew that Abraham's father was Jacob and then made the incorrect assumption that it was the Jacob who was the son of Robert Miller and Ruth Haines. Of course it is also very possible that the name Jacob was incorrect.
Abraham's wife's (Phoebe Webb) family was of English descent and her mother was a Quaker. The names of their sons (John, Thomas and Isaac) can be found among Phebe's siblings and father. The only name that does not appear in her family is William, Phebe's second son. Her first son, John, was presumably named after her father. There is a William Miller who owned a home in Bloom Twp. in the early 1800's and was a constable. He does not appear to have been a farmer. He would be of an age to be a brother of Abraham.
So the most likely candidates for names for Abraham's father are Jacob, William, and Abraham. Of course that is big speculation but it's the best I've got so far. [update 7/5/2010: At this point the most likely candidate as Abraham Miller's father is Peter Miller.]
What I Know So Far:
Prior to his marriage in 1782, nothing about Abraham Miller's life is certain other than his birth date, which is listed on his tombstone.
Revolutionary War: 7 women have filed DAR reports claiming that Abraham Miller was a member of First Company - West Bradford, Chester County Militia in 1781. There is a John Kennedy in that company but the other men serving there are not names I recognize and research shows most remained in Chester County. John Kennedy was a common name and may or may not be the John Kennedy later living in Bloom Twp. Note also that the earliest claims to DAR listed Abraham Miller as being the Abraham Miller who was a Captain in Northampton County, PA. Subsequent claims state that that was an error (which it was). However, it does call into question whether the Abraham Miller listed here in Chester was selected simply because he had the right name and the right location. (Pencil notes on one of the forms seems to suggest exactly that.)
Birthplace: In 1887, while his son Abraham Jr. was still living, the family of Abraham Miller Sr.'s daughter Maria Lowe stated that Abraham was from Chester County. In 1880, Abraham Sr.'s son, Elisha, claims that his father was born in Delaware (which borders Chester County, PA). In 1880, Abraham Jr. lists his father as being from Pennsylvania. So, at least, in the 1880's (some 120 years after Abraham Miller's birth) his family members believed him to be from the Chester County/Delaware area. He certainly did a lot of business with people from that area. However, his wife's family is related to families from Chester County. Note that although her father's father has not been conclusively linked to any particular Webb family, business and Quaker records prove that her brother and other family members were in close contact with the Quakers of Chester County.
Nationality: Abraham Miller and Phebe Webb were married by a German minister. It is possible that Abraham is German. It is possible that he was Irish or English. He has frequent contact with people from both communities. Later researchers clearly believed him to be of Irish descent but most of their work was erroneous. I can make a compelling case for either and am hopeful that someday the mystery will be solved.
Birthplace (more): My experience in comparing anecdotal records with contemporary records is that people (who are not genealogists) tend to be accurate about the birthplace, dates, and names of those born 40-60 years before they were. In 1880, Abraham Miller Jr. was 71 years old (he died in 1896). He was 12 1/2 years old when his father died. His father took a special liking in him, singling him out in the will, as one to receive an education in science, in contrast to his other sons who were to be put out to trades. Abraham Jr. remained in Bloom Twp. and carried on his father's business of shopkeeper. Presumably he maintained contact with buyers and sellers that his father had dealt with. Therefore, his claim of his own father's birthplace is one that I feel should carry weight.
Who he is not: The main Miller family living in early Chester County along the border with Delaware was that of Gayen Miller (father of Robert Miller (h/o Ruth Haines)). Therefore one can easily understand how that family became the prime candidate and eventually the published ancestors of Abraham Miller. Yet, as stated before, DNA from many independent is overwhelmingly clear and conclusive, Abraham is not related to the family of Gayen Miller (at least paternally -- he definitely knew that family and may well have shared some ancestry along other lines with that family).
Who he is: Abraham owned several hundred acres in Columbia County, Pennsylvania. He was an innkeeper, shopkeeper, landlord, farmer, President of the Susquehanna Bridge Company, and father of 15 children. He also have owned and operated a mill and fishing enterprise. Abraham hosted travelers at his inn which was located halfway between Berwick and Bloom. It was aptly named the "Halfway House". By all accounts it was a well run inn. His land bordered the Susquehanna River as did the Halfway House. Abraham had 6 children by his first wife Phebe Webb and 9 by his second wife Nancy Miller. He is buried next to his wives in Rosemont Cemetery in Bloom Twp. in a picturesque spot on a hilltop overlooking the town and mountains to the distance. Some of his children remained in the area. Several moved to Michigan. One, my 4th great grandfather, moved to Ohio.
My Research: I've been researching my family for 12 years. My research is done online, in person at the Salt Lake City Family History Library, in person in Allen County, Ohio, Fulton County, Indiana, Chester County, Pennsylvania, Berks County Pennsylvania, and Columbia County Pennsylvania. I've employed and am very grateful to the many professional genealogists who have uncovered so much (specifically Tammy Clark of Bloomfield, PA and James Hazard at Swarthmore University, Chester County, PA.) I write and visit the Historical and Genealogy libraries in the Counties of interest. I trace down the family tree to try and find living descendents of the ancestors researched. I also run the Miller surname project at www.familytreedna.com Quite a bit of information can be found online these days at www.ancestry.com and by searching Google. Bruce Sloan who, with his sister, met up with me and my family in Bloom Twp. PA this past Summer has provided a great deal of information and records. The Daughters of the American Revolution have also produced valuable records as well. Although I've researched all my family lines, that of my surname has held most of my interest and has been, far and away, the most challenging. The Miller surname is not a blessing when it comes to genealogy. Coupled with a first name of William, the search seemed almost impossible at times -- there is a William Miller or two in nearly every town!
A couple years ago both DNA tests and a paper trail pointed me to Columbia County. The paper trail began with 4th great grandfather's youngest daughter Letitia Miller. Another relative, Nancy, doing research had located Letitia in Miami County, Ohio. That was a surprise to me as the rest of the family was in Allen County, Ohio. Letitia was married to a William Sloan. I contacted another family member, Bruce Sloan, who said he had a diary of William Sloan's brother, Bateman Sloan. He forwarded transcripts of the entire diary. One day I noticed a line in the diary that said "Aunt Nance Miller is dead". It went on to talk about burial arrangements. After some research and obtaining cemetery records, it became clear that Nance Miller was Leticia's mother (and Leticia's husbands Aunt!). In other words Letitia and her husband were first cousins. It turned out that Hugh Sloan (father of William Sloan and Bateman Sloan) was married to Elizabeth Henry. Elizabeth was the sister of Nancy Henry who was married to William Miller (Letitia's father and my 4th great grandfather). Further we found that these two couples purchased land together in Bloom Twp., Fairfield County, Ohio in 1818.
With that information I began an earnest search for Hugh Sloan in 1810. He was not to be found. However, one day I tinkered with variant spellings, and typed in Hugh Stone. There he was in Bloom Twp., Columbia County, Pennsylvania.
Much research, including a trip to Salt Lake City, Utah's family history library, later I was not able to find a connection or even be sure that that was the right Hugh Sloan.
Then, after giving up the search, I logged into my DNA profile at www.familytreedna.com and noticed a new match. It was a Levelle Miller. It turned out his sister, Marva Grove, was a volunteer at the Burbank, CA genealogy library and had purchased the test for her brother. I met Marva and she shared her family history which went back to an Abraham Miller of Columbia County. Her family had not been able to find him though because the will they had was a transcript that has omitted their ancestor and Abraham's eldest son. However, I have the original will and it clearly lists John Miller as his son.
Further research has produced overwhelming evidence that this is the correct Abraham Miller and our common ancestor. Including the birthdates of his children which are exact matches with the birth date on William's tombstone. And most recent, DNA testing from a descendent of Abraham Miller's son Isaac, which was also an exact match. I know have complete details on all of Abraham's children and nearly all of his grandchildren.
Timeline 1782 to 1821:
1782 Exeter, Berks County, PA Marr: Sept. 29, 1782 Phebe Wepp to Abraham Mieler by William Boos
[There is also a Jonathon Mieler and Mary Runyoun married by William Boos in Exeter on July 28, 1782] (Mary Runyon is the daughter of Thomas Runyon) (note there is a Jonathon Miller in 1790 Northumberland near George Webb (brother of Phebe) and the Willits’)
http://archiver.rootsweb.com/th/read/RUNYAN/2004-09/1095190355
Records of this marriage also appear in the Men's and in the Women's Monthly Meetings in Exeter Twp, Berks County. Phebe was disowned by the Quakers for marrying outside her religion by a priest. They paid her several visits but she did not disavow her marriage. E-mail me for more details on these records. A copy of the originals were obtained from Swarthmore College.
Quite a bit of information is known about Phebe Webb's family. Her father was first cousin to the famous frontiersman, Daniel Boone. An excellent source of information on her family can be found at the website of Robert Keyes: http://www1.iwvisp.com/bobkeyes/John%20Webb%20Sr/John%20Webb,%20Jr.html
For exact birthdates of all of Abraham's children and most of his grandchildren please e-mail me. The only child I don't have the children for is Abraham's youngest daughter Elizabeth [Miller] Campbell.
1783 Wyoming Twp
Benj. Boone
Saml Boone
James Henry 120 acres
Robert Henry 300 acresAbraham Miller 300 acres (following the land/census records back this is most likely our Abe)
George Miller 300 acres This must be Hunter George from Hamburg, Windsor Twp, Berks who settled in Shamokin Twp. Northumberland Co. and left in 1792 and died in Berks in 1802 Although there a stunning similarities between his family and Abraham Miller's, DNA testing of one his descendents, did not match Abrham's. http://familytreemaker.genealogy.com/users/g/a/t/Claudia--L-Gattshall/FILE/0003text.txt
1785 Wyoming Twp
Samuel Boon 450 acres
Benjamin Boon 295 acres
James Hendry 120 acres
Robert Hendry 300 acres (dies 1839 wife Martha see wills)
Abr’m Miller 300 acres
George Miller 300 acres
Jonathan Miller 300 acres (note marriage records in 1782 above) (may also be son of
George Miller. Johannes Miller died 1804 in Northumberland)
Garret Moore 100 acres
Isaac Webb 300 acres
John Webb 300 acres
Samuel Webb 600 acres1787 Wyoming Twp
Benjamin Boon 295 acres
Samuel Boon 600 acres
John Courtright 0 acres
Thomas Kitchen 300 acres
Abr’m Miller 300 acres
George Miller 300 acres
Samuel Webb 600 acres
Isaac Webb – acres
John Webb 295 acres1790 Bloom Twp, Northumberland County
George Millar 2 males over 16, 2 males under 16, 5 females page 25
-Silas Ingle
-Thomas Kitchen
Robert Brown
Joshua Trinbey
Jacob FinglerAbraham Miller over 16 (the only Abraham Miller in Nrthbld in 1790)
3 sons under 16 (John 6, Wm. 4, Thos. 1)
2 females (Phebe 37, Rachel 2)George Bellis
Benjamin Boonepage 29 George Miller 1 males over 16, 4 males under 16, 1 female [near Jn Creasley, Adam Ekrode, John Kitchen. He may be the father of John Miller father of Bartus Miller.William Miller]
1792 Warrant No. 888 Abraham Miller 400 acres Fishing Creek Twp 12/24/1792 date of return 08/22/1795 Patentee Charles Hall P 17 400 A5 102 ::400 acres on a small West branch of Pine Creek near the head of said creek, adjoining lands of William Montgomery in Fishing Creek Twp. {he is of New London, Chester County}
Charles Hall, born in 1767, read law with Col. Thomas Hartley, at York, Pennsylvania, and was admitted to the bar of Northumberland county in 1791. He married Elizabeth Coleman, of Lebanon county, daughter of the wealthy iron manufacturer. He purchased and presented his daughter the Muncy Farms, now known as "Hall's Farms." Mr. Hall built the large building in Sunbury long occupied by the late John B. Packer for an office. When he took up his residence in Lycoming county, he became a member of the bar and took an active interest in public affairs. He died, January 14, 1821, while on a visit to Philadelphia. His remains were removed to the cemetery at Hall's and interred in the family lot.
After much negotiating an agreement was finally reached between Drinker and Coleman, and the latter purchased the mansion house property and presented it to his daughter Elizabeth (Coleman), wife of Charles Hall, Esq., of Sunbury. Other portions of the farm were purchased from time to time and added to the original, until the estate comprised about six thousand acres and it came to be known as "Hall's Farms. "After the death of Charles Hall, in 1821, his widow and her twelve children removed to the farm, which she improved and carried on. At her death the estate was divided among her children, and a portion of it is still hold by descendants. (Charles Hall, 1767 MD – 1821 Phila., PA)
1793 Warrant No. 1126 Abraham Miller 400 acres Fishing Creek Twp 12/5/1793 date of return 11/23/1795 Patentee Robert Montgomery {he is of New London, Chester County} P 28 34 C130 213 :: 400 acres of land adjoining land surveyed for Frances Lingling (or Qingling) near the end of the Nob Mountains in Fishing Creek Twp. rate of 50 shillings per 100 acres.
1795 June 19 1795 49 Abraham Miller 292 acres E. Dunlop -- Ap. 3014 Bally Castle April 11 1769 Northumberland (He later sells 5 acres of this land to Jacob Miller on October 27, 1817) (Thomas Miller is living on this land in 1817) (in 1806 Jacob Miller buys land next to this land) :: Abraham paid in pounds and shillings for: Bally Castle situate on the westerly side of the North East Branch of Susquehanna River late Northampton now Northumberland County. Beginning at a Chestnut at a branch of Susquehanna River thence by warrant laid Northwest deg. West three hundred and twenty eight pert to a Hickory North Seventy five degrees west on hundred deg sixty perches to a hickory south thirty degrees east three hundred twenty eight perches to a black oak of said Branch and thence down the same.
292 acres and a quarter. Said tract was surveyed in Application No 3014 dated April 11, 1769 by Edward Dunlap thereby Deed dated October 9, 1773 conveyed the said tract to George Fullerton {he is from Chester County}who is since Decd. and Margaret Fullerton and James Riddle Esq. executers of said deceased by deed dated January 1, 1795 conveyed the same to the said Abraham Miller whom warrant of acceptance deed June 17 instant of Abraham Miller his
JOHNSTON, ALEXANDER. New London. (1709-1790 Irish birth)
July 29, 1790. September 3, 1790.
Requests to be buried by side of deceased wife Martha in the place I have alloted for a burial ground on the plantation where I dwell, which piece of ground I do hereby reserve and set apart for a burying place. To son Francis £200. To daughter Ann, wife of David Kennedy, Esq., £300. To daughter Martha, wife of Dr. John McDowell, £200. To daughter Margaret, wife of James Strawbridge, £400. To son Alexander £300. To son James £25, having already been very liberal to him. To the 4 daughters of my son Robert, deceased, Ann, Martha, Jane and Elizabeth Johnston £500 to be divided. To grandson James Edminston now in the East Indies £5, and to his brother Alexander Johnston Edminston £100. To granddaughter Anna McDowell £100. To Margaret, widow of George Fullerton, £50. To the Trustees of Presbyterian Congregation of New London £50 for cleaning meeting house and making fires in cold weather. Executors: Son James, sons-in-law John McDowell, James Strawbridge. Wit: William Hunter, Abraham Shoemaker.
August 7, 1795 Abraham Miller for the sum of 1 pound 3 shillings paid to Robert Montgomery {he is of New London, Chester County, his sister’s (or aunt’s) birth is in Holy Trinity (Old Swedes) Church, Wilimgton, Delaware}buys a certain tract of land called Abrams Plain situated in Northumberland County Beginning at a White Oak thence by land of David and Mary Duncan south 88 degrees west 275 perches to a hickory thence by said Mary and David Duncan’s land south 2 degrees, east 24 perches to a pine thence by the same land of Dean Simmons(Timmons?) South eighty eight degrees west fifty one perches to a post thence by vacant land north two degrees west 244 perches to a pine north 88 degrees east 328 perches to a pa? and thence by lands of Daniel Heister (aka Hester?) south 2 degreees east 220 perches. 232 acres and 110 perches.
Warrant dated December 5 1793 granted to said Abraham Miller who by deed dated August 1, 1795 conveyed the ? to the said Robert Montgomery. {he is of New London, Chester County}
August 9, 1795 Adam and Babary Ecrot sell by indenture land in Mifflin Twp to Abraham Miller. (See Abraham’s sale of this land in 1798 – I don’t have this 1795 deed)
August 9, 1796 Abraham Miller of Fishing Creek Twp. buys land from Adam and Barbara Eckrot of Catawissa for 155 pounds. 110 acres is in Catawissa bounded by land of Mary Scott, John Patton, Richard Parker,
May 7, 1798 Abraham Miller of Briar Creek and his wife Phebe sell to Peter Gearhart of Mifflin Twp. for 175 pounds. He sells land in Mifflin Twp. bounded by land of Mary Mary Scott, John Patton, Richard Parker (for a total of 110 acres). (Which said tract was surveyed in pursuance of a warrant dated 19th November 1788 granted to George Longenberger, who by Deed dated 17th December conveyed the same to Adam Ecrot who obtained a patent from the Commonwealth of Pennylvania for the same bearing date the 3d. day of December 1795 Inrolled in the Rolls Office for said state in Patent Book No. 27 page 206, and the said Adam Ecrot with Barbary his wife by their indenture dated the 9th day of August in the year of our Lord 1795 conveyed the same to Abraham Miller reference thereunto being had may for fully & at large appear.)
1799 Abraham Miller of Bloom Twp., Northumberland County, Storekeeper lawful atty. for Mary Kunckel, a shop keeper of Northern Liberties, city of Philadelphia. Signed in presence of Henrich Miller and Philip C. Kunckel in Philadelphia.
Will of John Kunckel: N. Liberties. City of Phila. Shopkeeper. March 10, 1796. December 6, 1798. Y.100. (German ancestry)
Wife: Mary.
Children: Philip Conrad, John, Christian, Sarah, Mary.
Exec: Wife Mary, Sons Philip Conrad (godson of Philip Conrad Hester), John and Christian Kunckel.
Wit: George S. Moore, Christian Moore, Mary Hester, Jacob Neisser.his father? W.418 No. 241 - 1793KUNCKEL, John. N. Liberties, City of Philad'a. Signed July 24. 1793. (Estate in Europe and America) Wife- Christina. Exec. Sons Christian and John Kunckel. Witnesses- Andrew Mattern, Christina -her mark- Sheive, Jacob Hoffman. Prov. July 31.
McCULLOCK, HUGH. City of Phila. Merchant.
March 31, 1797. September 8, 1807. 2.157.
Property in Philadelphia to son James McCullock, property to line of ground late of John Lynn and Thomas Ewing {note Maskell Ewing loans money to Abraham}, to Isaac Coats {the only other Isaac Coates in Pennsylvania is in East Caln} line, also land purchased of Stephen Paschall and wife &c. Annuity to step-dau. Sarah Lennox. House and ground to dau. Jane Birckhead, late in tenure of John Bushell, also two houses adjoining. To dau. Eleanor Anderson two houses with ground &c. Ground purchased of bro. John Cullock.Exec: Son James, sons-in-law Alexander Anderson and Solomon Birckhead and friend John Stille, Jr.Wit.: R. Whitehead, Robt. Whitehead, Philip C. Kunckel.SAVILLE, SAMUEL. City of Phila. Lime Merchant
August 1799. October 15, 1800. Y.414.
[Estate: 2,400 Acres in North Branch Juniatta, 1,600 Acres in Northampton Co., Pennsylvania, and in Philadelphia.]
To Brothers and Sisters [in Antigua] and their Children. To African Church [in Phila]. To Ann Dunbar, Peter Richmond, Rev. Absalom Jones. To Masonic Order or Society [in Phila]. To School belonging to the African Church [in Phila]. To Rosanna Hun, Daughter Maria.Exec: Rev. Absalom Jones, William Allison, Peter Richmond, Sandy Yard. Wit: Samuel Wetherill, Junr, John Wetherill, Philip Kunckel.
1799 Half Way House Inn Established
Travel between different points along the river had increased to such an extent since the opening of the Fort Jenkins hotel, that Abram MILLER, in 1799, established another. From its position midway between Bloomsburg and Berwick, it was afterward known as the Half-Way house. When a stage-line was established between Sunbury and Wilkesbarre, its land-lords became widely known for their hospitality and for the celerity [sic] and promptness with which an exchange of horses could here be made. Thomas MILLER succeeded his father, but the establishment reached the zenith of its prosperity under the management of Samuel HARMAN, who was proprietor at a period when stage travel was necessary for a large class of people. When the canal was opened, the packet, a long, narrow boat drawn by six horses, was regarded as a more rapid and comfortable conveyance than the coach, and received a fair degree of patronage during the summer months. The decade immediately preceding the construction of the rail-road, was the most profitable one in the finances of stage proprietors. The volume of travel was such as to give a lucrative business to several companies. Since the opening of the railroad in 1858 the Half-Way house has ceased to be a place of popular resort, as the conditions under which it became such no longer exist. To the imaginative observer the quaint appearance of its broad porches still suggests the hurry and confusion of the old stage-exchange.
The name of Abram MILLER is also associated with an early industry of Centre township, and one that has adapted itself to the changing characters of the circumstances under which it has been conducted. The tract purchased by him in 1799 embraced a portion of lime ridge, in which the strata of limestone were but thinly covered by soil, and appeared in some places at the surface. Quarries were opened and the stone reduced to lime. This was conveyed to different points by means of flat-boats and wagons. A considerable portion was used in constructing the first brick buildings of Wilkesbarre. When the manufacture of iron was begun at Danville, Roaringcreek, Hemlock creek, Shickshinny and Wilkesbarre limestone for smelting purposes was obtained at this point. The canal-boat superseded the batteau as a means of transportation. The limestone was thus taken to Lackawanna in 1841, then at the head of navigation, and from there by a gravity railroad to Scranton, where it was used in considerable quantities for some years. The MILLERS, Abram and Thomas, operated quarries at the west end of the Centerville surface strata, John JONES its eastern, and John KNORR its central portion. Since 1854 LOW Brothers have controlled three-fourths of the product. The quarries are practically exhausted at some places, although still operated to a limited extent.
1800 Briar Creek, Northumberland County
Abraham Miller 26-44 (Wm. Slone and Silas Engle {english from Burlington NJ} here also)
1 son 10-15
3 sons 0-10
1 wife 26-44
1 daughter 0-101800 Bloom Twp., Northumberland County
Abraham Miller 26-44
3 sons 10-15
2 sons under 10
1 daughter 10-15
1 daughter 16-25
wife 26-44William Miller 26-44
2 sons 10-15
1 son under 10
2 daughters under 10
wife 26-44Jan. 2, 1804 Masonic Lodge, Rising Sun Lodge, No. 100 F. & A.M., was organized , and met at the house of William Miller in Bloomsburg. The first worthy master names was Daniel B. Potter, who declined; Christian Brobst was named in his stead. In 1805 and for a number of years thereafter the meetings were held alternately at Bloomsburg and Catawissa.
1801, November 27 Abraham Miller of Bloom Twp is made power of Atty for Thomas Pim Cope (aka Thomas Pym Cope) of Philadelphia in order to manage Thomas’ lands in Northumberland, Northampton and Luzerne counties. He describes Abraham as his “trusty and loving friend”. Note: Thomas P. Cope (1768 Chester Co. – 1854) was a famous Quaker dry goods merchant in Philadelphia. His cousin Thomas Pim is the executor of the will of Warrick Miller (son of Robert Miller and Ruth Haines).
Correspondence and other great material from the Thomas P. Cope family at:
http://www.phmc.state.pa.us/bah/DAM/mg/ys/m38ys.pdf
Thomas P. Cope purchased 14,000 acres of land in Mifflin County in Nov. of 1796. (as did his brothers: Jasper & Israel Cope at the same time) Patent index:
http://www.phmc.state.pa.us/BAH/DAM/rg/di/r17PatentIndexes/P1792-1800PatentIndex57.pdf
also
http://www.phmc.state.pa.us/BAH/DAM/rg/di/r17PatentIndexes/P1792-1800PatentIndex58.pdfFrom the Diary of Thomas P. Cope:
August 24th, 1801 ….We arrived at Abm. Miller’s, 3 miles from the Town, early in the day. In the afternoon were escorted by him to my place on Fishing Creek. The mills, either for want of judgment in their creation, or for want of subsequent care, are going to ruin…..
August 25th, 1801 …Pursuing our route up the river, we passed thro’ Berwick, 7 miles above Miller’s. It is the very picture of poverty & ruin, consisting of about 25 log houses, all fast going to decay. The inhabitants are too poor or too lazy to afford themselves a well & therefore drink the river water…….
August 26th, 1801 (after visiting Nath. Beach 13 miles upriver from Abraham’s they return) ….At night, we were again at Abm. Miller’s. We were treated with attention & hospitality by him and his young pretty wife. [he makes no mention of any relationship however, it would be interesting to find records or letters prior to his diary which began in 1800. Or letters or ledgers aftwerward.]
1785 Chester County Will of: Pim, Thomas. E. Caln. 3-17-1785. Oct. 20, 1786. Having given to son William heretofore about £550, which he has made but poor use of, yet in hopes he may turn from his evil ways, that his creditors be not defrauded, I give to him £600 from the sale of the plantation and mills he is now possessed of in Sadsbury, the said plantation containing 156 acres. To son Thomas the 2 tracts of land he is now possessed of, one purchased from Patrick Miller containing 83 acres, the other purchased of Jane Parke containing 101 acres, he paying to my Executor £100. To son John tract of land which I now live on, conveyed to me by my father, containing 200 acres, he paying £150 to my daughter Hannah Miller's [wife of Robert and Ruth (Haines) Miller’s son, James b. 1754] 3 oldest children, Thomas, Rachel and Israel when of age. To daughter Ann Edge £273. To daughter Hannah Miller £120. To daughter Sarah Lee £300. To daughter Rachel Pim £470. To Friends of Caln Meeting £10 toward enclosing graveyard with a stone wall. I give Elizabeth Chalfant's indentures to daughter Sarah, and to son John, indentures of John Robinett. Executor: Son John.
1805 Abraham Miller, of Bloom Twp., a Storekeeper, Power of Atty. for Conrad Kunckel (executor of estate of his father, John Kunckel, decd.)
February 18, 1806 Abraham Miller, of Bloom Twp., a Shopkeeper, borrows money from Maskill Ewing Esq. of Philadelphia secured by land in Briar Creek (adjoining William Sloan, farmer of Briar Creek and Frederick Hill). William Sloan also borrows money from Maskill Ewing the same day. This deal was sworn in person in Philadelphia before John Inskeep, Mayor of City of Philadelphia. Also in the presence of Elinor H. Ewing and Mary P. Ewing. Maskill Ewing was the county auditor in 1809 for Deleware County, PA. Maskell Ewing (1758 NJ – 1825 NJ [was visiting relatives when he died but he actually lived in Deleware County, PA at that time]
Name: Maskell Ewing
Description: Son-in-law
Date: 23 Aug 1792
Prove Date: 17 Mar 1796
BookPage: WBX:412Remarks: Hunter, James. City of Phila. Merchant.Large estates in Philadelphia, New Jersey and several Counties in Pennsylvania.Wife: Elinor. Children: James, Jennet Ewing. To James Hunter Sterling. Niece: Jennet Denny.Exec: Wife Elinor, Son James Hunter, Son-in-Law Maskell Ewing, Nephew James Sterling, David Kennady, Esq.
April 15, 1806 Abraham Miller of Bloom Twp. Mortgagee for land in Briar Creek Twp. bounded by John Patton, Abraham Miller, Frederick Hills, Susquehanna River. “it being part of a Tract of Land called “Fair View” granted to James Hunter Mercht. of Philadelphia by Patent bearing date the 28th March AD 1782…The said James Hunter by his last Will bequeathed the same to his daughter Jane Ewing and Maskill Ewing (husband of said Jane Ewing) with Jane his wife by their indenture bearing date the 18th of Feb. AD 1806 did convey the same to the said Abraham Miller, and the said Abraham Miller with Nancy his wife by Indenture bearing even date herewith for the consideration therien did grant the above 200 acres of land to said Leonard Knorr”(Abraham Miller acknowledges payment received in full on February 6, 1817)
So the Abraham Miller who owns the land on the Susquehanna next to Jacob Miller in Briar Creek (later Centre) is a friend of Wm. Sloan and is married to Nancy and is a shopkeeper from Bloom twp.
April 24, 1806 Jacob Miller of Moore Twp., Northampton County farmer buys land from James Hunter, an attorney in Philadelphia, at a cost of $6,834 with a mortgage which is paid in full by May 17, 1813. For the tract of land called “Summerssett” in Bloom Twp.; adjoining the Susquehanna River, land surveyed for Edward Dunlap (aka E. Dunlop) and now owned by Abraham Miller (see June 19, 1795), land owned by James Hunter, and land owned by Benjamin Boon.
Maskell Ewing is of Irish descent
April 29, 1806 Abraham Miller of Bloom Twp sells land by mortgage to Leonard Knorr that is in Briar Creek and adjoins William Sloan, Frederick Hill, and the Susquehana. (It being part of a tract of land called “Fair View” granted to James Hunter Merchant of Philadelphia by Patent bearing date the 28th March AD 1782 Enrolled in the Rolls office for the stat of Pennsylvania in Patent No. 1 page 181 the 20 April 1782 and the said James Hunter by his last Will and Testament bequethed the same to his daughter Jane Ewing, and to her heirs and assigns forever, and Maskill Ewing (husband of of the said Jane Ewing) with Jane his wife by their indenture bearing date the 18th February AD 1806 did grant and convey the same to the said Abraham Miller and the said Abraham Miller with Nancy his wife by Indenture bearing even date herewith for the consideration therein mentioned did grant and confirm the above described 200 acres of land to the said Leonard Knorr his heir and Assigns forever).
Feb 6, 1817 Abraham Miller acknowleges receiving full payment for the above mortgage for 2,100 pounds in annual payments.
1808 Mifflin Twp. Tax List
OWNER ACRES BUILDINGS LOCATION H-C-S OCCUPATION VALUE TAX
MILLER, Abraham 300 cabin B Hunsinger 2-2-0 Yeoman 600 268
MILLER, Abraham 300 cabin/barn Hunsingers 2-2-0 Yeoman 900 3881810 Mifflin Twp, Northumberland County
Abraham Miller 45+
2 sons 10-15
2 sons under 10
1 female 26-44
1 female 10-15
1 female 0-101810 Bloom Twp., Northumberland County
Abraham Millar 45+ [there appears to be more than 1 family here or a 2nd wife] (pg 3)
2 sons 26-44 (John 26, ?)
1 son 16-25 (Isaac 18 or Thomas 21)
4 sons under 10 (Abraham 1, Elisha 3, Joseph 5, Jacob 7)
1 female 26-44 Nancy
3 females 16-25 (?,?,?) wives of his sons?
3 daughters under 10 (Maria 8, Nancy 0 born June 28, ?)Jacob Millar 45+ (next to Abraham, and Benj. Boone, Webb’s & Tomlinson’s - page 3)
2 sons 16-25 (Philip b. 1790, Jacob 1790’s)
1 son 10-15 (George b. 1797)
1 son under 10 (Peter b. 1799)
1 daughter 16-25
2 daughters under 10
wife 45+ (Catherine)
[George Jr., Jacob Miller grantor:George Miller Sr. 12/17/1798]
[Jacob Miller grantor: James Hunter 04/24/1806 v.N p.397 Bloom Tp]Hugh Slone (page 4)
Frederick Millar 16-25 (page 4)16 (He is a German Innkeeper)
1 son under 10
2 daughters under 10
wife 16-25Archibald Henry 26-44 (page 5) (father of Nancy Henry, wife of William Miller, who is the second son of Abraham)
1 son 16-25
2 sons under 10
2 daughters under 10
wife 16-25
Nov 13, 1810 Samuel Webb Jr., of Northumberland Co., PA witnesses a deed from Abraham Miller, of Bloom Twp, Northumberland Co., storekeeper, & Nancy his wife to Stophel Hepler of Berks Co., PA [Schuylkill Co., PA DB 1, p. 9]. Abraham Miller, the grantor, was the husband of Samuel's first cousin, Phebe Webb, daughter of John Webb and Rachel Willits. Nancy named in the deed was Abraham's second wife. http://www1.iwvisp.com/bobkeyes/John%20Webb%20Sr/SamuelWebb1740.html
July 11, 1811 Abraham Miller yeoman of Mifflin Twp. sells “The Fishery on Hill’s Island” to Jacob Harman. (recorded 04/19/1813) subject to a bank share held by Frederick Hill and John Briggs.
October 27, 1817 Abraham Miller of Briar Creek Twp. sells to Jacob Miller of Bloom Twp for $389.69 5 acres in Bloom Twp (part of 292 acres that Abraham purchased in 1795 – see above) and adjoining land occupied by Thomas Miller, land owned by Jacob Miller, other land owned by Abram Miller.
1820 Bloom Twp., Columbia County
Jacob Miller 45+ [father of Peter, Jacob, George, Philip. wife:Catherine]
2 sons 16-26
1 daughter 16-26
2 daughters 10-16
wife 45+Thomas Miller 45+ (son of Abraham Miller)
1 son 26-45
2 sons 16-26
1 son (grandson?) 0-10
1 daughter 16-26
1 daughter 10-16
3 daughters under 10
1 female (wife or daugh. in law) 26-45Philip Miller 26-45 [son of Jacob according to will and bio above]
2 sons under 10
2 daug. under 10
wife 26-451821 Abraham Miller dies leaves will. Silas Engle (1763 NJ – 1847 Luzerne Co., PA) is executor. Silas is of English ancestry. His father and mother were Quakers who married: 21 May 1766 in Byberry Mtg, Philadelphia, PA. (e-mail for typed transcript and/or original will)
1821 John and Eve Miller of Reading, Berks County, PA buy land very near to Abraham Miller’s on the Susquehanna in Bloom Twp bordering Espy.
1830 Bloom Twp., Columbia County
Wm Miles Hotel Owner next door
Jacob Miller 70-80
Wife 60-70
Daughter 30-40Peter Miller 30-40
male 30-40
2 sons under 10
wife 20-30Isaac Miller 15-20
wife 15-20
2 sons 5-10
2 sons 0-5
1 daughter 0-5Jacob Miller 90-100
male 30-40 (this could be Jacob)
3 sons under 5
1 daughter under 5
1 daughter 10-15
1 female 30-40George Miller 30-40
2 sons under 5
1 female 20-30
1 daughter under 5
wife 30-40Boon family John, Daniel, Benjamin all in their 30’s
next page next to each other:
Nancy Miller 20’s
Phillip Miller 30’s[From website of Robert Keyes (several other documents transcribed there relating to the Miller family in Bloom Twp., Columbia County http://www1.iwvisp.com/bobkeyes/John%20Webb%20Sr/John%20Webb,%20Jr.html)]
Feb 27, 1823 Conrad Lamberton and Sarah his wife of Briar Creek Twp, Columbia Co., PA; Susannah Tomlinson of Bloom Twp; Samuel Webb and Mary his wife of Bloom Twp; Isaiah Webb and Sabilla his wife of Bloom Twp; and Abigail Stall of Bloom Twp, heirs at Law of Benjamin Boone Sr. Whereas Benjamin Boone Sr by indenture of Jul 23, 1816 granted to his two sons Samuel Boone and Benjamin Boone Junr a tract of land in Bloom Twp, now occupied by Samuel Boone and Benjamin Boone, adjoining the Susquehanna River, Jacob Miller, John Kennedy, Philip Achenbach, and Samuel Webb, containing 307 acres. Articles of agreement by Samuel Boone and Benjamin Boone to pay $453.33 each: to Conrad Lamberton and Sarah his wife at or upon two whole years after the decease of Benjamin Boone Sr; Susannah Tomlinson at or upon three whole years after the decease of Benjamin Boone Sr; Samuel Webb at or upon four whole years after the decease of Benjamin Boone Sr, Isaiah Webb at or upon five whole years after the decease of Benjamin Boone Sr; Abigail Stall at or upon [blank] whole years after the decease of Benjamin Boone Sr. Signed: Sarah X Lamerson, Susan x Tomlinson, Samuel Webb, Mary Webb, Isaiah Webb, Sevela Webb, Abigal x Stall. Wit: John Kennedy (esq.) {a John Kennedy is in the same Revolutionary War company as Abraham Miller}, James Kennedy. Recorded Apr 7, 1823. [Columbia Co., PA DB D4, p. 46-48]
[From multiple family tree postings at Ancestry.com] [This is also in Cope records at Berks County Historical Society and at Swarthore College and in the Quaker church records (though in the Monthly Meetings Abraham's first name is not mentioned.)]
Mary Boone b. 1699 and husb. John Daniel Webb Jr. b. 1694 (both of England) are parents of :
John Boone Webb b. 1721 Berks Co. PA who marr. Rachel Willits.
Their daughter: Phebe Webb b. 08/13/1762 in Exeter, Berks Co. PA
marr. :
Abraham Miller b. 1758 in Berks Co. on 11/27/1782 in PA.Histories:
Isaac Low, our subject's father, was born near Muncy, Pa., April 2, 1802, and was the youngest child born to his parents. At an early age he moved to Columbia County, and for the first two years was employed by Jesse and John Bowman, two very prominent business men of that section at that time. He later became a partner with them, purchasing a team, with which he hauled produce to Philadelphia and New York City and store goods on the return trip. He continued at that line of work for two years. He married Maria Miller, a daughter of Abraham Miller, a farmer and a large land-owner in Briarcreek and Center townships. He then moved upon a farm near Berwick, and a short time after he and the Bowman brothers purchased the entire estate of Abraham Miller from the lat-ter's heirs. This property consisted of a large farm and mill property near Berwick and a farm of 308 acres at Lime Ridge. http://ftp.rootsweb.com/pub/usgenweb/pa/columbia/bios/low-elisha-w1829.txt
That the place of holding the 7th election district elections, is hereby from the house of DAVID FOWLER, to the house of ABRAHAM MILLER, in Bloom twp., and the place of holding elections in the 14th election district is hereby changed from the house of HENRY GROSS, to the house now occupied by PETER APPLE, in Beaver twp. 12 Mar 1804.
http://ftp.rootsweb.com/pub/usgenweb/pa/1pa/xmisc/1804-1805laws.txt
This is very interesting as the Jacob Miller appears to be the same Jacob Miller living next Abraham Miller and note the Berks County origin and German wife of Philip. Yet why would Elisha B. list his father as being from Delaware if that was the case? Perhaps Abraham, his father and siblings, were living in Berks County for a long time. Perhaps by amazing coincidence Jacob Miller is not related to Abraham, though that seems very unlikely. Or, it is possible that this is not that Philip, h/o Mary Seidle, is not the son of the Jacob Miller who arrived in 1806 from Northampton moving next to Abraham. {Or, not likely but interestingly, Philip Miller could be the brother of Jacob and Abraham Miller, all sons of Jacob Miller Sr. (who would have been about 52 at the time of Philip’s birth.)
BENJAMIN MILLER, retired farmer, P. O. Espy, was born in Scott Township, this county, May 24, 1818, son of Philip and Mary (SEIDLE) MILLER. Jacob MILLER, grandfather of Benjamin, was born in Berks County, Penn., following farming, and lived there until his death. (that is incorrect he died in Columbia County in 1837) His father came from Berks County, and took up a good deal of land there, and also lived there the rest of his life. Philip MILLER, father of Benjamin, was born and reared in Berks County to farm life. He was married in Berks County to Miss Mary SEIDLE, a native of Berks County, of German descent. They came to this county in 1812, bringing with them their family, which then consisted of one son and one daughter. They located at Espy, where Mr. MILLER engaged in in-keeping, which he abandoned and bought a farm in this township, which is now owned by Jesse HOFFMAN, and there located and followed farming until about ten years before his death, when he lived a retired life. He died January 1, 1872, at the age of eighty years, and is buried at Afton. His wife died May 8, 1852, and is buried in the Lutheran Reformed Church Cemetery, Bloomsburg. They were the parents of six children, of whom four are living: Benjamin; Mary, widow of Andrew JINGLES, living in Maine Township, this county; Harriet, wife of Joseph BREISCH, living in Catawissa Township, this county; Regina, wife of Oscar WOLVERTON, living in Northumberland County, Penn. Benjamin was reared in Columbia County, where he has always had his home. He made his residence with his parents until he was married, and after that event moved into another house on the same farm, which he worked. He lived there until he bought his present farm of nineteen acres. He was married in this county February 19, 1857, to Miss Catherine ALE. They came to this county from New Jersey and settled in Greenwood Township, where they resided until their death. The father died November 1, 1880, and the mother March 1, of the same year. They are buried at KITCHEN's Church, Mount Pleasant Township, this county. Mr. and Mrs. MILLER were the parents of one child, Jeanetta, who died when nine months old. They reared an adopted child, Sallie, now the wife of William HOFFMAN. They are also rearing another little adopted girl, named Mamie. Our subject and wife are members of the Lutheran Church. He is assistant superintendent of the Methodist Sabbath-school at Afton. In politics he is a Democrat. ("History of Columbia and Montour Counties Pennsylvania" Battle 1887 Scott Township pg. 535)
The following book (Richard Haines and His Descendants) excerpt contains the often referenced source for Abraham's father being Jacob Miller, son Robert Miller and Ruth Haines. The source that this source depends on is nothing more than anonymous query to a Hartford, CT newspaper. To see that newspaper and all other sources please see Gayen Miller Connection. Abraham Miller is not the paternal descendent of Robert Miller (via Jacob) as the following excerpt contends, though he does have business and family connections to this family:
Frederick Miller, a German from Northampton county, was the proprietor of the village of Millerstown in Mt. Pleasant (prior to 1818 it was part of Bloom) ……………. At Millerstown, the first post-office in the township was opened in 1831 by Frederick Miller, in the days when every package or letter was receipted to the sender, and the date of its delivery, its destination and the amount of postage paid, reported to the department at Washington. http://www.rootsweb.com/~pacolumb/mounttwp.htm
Miscellaneous Odds & Ends:
1. 1850 United States Federal Census > Pennsylvania > Columbia > Mount Pleasant
Wm. Miller 35 PA
Elizabeth 30
Franklin 11
Alfred 9
Martha 3
Willits 1a few families later:
Frederick Miller 62 PA Farmer $25,000 (he was German from Northampton)
Elizabeth Miller 68
-Hotel- [written sideways on left margin]
Peter Wolf 21 Laborer
Frederick Hess 19
Catherine Faux 40
Catherine Thomas 16nearby
John Miller 28 Carpenter
Margaret Miller 23
Catillia 1
Sarah Long 10Kline family (Harmon Kline 70 NJ) and Kestler family surrounding
What became of the the old townships?
ERECTED
TOWNSHIPS
FORMED FROM
1772
Turbut
Northumberland County
1772
Wyoming
Northumberland County
1772
Augusta
Northumberland County
1775
Mahoning
Turbut
1785
Catawissa
Augusta
1786
Derry
Turbut
1789
Fishingcreek
Wyoming
1797
Briarcreek
Fishingcreek
1797
Mifflin
Catawissa
1798
Bloom
Briarcreek
1799
Greenwood
Fishingcreek
1801
Hemlock
Mahoning
1813
Sugarloaf
Fishingcreek
1817
Madison
Derry
1818
Mt. Pleasant
Greenwood, Bloom & Fishingcreek
1832
Roaringcreek
Catawissa
1837
Montour
Hemlock
1838
Jackson
Greenwood
1840
Orange
Fishingcreek, Mt. Pleasant & Bloom
1843
Franklin
Catawissa
1844
Maine
Mifflin & Catawissa
1844
Center
Bloom & Briarcreek
1845
Beaver
Mifflin & Maine
1850
Benton
Sugarloaf
1853
Pine
Madison
1853
Locust
Roaringcreek
1853
Scott
Bloom
1855
Conyngham
Locust
April Taerm 1798
Petition for Division of Twp.
of Briar Creek.
To the Honorable Jacob Rush, Esq., and his Associate
Judges of the Court now setting at Sunbury-Northum-
berland County Court of Quarter Sessions. The Petition
of the Inhabitants of Brier Creek township Respectfully
Sheweth: That your Petitioners labor under many Incon-
vencies from the extent of said township, they, therefore,
pray for a division Beginning at the River Susquehanna On
the southwest line of Abram Millers, thence on said line
to the end thereof, thence on a straight course to the corner
of Esheil Fowlers & Daniel Fowlers land, thence along their
line and that course continued to Fishing Creek Township
and all that part westward of the Division to be erected
into a new township by the name of Bloom Township. They,
therefore, pray your Honors to Appoint Commissioners to
run said line and your Petitioners as in Duty bound Will
Ever Pray.
Joseph Longi
Wm. Courtright
Jos. Salmon
William Barton
Wm. Park
Benj. Drake
Wm. White
Arthur Buchannon Wm. McCarter
Evan Owen
James Evans
Joseph Drake
Silas Engle
James Brundage Thomas Williamson
On Motion the Court appoint Jonathan Shoemaker,
Esq., Wm. Parke, John Smith, Samuel Jackson, Joseph
Salomon commissioners to Report whether it is expedient
for the Convenience of the People of the present Township
of Briar Creek that it should be divided, and if so, what
Line of Division will best accomodate the People afsd
August Sessions 1798
Report of Commissioners on the Division
of Brier Creek Township.
Agreeable to the Order of Court-April Term 1798, We
Report we find it Expedient for the Convenience of the
People of the Township of Brier Creek to be divided in
following manner to best Accomodate the People Aforesaid,
viz: Beginning at the Bank of the River at the N. E.
Corner of Abraham Millers Land at a Black Oak Corner,
thence by said Millers land, N 32 W 328 to a W. O., N 16
W 260 to David Fowlers Corner, thence by Fowlers and
Aikmans Line N 2 W 272 to a Hickory, a Corner of David
Fowlers Land-Continued 760 to the top of the Nob Moun-
tain at the Division Line between Fishing Creek Township
and Brier Creek Township.
Surveyed the 30th day of July-1798.
Jonathan
William Park
Sam Jackson
Showmaker
John Smith
Joseph Salmon
Confirmed by the Court. Name of Twp.-Bloom
January Term 1799
Petn. for a division of Fishing Creek Twp.
To the Judges and Honble. Court of Quarter Sessions
to meet in Sunbury on the Fourth Monday in January-
1799-The Petition of the undersigned inhabitants of Fish-
ing Creek Humbly Sheweth-
That said township extends in Length upwards of
Twenty miles, and is at least eighteen Miles in width-
That our township Officers from its extensiveness find it
very inconvenient to them: That the mileage to those who
are Sued amounts frequently to nearly as much as the
Principle Sum, for these and other obvious reasons We your
Petnrs. humbly requists that your Honble. Court will order
Commissioners to run a Divisional line in Said Township
and make report. Commencing at the mouth of Green
Creek, thence to the narrows and along the same, thence
in a direct line unto the Big Ridge and thence unto the
North Mountain: The Honble. Court taking the above
premises into Consideration will thereby gratify us very
much and as in Duty Bound we will ever Pray.
