BIO: William M. MILLER, Huntingdon County, PA Contributed for use in the USGenWeb Archives by JO Copyright 2008. All rights reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm http://www.usgwarchives.net/pa/pafiles.htm ********************************************************** __________________________________________________________________ Commemorative Biographical Encyclopedia of the Juniata Valley: Comprising the Counties of Huntingdon, Mifflin, Juniata and Perry, Pennsylvania, Containing Sketches of Prominent and Representative Citizens and Many of the Early Settlers. Chambersburg, Pa.: J. M. Runk & Co., 1897, pages 146-147. __________________________________________________________________ WILLIAM M. MILLER, M.D., McAlevys Fort, Huntingdon county, Pa., was born in Jackson township, November 19, 1865, son of Wesley and Catherine (McAlevy) Miller. Joseph Miller, his grandfather, was of German descent, and was born in Cumberland county, Pa., whence he removed to Jackson township, Huntingdon county, took up some land, and went to farming and stock raising. He also cultivated some land in that part of Barree township which is now Miller township. He was also to some extent engaged in the lumber business, and other interests. He was a Democrat. Joseph Miller married in Barree township; his children are: Dorothy, Samuel; John; Henry; Cyrus; and Wesley. He died in Miller, then Barree township, in 1853; his wife in 1863. They belonged to the Methodist Episcopal church. He was liked and respected. His youngest son, Wesley Miller, attended the common schools. He began active life on the farm, where he spent the greater part of it. He rented several farms in Jackson township, and finally bought one, containing 400 acres, on which he erected buildings and made other improvements. He also built a steam saw-mill and manufactured lumber, besides giving some attention to raising stock. He was a Democrat, and being interested in the affairs of the community, was elected to office in his township, serving on the school board, as supervisor of roads, and in some minor positions. He was warmly attached to his home, was popular with his neighbors, and enjoyed general esteem. Wesley Miller was married in Jackson township; his wife, Catharine McAlevy, was born in that township in December, 1837, daughter of Samuel and great- granddaughter of General McAlevy, who established the fort from which the town is named. Their children are: Alda M. (Mrs. Samuel Williamson), on the homestead; William M.; and Anna S., who died at the age of twenty-three. Wesley Miller was a member of the United Presbyterian church. He died September 16, 1894. William M. Miller was educated in the common school of his township ant at Standing Stone Valley Academy, from which he graduated in 1885. Being an industrious youth, he made himself useful on the farm at the early age of ten, and continued to do so in the vacations throughout his school and academic days. After graduation, Mr. Miller taught for a year in the township common school, and then for five years was assistant teacher at the academy, employing his vacations now in the study of medicine. He read with Dr. Couch, of McAlevys Fort, until the fall of 1886, when he matriculated at the Jefferson Medical College of Philadelphia; he graduated in 1889. Dr. Miller was a close student, reading medicine during the vacations of his medical school; he also "Walked the hospital" for three months, in Philadelphia, after which he commenced practice at McAlevys Fort, where he has ever since continued, having had the good fortune not always attainable by young practitioners, of winning the confidence of his own neighborhood. He enjoys an extensive practice, and has performed with success some important operations. Dr. Miller adheres to the Democratic party. His marriage to Anna S., daughter of James Magill, a farmer of Scotch-Irish descent, residing in Jackson township, took place in December, 1889. They have one child, James W., born January 12, 1894. Dr. Miller is a member of the United Presbyterian church, warmly attached to the church, and active in her affairs. He teaches in the Sunday-school, and has more than once represented his congregation in the Presbytery.