My Genealogy Hound

WILLIAM MILLER. In compiling an account of the different business enterprises of Whitehall we desire particularly to call our readers’ attention to Mr. Miller, who, in company with William Weider, is one of the successful coal merchants of the place. He is a native of this state, and was born in Northampton County, October 27, 1837, to John and Maria Miller, old residents of this county.

He whose name heads this sketch was reared to man’s estate principally in Northampton County. He was deprived by death of his father when only nine years of age, after which he was thrown upon his own resources, and from that time on he was compelled to make his own way in the world. For many years he worked out on farms by the month, and at the age of twelve or fourteen began boating on the Lehigh Canal. He was thus engaged for about fifteen years, and during a good portion of the time owned and operated his own boats.

As might be expected, Mr. Miller received only a very limited education, as far as attending school went, but being naturally of a studious turn of mind, he availed himself to the utmost of every opportunity for gaining knowledge, and has acquired a good idea of business and is a man of accurate judgment. In 1879 Mr. Miller opened up a hotel in Whitehall, of which he was proprietor until 1888, when he retired from that kind of business, and two years later, in company with William Weider, engaged in the coal business at Whitehall, under the firm name of Miller & Weider. They are pleasant, genial and upright gentlemen, and their honorable conduct has won for them a large patronage.

The lady to whom Mr. Miller was married in 1858 was Miss Elvina L., daughter of Abraham Frantz, a native of this county. In social affairs our subject is identified with the Order of American Mechanics, and religiously is a devoted member of the Lutheran Church. Among the residents of this section none are more highly regarded for the traits of character which make up a good citizen, kind neighbor and Christian man than the original of this sketch. He has shown what a man can accomplish by hard work and close attention to whatever he may have in hand, and whatever man has done there is always a chance for man to do again.