My Genealogy Hound

JOSEPH B. MILLER, proprietor of the Richmond Mill, at Richmond, Northampton County, and also one of the prominent and successful farmers of Washington Township, is well known throughout this section, having been a life-long resident of the county. He is a native of Lower Mt. Bethel Township, born November 26, 1826, to the union of Barnet and Anna M. (Emery) Miller, also natives of this county. The father, who was a farmer by occupation, followed that calling in Lower Mt. Bethel Township, where he resided until his death, in 1869.

Of the parental family, the following sons and daughlers survive: Joseph B., the subject of these paragraphs; Jacob B., who lives in Lower Mt. Bethel Township, as do the other sons, Philip B., Reuben B., and Henry B.; Mrs. Joseph Hess, whose home is in this township; and Mrs. Emma Shook, a resident of Bangor, Pa.

The subject of this sketch was reared to manhood in Northampton County, and his boyhood years were spent upon the home farm, his education being gained in the neighboring schools. Arriving at man’s estate, he did not, however, embark immediately in the agricultural occupation, but instead turned his attention to the lumber business, in which he was engaged for fifteen successive years, meeting with success in that line of work. After spending a short time in Bucks County, in 1869 he made a settlement in Richmond, and the following year bought the mill property that he still owns. Since that time he has been proprietor of the mill, which through his efforts has gained a high reputation for an excellent grade of products. During the same period he has also engaged in the mercantile business, though at present not thus connected. His farm property includes one hundred and sixteen acres of highly improved land, the value of which has been enhanced by the introduction of modern improvements.

The success which has rewarded Mr. Miller’s efforts is all the more remarkable when we consider that he had few opportunities in youth for obtaining an education. His entire attendance in school, between the ages of six and fourteen, was limited to three months each year, and after the latter age he was obliged to earn his own livelihood. Notwithstanding tht lack of early advantages, he acquired a broad amount of information that has helped him in the accumulation of property, and is to-day one of the successful men of his township.

After the death of his first wife, whose maiden name was Sallie Yetter, Mr. Miller married Leah Hilliard, and they became the parents of one son, B. Franklin. The estimable lady whom he afterward married was Miss Catherine M. Ettinger, and unto them have been born four children: George W., Mary C., Joseph E. and Herbert W.

In public affairs Mr. Miller is a man of influence. At present he is serving as Auditor of Washington Township, and for several years he has acted in that capacity. On one occasion he was a candidate on the Independent ticket for the State Legislature, and came within thirty votes of being elected, which in a district usually giving a large Democratic majority was a proof of his popularity as a citizen. A Lutheran in religious belief, he has filled all the important offices connected with the church at this place.