NJGenWeb ~ Morris County, New Jersey

Source: History Morris County New Jersey, Volume II, Lewis Publishing Co., 1914

Charles A. MILLER, assessor of the town of Chatham, Morris county, New Jersey, and assistant chief of the volunteer fire department of the town, is a descendent of one of the oldest families of the State. His great-great-grandfather, who was of Scotch descent, traced his ancestry to those of his name who left Aberdeen, Scotland, to come to the new world, and made their home among the Puritan settlers of New England. He was born in Connecticut, from whence he migrated to New Jersey during the first half of the eighteenth century, and established a home at Connecticut Farms, Essex county, New Jersey. His son, Smith M. MILLER, was born there, was an active participant in the Revolutionary struggle, and married Rachel MILLER, descended from one of the most prominent families of the State.

Smith Maxwell MILLER, their son, was born in 1799, died in 1881. The chief occupation of his life was farming, although he had learned the blacksmith’s trade in his youth, and was skillful at any mechanical employment. He filled a number of offices of trust and responsibility, among these being justice of the peace. He married Catherine, a daughter of Benjamin and Hannah (COON) CODDINGTON. Benjamin CODDINGTON served seven years in the War of the Revolution, and was captain of the Light Horse for a period of eight years. He suffered as one of the prisoners in the old Sugar House in New York City, and later became the owner of Mount Horeb and an influential member of the public life of the community. Among the eleven children of Mr. MILLER were: Minard Farley, who was a member of the One Hundred and Eighth New York Infantry, and died from effects of disabilities contracted in the service; William, of Tarrytown, New York, who was in the Union Army, lost an arm at the battle of Gettysburg, and is a member of the Sons of the Revolution; Edward P.

Edward P. MILLER was born in Chatham, May 3, 1842. A farmer during the earlier years of his life he later engaged in contracting at Springfield, New Jersey, and when he disposed of his interests there returned to Chatham. The coal business engaged his attention in 1882, after some time spent in other enterprises, and he has now followed it successfully for many years. He was trustee of the public schools for a long period of time, and has been an earnest worker in the cause of temperance. He served as assessor for upwards of twenty-eight years, in Chatham township, retiring from that office in 1909; was fish warden for a number of years. He is a member of Cincinnati Lodge, No. 3, Madison Chapter, No 27, and Ode de St. Amande Commandery, Masonic order; was a member of the Chatham volunteer firemen, now an exempt, also Wheelmen’s Club and Chatham Fish and Game Club. He married Mary L. BRANT, of Madison, New Jersey, and they have eight children, five of whom are living: Lewis A., William H., Jeremiah F., Charles A.; Hannah M., wife of John J. HUNT.

Charles A. MILLER, a son of the preceding, was born in Chatham, Morris county, New Jersey, August 5, 1881. The public schools of his native town were the scene of his educational training, which was a sound and practical one, and at a suitable age he entered the business of his father, with whom he has been associated continuously since he was eighteen years of age. His progressive ideas have been largely instrumental in placing this concern upon its present prominent footing, and he is recognized as a business man of integrity and sterling qualities. He has been active in the civic affairs of Chatham in the interests of the Republican party, and has taken a prominent place in its councils. Elected to the office of assessor of Chatham, he is now serving his second two-year term. He is also serving in his second year as a sewer commissioner of Chatham. His connection with the volunteer fire department is of nine years’ standing, and in 1911, he represented that organization at the State firemen’s convention in Atlantic City. He is treasurer of the Fire Relief Association; secretary of Chatham Hose Company No. 2; and a member of Madison Lodge, No. 93, F. and A. M.; member of the Wheelmen’s Club, and of the Exempt Fireman’s Association.

Mr. MILLER married (first) October 16, 1907, Rose M., daughter of Milton G. CARLEY; she died in 1909. He married (second) November 15, 1911, Carrie, daughter of William FLEMING, of Brooklyn, New York. He and his wife are members of the Chatham Methodist Episcopal Church, and in this institution he is one of the trustees and a leader in its affairs. He is a man of great energy and determination, and the devotion he displays in furthering all projects that tend to the public benefit, deserves especial mention.

Transcribed by John Cresseveur (1949-2003)

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