OBIT: Thomas MILLER, 1922, Altoona, Blair County, PA

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THOMAS MILLER

Thomas Miller, former alderman of the Sixth ward, Altoona, and one of the city's 
best known citizens, died Thursday afternoon of last week at 12:45 o'clock at 
his home, 2606 Beale avenue, death coming suddenly from a heart attack due to 
complications incident to advanced age.  Mr. Miller was born at Martinsburg, 
March 2, 1844, the son of Prof. John and Mrs. Susan Miller.

The father was one of the best known educators in this section, being a former 
superintendent of the Altoona city schools.  The Miller building at the junction 
of Margaret, Union and Broad avenues was named in his honor.

At the age of 1 year, Mr. Miller was taken with his parents to Springfield 
Furnace, then to Williamsburg in 1859, and in 1863, the family moved to 
Hollidaysburg.  While the family resided at the county seat, Mr. Miller enlisted 
in the Union army as a member of Company C, 125th regiment, Pennsylvania 
Volunteers, serving nine months, or until the close of the war when he was 
honorably discharged.

While he was in the army the family moved to Altoona, he taking up his residence 
there upon his return, where he had resided ever since.  Mr. Miller was 
appointed Alderman of the Sixth ward upon the death of the late Alderman 
Stephens in 1912, and served until his successor, Alderman A. J. Filler, assumed 
the charge following the election in 1913, Mr. Miller not being a candidate.

Mr. Miller served the Pennsylvania Railroad company as a moulder for a period of 
fifty years, retiring after reaching the age limit.  He was employed at the 
South Altoona foundries following the erection of the big plant there.

He was a public spirited citizen and a staunch Republican.

In 1880 he was elected to the common council and served two terms.  He was a 
lifelong member of the Reformed church, a member of the B. F. Davis lodge of Odd 
Fellows and was a member of the P.R.R. Relief association.

He was united in marriage with Miss Emma Shimer, who passed away on Nov. 22, 
1921.  He is survived by three daughters, Miss Maggie M. Miller, a teacher in 
the Miller school, at home, Mrs. W. D. Davis, of Altoona, and Mrs. E. O. 
Bonebreak, of Martinsburg, and one grandson, Thomas Bonebreak, of Martinsburg.

Funeral services were held at the home Sunday afternoon, with interment in Rose 
Hill cemetery.

Martinsburg Herald, August 25, 1922