My Genealogy Hound

JOEL MILLER, whose record now invites attention from the reader, is a self-made man, and one who by dint of natural ability and perseverance has raised himself to be classed among the well-to-do agriculturists of Lehigh Township, Northampton County. He is one of the oldest residents here, having been born May 23, 1829, in this county, and is the son of John and Elizabeth (Anawalt) Miller, natives respectively of this and Lehigh Counties. The Miller family is a very old and highly honored one in this locality, the first representative of which located many years ago in North Whitehall Township.

John Miller was a tiller of the soil, in which occupation he was fairly successful. Of the family of children whom he reared to mature years the following survive: Eliza, the wife of Edward Kleppinger; Mary, who married Samuel Joel; Charles, living in Allentown; Annie, the wife of James Young; Joel, the subject of this sketch; and Samuel, who lives in West Point, Neb. Joel Miller was reared to man’s estate in his native county, where his entire life has been passed. Like all the lads of that early day, he attended the district school during the odd seasons on the farm, and also was a student in the schools of Easton for a time, and making the best of his opportunities, managed to gain a fair knowledge, to which he added by judicious reading as he grew older.

When ready to establish a home of his own, Mr. Miller was married, in 1859, to Miss Louisa Bachman, and to them were born five children, of whom Thomas, Albert and George are living. John and Rose are deceased. On the death of his wife, Mr. Miller chose as his second companion Susan Graves. His landed possessions include one hundred and thirty broad acres, which by much hard work on his part have been placed under the very best methods of improvement, until they now rank among the productive and attractive estates in Lehigh Township.

In religious affairs Mr. Miller holds membership with the Reformed Church, which he has served in the official capacity of Deacon and Trustee. In politics he never fails to cast his vote and influence in favor of Democratic candidates. Having resided in this county for so many years, he naturally has been a witness of the marvelous changes which have been going on all about him, and being progressive in every particular, he has always “kept up with the times.” He is held in high esteem by the citizens of the community, and is highly esteemed by all whom he encounters either in a business or social way.