The Miller Family: Henry W. Miller

Using DNA Cluster analysis we were able to determine that Julie is a descendant of Henry H. Miller and Lydia Shoup. Julie currently shares DNA with two children of Henry H. Miller and Lydia Shoup – their son Henry Washington Miller and their daughter Lucy Ann Miller. DNA analysis indicates that Julie is more closely related to the descendants of Henry Washington Miller. Henry W. Miller will serve as the starting point to researching the greater Miller family.

The Early Years

Henry Washington Miller, the son of Henry Miller and Lydia Shoup, was born July 4, 1836 in Pennsylvania. His date of birth and parents’ names are recorded on his death certificate. The 1850 United States Federal Census records the 13 year old Henry living with his parents in Beaver, Clarion County, Pennsylvania. The family was enumerated September 18, 1850. Henry H. Miller is recorded as head of household age 50. The household included Lydia age 51, Mary age 19, Esther age 17, Clara age 12, Judy age 10, and Lucy age 6. The girls are presumed to be Henry W. Miller’s sisters. The 1850 United States Federal Census did not record the relationship of individuals to the head of household. Henry H. Miller was recorded as a farmer. All of the children in the household attended school in the census year.

Excerpt from the 1850 United States Federal Census
Beaver, Clarion, Pennsylvania
Henry H. Miller family on lines 8 through 15. 

Marriage to Emeline Weaver

The next historical reference to Henry W. Miller is the 1860 United States Federal Census. He is enumerated as the head of household in Licking Township, Clarion County, Pennsylvania. The post office for the area is recorded as Callenburg. The household consisted of Henry, age 23, and Emeline age 17. The 1860 United States Federal Census did not record the relationship of individuals to the head of household. Given their ages and that the couple is living together it can be inferred that Emeline is Henry's wife. Henry is recorded as a boat builder with an estate valued at $50. The census indicates that Henry and Emeline were born in Pennsylvania.

Excerpt from the 1860 United States Federal Census
Licking, Clarion, Pennsylvania
Henry W. Miller family on lines 12 and 13.

The date of the marriage between Henry W. Miller and Emeline is currently unknown. The marriage would have occurred prior to August 20, 1860 when the couple was enumerated in the 1860 United States Federal Census. Emeline’s maiden name is currently known to be Emeline Weaver. Her maiden is referenced in historical records associated with her children. She is recorded as Emeline Weaver in her son George B. Miller’s marriage record. This reference to her would have been based on firsthand source information as George would have included her name in the marriage record. Her maiden name is also recorded as Weaver on her son Warren Washington Miller's death record. This reference to her would have been based on second hand source information as the death certificate would have been completed by an individual who knew Warren Washington Miller.

An official marriage record for the couple has not been located at this time. This document if located would offer additional perspective on Emeline’s surname, the names of her parents and possibly additional details on her birth location.

The events of the United States Civil War impacted Henry and Emeline. The Pennsylvania Veterans Burial Cards indicate that Henry served in the United States Civil War. The notes on his burial card indicate on August 23, 1862 Henry W. Miller joined the 155th Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, Company A. He remained in service until April 10, 1863. These details have not been further verified against other Civil War records. It is currently not known where Emeline was living during the period when Henry served in the Union Army.

Pennsylvania, Veterans Burial Cards, 1777-2012
Record for Henry Miller

The first recorded child born to the couple was Sarah E. Miller born May 26, 1866 in Beaver Valley, Forest County, Pennsylvania. The next child born was Warren Washington Miller born December 31, 1868 in Forest County, Pennsylvania. Followed by Margaret C. Miller was born 1870 – very likely in Forest County, Pennsylvania.

The 1870 United States Federal Census records Henry W. Miller as the head of household. The family was enumerated in Hickory Township, Forest County, Pennsylvania on August 17, 1870. The post office is recorded as Tionesta, Forest County. Henry is recorded as age 35, Emeline age 27, daughter Sarah E. age 4, son Warren W. age 2 and daughter Margaret born in the census year. It should be noted that the 1870 United States did not record the relationship of individuals to the head of household. The relationships are inferred based on the ages of the children. Henry W. Miller was recorded as a laborer and Emeline is recorded as keeping house. Henry’s personal estate is valued at $50. The census indicates all members of the household were born in Pennsylvania.

Excerpt from the 1870 United States Federal Census
Hickory, Forest, Pennsylvania
Henry W. Miller family on lines 24 through 28

Following the 1870 United States Census the Henry W. Miller and Emeline Weaver had four more documented children. A daughter, Florence, was born 1873 in Pennsylvania. A son, George B. Miller, was born February 2, 1875 in Forest County, Pennsylvania. A son, Wilbur Jonathan Miller, was born February 20, 1877 in Whig Hill, Forest County, Pennsylvania. A daughter, Blanche Miller, was born 1879 in Pennsylvania.

The 1880 United Stated Federal Census records Henry W. Miller as the head of household in Beaver Valley, Forest County, Pennsylvania. The family was enumerated on June 5, 1880. Henry W. was recorded as age 44, Emeline age 38, daughter Sarah E. age 14, son Warren age 12, daughter Margaret C. age 10, daughter Florence age 7, son George B. age 5, son Wilbur J. age 4 and daughter Blanche age 1. The 1880 United States Federal Census was the first census to record the relationship of the individuals in the household to the head of household. This census validates Emeline as Henry’s wife. The census also validates the children recorded in the previous census as Henry's. Henry was recorded as a farmer and Emeline was recorded as keeping house. The children Sarah E. and Margaret C. attended school. The census indicated all members of the household were born in Pennsylvania.

Excerpt from the 1880 United States Federal CensusBeaver Valley, Forest, Pennsylvania

Tragedy and Second Marriage to Ellen M. King

Tragedy struck the family after the 1880 census was enumerated. Emeline Weaver died sometime between June 1880 and 1884. The cause of death and burial location for Emeline Weaver are currently unknown. It is plausible that Emeline Weaver is buried in a cemetery in Hickory Township, Forest County, Pennsylvania or neighboring Kingsley Township, Forest County, Pennsylvania. Further research into burial records for cemeteries in these areas may offer perspective on her burial location.

Historical records indicate that Henry W. Miller married his second wife Ellen between 1884 and 1888. The 1900 United States indicates the couple had been married for 16 years. This places their marriage about 1884. In this case Ellen would have been about 26 years old when she married the 48 year old Henry W. Miller. The 1910 United States Federal Census indicated that Ellen was married for 22 years. That would indicate that Ellen was married about 1888.

A marriage record has been located for the marriage of a Henry W. Miller born 1836 in Clarion County, Pennsylvania to a Ellen M. Lamb. The said Henry W. Miller was living in Hickory Township. The marriage occurred 18 June 1888 in Warren, Pennsylvania.

Historical records associated with Ellen’s children indicate her maiden name was Ellen M. King. Ellen’s maiden name is documented based on firsthand source information in the social security application for her daughter Alice May Miller. Ellen is recorded as the daughter of William King and Clarinda Beach. The informant on her death certificate was Ellen Bean. Ellen Bean, born Ellen Elizabeth Hunter, is a granddaughter of Henry Miller and Emeline Weaver. Ellen M. King's death certificate would have been based on second hand information. Ellen's surname of King is also recorded on the her daughter Lydia C. Miller's death certificate which would also be second hand source of information.

It is plausible that the marriage record for the 18 June 1888 marriage is for the marriage of Henry W. Miller and Ellen M. King – as the marriage record aligns with Henry W. Miller’s birth year, birth location and residence at the time. Further research would be needed to determine if Henry W. Miller and Ellen were married in a church but didn’t officially document their marriage until 1888. Further research is also needed to verify the surname of Lamb. The surname could be an error in the original record or an indicator that Ellen was previously married.

Although the exact date of the marriage is unknown it should be noted that the first recorded child from the marriage of Henry W. Miller and Ellen King was Lydia C. Miller born January 1886. Lydia's death certificate indicates her mother was Ellen King. This would suggest that Emeline Weaver was deceased prior to January 1886. It could also be inferred that Henry married Ellen prior to 1886 and the 1888 Pennsylvania marriage record was a formality. Forest County in the mid 1880's would have been a very rural area.

Although the exact marriage date is unknown Henry most likely married Ellen soon after the death of Emeline Weaver. Henry had several young children and as he had would have needed assistance maintaining his household and caring for his young family.

Unfortunately the 1890 United States Federal Census for Pennsylvania was lost in the fire that occurred on January 10, 1921. The next historical reference to Henry W. Miller is the 1900 United States Federal Census. Henry W. Miller is recorded as the head of household in Hickory Township, Forest County, Pennsylvania. The family was enumerated June 8, 1900. Henry W. is record as age 64. His wife is recorded as Ellen M. Miller born June 1859 age 40. The census indicates Henry and Ellen were married for 16 years – indicating their marriage occured about 1884. The census indicated that Ellen had 9 children and 8 were living in 1900. Included in the household:

• Lydia C. Miller listed as daughter born January 1886 age 14. 
• Martin L. Miller listed as son born August 1887 age 12. 
• Francis H. Miller listed as son born March 1889 age 11. 
• Orion E. Miller listed as son born January 1891 age 9. 
• Winnie T. Miller listed as daughter born April 1893 age 7. 
• Stephen L. Miller listed as son born October 1896 age 4. 
• Alice M. Miller listed as daughter born May 1898 age 2. 

All of the children were born in Pennsylvania. Henry W. was recorded as a farmer. Children Lydia G., Martin L., Francis H., Orion E., and Winnie T. attended school. The family was living in an owned home with a mortgage. The family lived on a farm that was recorded as no 18 on the farm schedule.

Excerpt from the 1910 United States Federal Census
Hickory, Forest, Pennsylvania

Excerpt from the 1910 United States Federal Census
Hickory, Forest, Pennsylvania

The children from his first marriage were not enumerated in the household. Additionally a son from his second marriage, Vern M. Miller, was also not living with the household in 1910.

Henry W. Miller died on April 9, 1910 in Hickory Township, Forest County, Pennsylvania. The informant on his death certificate was W. J. Miller, his son Wilbur Jonathan Miller, from his first marriage. At that time Wilbur J. Miller was living in Kellettville, Forest County, Pennsylvania. Henry W. Miller was buried April 12, 1910 at Riverside East Hickory Cemetery located in East Hickory, Forest County, Pennsylvania.

Ellen M. King was enumerated in the 1910 United States Federal Census with her children ten days after Henry died. She is recorded as the head of household in Hickory Township, Forest County, Pennsylvania. The following individuals were included in the household:

• Vern M. Miller, son, age 22. 
• Frank H. Miller, son, age 21. 
• Fridie [Winifred] Miller, daughter, age 17. 
• Steven Miller, son, age 13. 
• Alice Miller, daughter, age 11. 
• Wash. Gulbraeth [possibly Washington] a boarder age 55. 

Ellen was recorded as working for as a housekeeper for a private family earning a wage. Her son Vern M. was working as a farm laborer and Frank H. was working as a log cutter. Her younger children Steven and Alice attended school. The family was living in a rented home. It appears sometime between 1900 and 1910 Henry W. Miller sold the farm the family owned.

Ellen outlived her husband by 29 years. She died March 16, 1939 in Kingsley, Forest County, Pennsylvania. She was buried March 20, 1939 at Riverside East Hickory Cemetery located in East Hickory, Forest County, Pennsylvania.

Henry W. Miller Family Groups 

To review what we have identified to date - Henry Washington Miller is the father of at least sixteen known children.

First Marriage to Emeline Weaver:

1. Sarah E. Miller, daughter, b. May 26, 1866 Beaver Valley, Forest County, Pennsylvania. 
2. Warren Washington Miller, son, b. December 31, 1868 Forest County, Pennsylvania. 
3. Margaret C. Miller, daughter, b. 1870 Pennsylvania. 
4. Florence Miller, daughter, b. 1873 Pennsylvania. 
5. George B. Miller, son, b. February 2, 1875 Forest County, Pennsylvania. 
6. Wilbur J. Miller, son, b. February 20, 1877 Whig Hill, Forest County, Pennsylvania. 
7. Blanche Miller, daughter, b. 1879 Pennsylvania. 

Given that Henry and Emeline were married by 1860 it is plausible that other children may have been born before Sarah E. Miller’s birth in 1866 and died before 1870 United States Federal Census was recorded. It is also plausible that all of the children from the first marriage were born in Forest County, Pennsylvania as Henry was living in Forest County, Pennsylvania when the 1870, 1880 and 1900 United States Federal Census was enumerated.

Second Marriage to Ellen M. King:

1. Lydia Clarinda Miller, daughter, b. January 9, 1886 Hickory, Forest County, Pennsylvania. 
2. Martin L. Miller, son, b. August 1887 Pennsylvania. 
3. Vern M. Miller, son, b. August 30, 1887 Pennsylvania. 
4. Francis Henry Miller, son, b. March 24, 1889 Forest County, Pennsylvania. 
5. Orion Edgar Miller, son, b. Jan 1891 Hickory, Forest County, Pennsylvania. 
6. Winnie T. Miller, daughter, b. April 11, 1893 Pennsylvania. 
7. Stephen L. Miller, son, b. April 29, 1895 Pennsylvania. 
8. Alice May Miller, daughter, b. May 1, 1898 Forest County, Pennsylvania. 
9. Unknown Miller, unknown, b. before June 8, 1900 

At this time the only reference located determine Martin L. Miller's age is the 1900 United States Federal Census. Further verification is needed to determine if Martin L. Miller and Vern M. Miller were twin brothers. It is plausible that the children from the second marriage were born in Forest County, Pennsylvania as Henry was living in Forest County, Pennsylvania when 1900 United States Federal Census was enumerated. The family was also living in Forest County, Pennsylvania in 1910.

Julie’s Connection to the Miller Family

The two cousins that Julie currently shares the most DNA with are both descendants of Warren Washington Miller, a son of the first marriage to Emeline Weaver. Julie’s link to the Miller family could possibly be through a descendant of the first marriage to Emeline Weaver or the second marriage to Ellen M. King.

The next step will be to research each of the children or in genealogy terms each line in more detail. Researching these families provides historical context to the size of the families. Historical records can also offer perspective to where the families were living and if the families relocated over the years.

In time it may be possible to connect with descendants from each line. As more individuals pursue DNA testing to learn about their genetic heritage we may also be able to locate descendants that have had their DNA tested. Comparing their DNA with Julie’s would provide perspective on their relationship to Julie. If the genetic distance is understood we may be able to determine if the individual is a distant cousin or possibly a match to Julie’s direct ancestral line.

References:

1. 1850 United States Federal Census. Year: 1850; Census Place: Beaver, Clarion, Pennsylvania; Roll: M432_767; Page: 255A; Image: 515. Record for Henry H. Miller.
2. 1860 United States Federal Census. Year: 1860; Census Place: Licking, Clarion, Pennsylvania; Roll: M653_1095; Page: 228; Image: 232; Family History Library Film: 805095. Record for Henry W. Miller.
3. 1870 United States Federal Census. Year: 1870; Census Place: Hickory, Forest, Pennsylvania; Roll: M593_1344; Page: 31A; Image: 65; Family History Library Film: 552843. Record for Henry W. Miller.
4. 1880 United States Federal Census. Year: 1880; Census Place: Beaver Valley, Forest, Pennsylvania; Roll: 1131; Family History Film: 1255131; Page: 19D; Enumeration District: 182; Image: 0041. Record for Henry W. Miller.
5. 1900 United States Federal Census. Year: 1900; Census Place: Hickory, Forest, Pennsylvania; Roll: 1412; Page: 6A; Enumeration District: 0048; FHL microfilm: 1241412.  Record for H W. Miller.
6. 1910 United States Federal Census. Year: 1910; Census Place: Hickory, Forest, Pennsylvania; Roll: T624_1347; Page: 4A; Enumeration District: 0057; FHL microfilm: 1375360. Record for Ellen Miller. 
7. Ancestry.com. Pennsylvania, Records of Marriages, 1885-1889 [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2011. Record for Henry W. Miller. Marriage date 18 June 1888.
8. Ancestry.com. Virginia, Select Marriages, 1785-1940 [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc, 2014. Marriage if Geo. B. Miller & Minnie Russell.
9. Ancestry.com. U.S., World War I Draft Registration Cards, 1917-1918 [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations Inc, 2005. Record for Francis Henry Miller, Forest County.
10. Ancestry.com. U.S., Social Security Applications and Claims Index, 1936-2007 [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2015. Record for Alice May Graham.
11. Ancestry.com. Pennsylvania, Veterans Burial Cards, 1777-2012 [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2010. Record for Henry Miller.
12. Ancestry.com. Pennsylvania, Death Certificates, 1906-1963 [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2014. Death Certificate for Henry W. Miller. Certificate Number 41070.
13. Ancestry.com. Pennsylvania, Death Certificates, 1906-1963 [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2014. Record for Sarah W Hunter. Certificate Number 3988.
14. Ancestry.com. Pennsylvania, Death Certificates, 1906-1963 [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2014. Record for Wilbur Jonathan Miller. Certificate Number 034258-63.
15. Ancestry.com. Pennsylvania, Death Certificates, 1906-1963 [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2014. Record for Lydia Clarinda Hunter. Certificate Number 54384.
16. Ancestry.com. Pennsylvania, Death Certificates, 1906-1963 [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2014. Record for Laverne Miller. Certificate Number 5536.
17. Ancestry.com. Pennsylvania, Death Certificates, 1906-1963 [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2014. Record for Orion Edgar Miller. Certificate Number 107372.
18. Ancestry.com. Pennsylvania, Death Certificates, 1906-1963 [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2014. Record for Freda Lucsiano. Certificate Number 86310.
19. Ancestry.com. Pennsylvania, Death Certificates, 1906-1963 [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2014. Record for Stephen Miller. Certificate Number 117382.
20. Web: Find A Grave. Find A Grave Memorial# 21038037. Henry Washington Miller.
21. Web: Find A Grave. Find A Grave Memorial# 21066006. Ellen M. King Miller