My Genealogy Hound

NATHAN L. MILLER junior member of the law firm of Dougherty & Miller, of Cortland village, was born October 10, 1868, in the town of Solon, Cortland County, N. Y. He is a son of Samuel Miller, and grandson of Paul S. Miller. The name is of German origin. Paul S. Miller came from Johnstown, Fulton County, N. Y., to Cortland County and settled in the town of Cortlandville, where he was engaged in farming the greater part of his life. He was married before he left Fulton County, and part of his children were born there, the rest in Cortland County. Seven sons and five daughters were reared in the family.

Samuel Miller, father of our subject, was born in Johnstown, N. Y., and was but a boy when his father moved to this county. The advantages of a good education were never presented to him, but by perseverance and energy he acquired a practical knowledge of business principles. Believing in the fertility of the soil, and its adaptability for cultivation, he determined to follow the pursuits of an agriculturist. This was his occupation for a number of years, but he is now a resident of the village of Cortland. He married Almira Russel, and they reared three children, namely: Webster R.; Nathan L.; and Lillian M. (McMahan). Samuel is a Democrat. Socially, he is a member of the Knights of Pythias.

Nathan L. Miller, who heads this sketch, received his primary education in the common schools and Groton Academy; he then took an academic course in the Cortland State Normal School, and graduated with the class of 1887. The next four years he taught school at the following places, Burdett, Brooklyn, Blodgett Mills, and McLean, being one year at each place.

Having determined to enter the legal profession, he read law throughout the four years of his teaching. In 1891, he entered the office of the late Judge A. P. Smith of Cortland, where he finished reading law, being admitted to the bar, Nov. 3, 1893. He immediately began practice in Cortland village, being alone until 1895, when a co-partnership was formed with Mr. James Dougherty.

Mr. Miller is active and energetic. Although he is a young man his enterprising spirit is felt in all the movements to advance the business and social interests in the village. He is a strong Republican and does much to further the interests of his party. He is a public-spirited man, a good thinker and a capable orator. His style of speaking is easy and flowing, and not in the least ostentatious. He was elected school commissioner the same year he was admitted to the bar, and in 1896, he was re-elected to the same office. In his official position he has shown great executive ability, and attends well to the duties of his office. The law firm has a large practice, and the ability of Mr. Miller is bound to bring him forth as a legal light in his community. Mr. Miller was married November 23, 1896, to Elizabeth Davern, daughter of James Davern.