My Genealogy Hound

FRED H. MILLER, who for many years has taken a prominent part in public affairs in Mauch Chunk, and is serving as Orderly of the Second Ward Fire Department, claims Germany as his birthplace. His parents, George and Mary (Brantmiller) Miller, were also born in that country, and there resided until 1855, when the father, accompanied by his family, bade adieu to home and friends and sailed for the United States. He landed at New York City and came direct to Mauch Chunk, where he made a permanent location, his remaining days being here passed. His mother, two sisters and a brother died on the voyage from Germany. The father was a shipbuilder by trade, and followed that occupation during the greater part of his life. He was married again in 1857, his second marriage being with Miss Mary Pahlas, born in Germany, by whom he had no children. She was the daughter of J. Pahlas. Both father and step-mother were killed in the great and ever-memorable freshet of 1862, the house falling in upon them. There were five children in the family, but only two are now living: F. H., of this sketch, and Henry J., who is also a resident of Mauch Chunk.

It was during Mr. Miller’s boyhood that he crossed the briny deep to the New World, and with his father and brother located in this city. Here he was reared and educated, and in his youth, in 1863, learned the carpenter trade. He worked for Joseph Wilhelm, a contractor, and in the Lehigh Valley Railroad and Lehigh Coal and Navigation Company’s shops up to 1873, after which he embarked in the building, furniture and undertaking business, which he successfully followed for many years, or until August, 1891, when he retired from hard work with enough real estate and railroad stock to see his way clear.

Mr. Miller was born November 30, 1844, being now (1894) fifty years of age. Since 1876 he has been connected with the Fire Department of the city, and has done effective service for Mauch Chunk in that way. He was Assistant in 1875, and Chief Engineer of the Fire Department in 1876, and has ever been one of its prominent members, being foreman at the present writing.

Mr. Miller was married November 15, 1863, the lady of his choice being Miss Louisa Fischer, daughter of Christian Fischer, of Mauch Chunk. She died in 1878, leaving one daughter, Dora, now the wife of William Krueger, a member of the Fire Department of Mauch Chunk. Mr. Miller was again married, his second union being with Miss Dora Fraass, daughter of Joachin Fraass. Her parents died a few years ago, in Germany.

His fellow-townsmen appreciating his worth and ability, Mr. Miller has frequently been called upon to serve in positions of public trust. In 1889 he was elected Assessor, and filled that position for three consecutive years. He had previously filled the position of Registration Assessor and discharged his duties with promptness and fidelity. In religious belief he is a Lutheran, holding membership with St. John’s Church, in which he has long held office, having served as Secretary since 1863, and as Treasurer for a good many years, and is now Elder and Trustee.

Since 1872 Mr. Miller has been a member of the Upper Mauch Chunk Water Company, being one of the charter members, and he was its first Superintendent and Collector. He is a charter member of Hospitaller Commandery No. 79, Ancient and Illustrious Order of Knights of Malta, and has been Treasurer up to the present time. He is also Treasurer of the Home Protective Building and Loan Association of Pennsylvania, with its local board at Mauch Chunk, and home office at Pittsburg, Pa., and has held many of the important offices of Mauch Chunk. He is a public-spirited and progressive citizen, and does all in his power to promote the best interests of the community and advance the general welfare of county and people.