Giles E. Miller

NJGenWeb ~ Morris County, New Jersey

Giles E. Miller

Biographical and Genealogical History of Morris County New Jersey. Illustrated. Vol. II., Lewis Publishing Company, New York and Chicago, 1899.

A prominent citizen of Hanover township is Mr. MILLER, the efficient steward of the county poor farm of Morris county and has been an important factor in the administration of public affairs. His standing as a citizen is among the best and his fidelity to duty is above question. One of the native sons of Morris county, he was born at the ancestral home of the MILLER family, on the old Boonton road, March 20, 1841. His grandfather, John F. MILLER, who was born April 28, 1754, was the first to occupy the homestead, and in addition to the cultivation of his land he carried on blacksmithing. He married Jemimah WIGGINS, who was born September 4, 1761, and they became the parents of twelve children, of whom Aaron MILLER, father of our subject, was the youngest. He was born on the old homestead and throughout his life carried on agricultural pursuits. He was a member of the militia company in the old days when they used to train and was an upright and honorable citizen. Born on the 30th of March, 1804, he died August 30, 1868, at the age of sixty-four years. His wife was Lydia, daughter of Nicholas ROMINE, who was born December 24, 1773. Mrs. MILLER was born February 22, 1801, and her death occurred on the 13th of May, 187l. Her children were: Lewis, deceased; Nicholas, a resident of Orange; Jane and Delie, who have also passed away; Matilda, deceased wife of Robert CAMPBELL; Mary Ann, deceased; John R., of Newark; Giles E.; and Aaron W., who is also a resident of Newark.

Giles Edward MILLER was reared to manhood on the old homestead, which he now owns. He attended the public schools of the neighborhood, and through the summer months assisted in the development and cultivation of the farm, so that when he began farming on his own account he was well fitted for the work by practical experience. His place is well improved, is near and thrifty in appearance and is furnished with all conveniences and accessories.

Mr. MILLER has been twice married. On the 28th of February, 1863, he wedded Miss Gertrude Amelia CONDICT, a daughter of John E. CONDICT, and in February, 1868, he was called upon to mourn the death of his wife. His second marriage occurred September 19, 1869, Miss Margaret LISH, daughter of Seeley LISH, formerly of Sussex county, New Jersey, becoming his wife. Their union was blessed with six children, but only three are now living, namely: Mary A., who was born July 29, 1870, and is the wife of Harry O'NIELL, of Orange; Bertha C. and Herbert R., twins, born May 29, 1876. Those who have passed away are Harry C., who was born July 1, 1873, and died February 12, 1883; Myra V., who was born January 3, 1875, and died February 10, 1883; and Giles E., born April 7, 1880, and died February 11, 1883. The three deaths came within three days, bringing the greatest sorrow and gloom to the happy household.

Mr. MILLER is a Democrat in his political views and formerly took a very active part in the work of the party, but since his appointment as steward of the poor farm he has given his attention entirely to the administration of the duties of his office. He, however, believes most firmly in the principles of Democracy, but will not allow his views to bias his official acts. He takes a very deep interest in the cause of education, and for eighteen years served as trustee of the schools, and for ten years was clerk of the board. He was appointed steward of the poor farm April 1, 1886, and has since filled that position, during which time he has made many excellent improvements in the institution and in the care of the inmates. His administration has been repeatedly endorsed by his various reappointments by the board of freeholders, which at times has been Republican and again Democratic.

This biography was scanned and contributed by Catherine Smith DeMayo.