Harrison Miller (1818-1894)

Harrison Miller (1818-1894) was an Ohio pioneer, a freemason, and the father of 11 children.

Birth
Harrison was born September 24, 1818 in Harrison County, Ohio.

Parents
The parents of Harrison Miller are presently unknown, although he left a number of clues. In the 1880 census, he reported that his father was born in Pennsylvania and his mother was born in Virginia. The History of Coshocton County, Ohio states that his father died when Harrison was 18 years old. The leading candidate for Harrison's father is John Miller II, son of John Miller and Sarah Delaney, although no direct evidence has been found to link Harrison to John Miller II at this point.

Siblings
It is suspected that Sarah Miller (1820-1906) was Harrison's sister. Sarah married John Hoobler (1820-1910) on March 5, 1846. In 1851, Harrison named one of his sons Samuel Hoobler Miller, which supports the theory that Sarah was Harrison's sister. Unfortunately, Sarah's parents are unknown as well.

Occupation
Harrison was a cabinet-maker. He learned the trade in Steubenville. He later became a carpenter and builder/contractor.

First marriage
On October 24, 1839, Harrison married Mary Ann Wheeler (1821-1858) in Harrison County, Ohio.

Children by Mary Ann Wheeler

 * Margaret J. Miller (1840-1920)
 * Malinda Miller (1841-?)
 * John K. Miller (1842-1893)
 * Mary Ellen Miller (1845-1846)
 * Harvey Miller (1847-1914)
 * Keziah E. Miller (1847-1856)
 * Jacob K. Miller (c1849-?)
 * Samuel Hoobler Miller (1851-aft1915)
 * Lewis Ryan Miller (1856-aft1870)

Political Office
Harrison ran for sherriff in Harrison County, but lost by two votes. Harrison was, however, a justice-of-the peace for 27 years.

Second marriage
In 1860, about two years after the death of his first wife Mary Ann, Harrison remarried to Margaret Birchfield (1821-1915), the widow of a Mr. Story.

Children by Margaret (Birchfield) Story
Harrison had two additional children by his second wife:
 * Henry Story Birchfield Miller (1862-1945)
 * William Harrison Miller (1863-1877)

Death
Harrison died January 11, 1894 in Ohio. His wife Margaret was the administrix of his estate.

Honors
Miller's Station in German Township was named in Harrison's honor.