BIOS: George W. MULLER, Quemahoning, Somerset County, PA

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BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW, Vol. XXXII, Containing Life Sketches of Leading Citizens of 
Bedford and Somerset Counties, Pennsylvania. Boston, Biographical Review 
Publishing Company: 1899, pp 201-202 and 205.

  George W. Muller, an extensive landholder and veteran agriculturist of 
Quemahoning, Somerset County, was born in this township, January 17, 1829, a son 
of Valentine Muller.  Like many of the more prominent residents of this section 
of our Union, he comes of German stock.  His grandfather, Michael Muller, a 
farmer by occupation, spent his entire life in Germany, in that part called 
Gerhards Brun, where he reared his five children, of whom Valentine was the 
eldest.
  Valentine Muller was born August 20, 1800, in Rhenish Bavaria, Germany, and 
when a young man came to America in quest of fortune.  Arriving in Philadelphia 
September 17, 1823, he remained there until 1826, when he made a short visit to 
the Fatherland.  Returning to this country, he had a very stormy trip across the 
Atlantic, but reached his point of destination, at Baltimore, Md., January 21, 
1827.  He spent the next few months in Baltimore, but on April 3, 1828, came to 
Quemahoning, Pa., where he engaged in agricultural pursuits until his death in 
1888, at the venerable age of eighty-seven years, ten months, and twenty-six 
days.  He was always interested in military tactics, and for several years 
belonged to the Bedford Company of the Pennsylvania State Artillery.  While 
parading with his comrades in Bedford, he received a wound from the sudden 
explosion of a cannon, which he supposed was un-loaded, and was made a cripple 
for life.  A man of unusual natural ability and intelligence, he acquired a good 
knowledge of legal and financial business, and was frequently called upon to 
settle estates.  He was a Democrat in politics, and served as School Director, 
besides holding other local offices.  He was an active member of the Reformed 
church, and his wife of the Lutheran church.  On March 25, 1828, he married Rosa 
Muller, who was born May 29, 1809, in Somerset County.  Twelve children were the 
fruit of their union, but only two survive, namely: George W., the special 
subject of this sketch; and Bellona, who married Jacob Earsman, and has had 
seven children, of whom six are living - John, George, Elizabeth, Minnie, 
Maggie, and Annie.  Adam Muller, father of Rosa Muller, was born April 30, 1775.  
He located in Quemahoning in 1796, and resided here until his death, June 5, 
1857.  His wife, whose maiden name was Elizabeth Snyder, was born in Somerset, 
Pa., August 8, 1787, and died September 30, 1858.
  George W. Muller obtained a practical common-school education, and until his 
marriage assisted in the manual labor required on the home farm.  When ready to 
assume the responsibilities of the head of a household, he purchased his present 
homestead property of two hundred and forty-five acres of land, which through 
his sturdy efforts has been converted into one of the most productive and highly 
cultivated farms of this locality.  He has also come into possession of other 
tracts of land, and is one of the largest real estate owners and most prosperous 
business men of the township.  True to the political faith in which he was 
reared, he supports the principles of the Democratic party.  He formerly served 
as School Director, a position which his son now holds.
  On February 28, 1861, Mr. Muller married Catherine Ludy, who was born July 7, 
1835, in Jennerstown.  Her father, Christian Ludy, a well-to-do farmer, who was 
born in 1796, died at the age of seventy-five years, five months, and eight 
days.  Her mother, whose maiden name was Eve Friedline, was born July 10, 1804, 
and died at the age of eighty-three years, nine months, and thirteen days.  She 
belonged to the Lutheran church, while Mr. Ludy was a member of the Reformed 
church.
  Mr. and Mrs. Muller have one child, Valentine C. Muller, who was born June 29, 
1862.  He married October 29, 1884, Minerva Berkey, who was born May 16, 1860, a 
daughter of William and Caroline (Maurer) Berkey.  Their only child, Florence 
I., was born February 21, 1887.  Mr. and Mrs. Muller belong to the Reformed 
church, while their son and his wife are members of the Lutheran church, and are 
generous contributors toward its support.