William H. Miller (1870 - 1958)

Born 16 Apr 1870 in New Oxford, Adams, Pennsylvania, United States

Husband of Mary Belle (Drury) Miller — married 30 Apr 1895 in Neponset Township, Bureau, Illinois, United States

Died 23 Jul 1958 at age 88 in Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, United States

Biography

William H. Miller was born on April 16, 1870 in New Oxford, Adams, Pennsylvania, United States.

William (25) married Mary Belle Drury (25) (born on November 16, 1869; daughter of Charles Henry Drury and Mary Jane (Gardner) Drury) on April 30, 1895 in Neponset Township, Bureau, Illinois, United States.

William H. Miller died 23 Jul 1958 in Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, United States.

In 1870 William H Miller (age 4 months) was living in Oxford, Adams, Pennsylvania, with his parents, Cornelius Miller (29), a black smith, Kate E Miller (23), who took care of the home and family, and his sister Ellen (2). David Snyder (18), a black smith apprentice was also living with the Miller family. ^[1]

In 1880 William Miller (10), was living in Benderville, Adams, Pennsylvania, USA, with his parents, Cornelius Miller (38), a storekeeper, Kate E Miller (33), who took care of the home and family, and his siblings Ella (12), Emma (8), and John (8). ^[2]

William Henry Miller married Mary Belle Drury in 1895.^[3]

In the 1900 census William Miller, a 30-year-old white male, was born in April 1870 in Pennsylvania, USA. He was residing in Kewanee, Henry, Illinois, specifically on Main Street in the 4th Ward. His house number was 512. On the census sheet, his dwelling was listed as the 329th in order of visitation, and his family number was 356. William was the head of the household, and he was married to Belle Miller. They had been married for five years, having tied the knot in 1895. William's occupation was a barber, and he had been employed consistently without any months of unemployment. He possessed the ability to read, write, and speak English. The Millers owned their house, which was mortgaged. It was a house, not a farm. They had several individuals living with them. Charles Storey, a 27-year-old boarder, resided in their home, as did Jacob Beckley, a 24-year-old boarder. Additionally, Elsy Corbett, a 21-year-old servant, was part of their household. Lastly, William and Belle had a daughter named Lulia M Miller, who was just six months old.^[4]

In the 1910 census William H Miller, a 39-year-old white male, resided in Kewanee Ward 4, Henry, Illinois, USA. He was born in Pennsylvania in 1871 and lived with his wife, Belle Miller, and their two children, Marjorie L Miller (age 10) and William D Miller (age 5). The family resided at 429 South Tremont Street, which they owned free of mortgage. William worked as a barber and was self-employed. He was able to read and write in English, indicating a level of education. The fact that he owned his home suggests financial stability. The household members were all native English speakers, reflecting their American background. William and Belle had been married for 14 years, indicating a relatively stable and long-lasting relationship^[5]

In 1920, in the town of Kewanee, Henry, Illinois, we find Wm H Miller, a 48-year-old white male, residing at house number 429. Wm H Miller is the head of the household and is married to Belle D Miller, who is 46 years old. They have two children, Marjorie L Miller, who is 20 years old, and William D Miller, who is 15 years old. Wm H Miller was born around 1872 in Pennsylvania, as were both of his parents. He is able to speak and read English, and he can also write. Wm H Miller is the proprietor of a barber shop and is an employer in the industry. The family owns their home, which is free of mortgage. Living with the Miller family is Mary J Drury, who is 73 years old and the mother-in-law of Wm H Miller. The household consists of five members in total.^[6]

In 1930, in the city of Kewanee, Illinois, we find William H Miller, a 58-year-old white male who is the head of his household. He was born in Pennsylvania around 1872 and is married to Mary B Miller, who is 57 years old. They reside at 429 Tremont Street, a house they own valued at $7000. William is the proprietor of a barber shop, where he is the employer. This suggests that he is a successful and independent businessman. He seems to have achieved this status at a relatively young age, as he got married at 25 years old. The Millers have one daughter named Maragie L Miller, who is 28 years old. It is not specified if she is married or has any occupation. The household consists of three members in total. Interestingly, the Millers own a radio set, which was a luxury item during that time. This indicates that they are relatively well-off and enjoy some level of comfort and entertainment in their lives.^[7]

In the 1940 census H. William Miller, a 69-year-old white male, was the head of his household in Kewanee, Henry, Illinois. He was married to N. Bell Miller, also 69 years old. They resided at 429 South Trenont Street, which they owned. In 1935, they had been living in the same location. H. William Miller worked as a proprietor, indicating that he owned and operated his own business. He was a wage or salary worker in private work, working 60 hours per week prior to the census. He had completed up to the 8th grade in elementary school, suggesting a basic level of education. In 1939, H. William Miller worked for the entire year, completing 52 weeks of work. This indicates a strong work ethic and dedication to his occupation. He had an income from other sources, suggesting additional financial stability. The household consisted of three members, including H. William Miller, his wife N. Bell Miller, and a lodger named David D. England, who was 28 years old. The relationship between David and the Millers is not specified, but it can be inferred that he was living with them at the time. ^[8]

In 1950, in the vibrant city of Inglewood, Los Angeles, California, William H Miller, a 79-year-old white male, resided at 439 Queen Street. As the head of the household, he lived with his wife, M Belle Miller, who was 80 years old. William's birth date was estimated to be around 1871, making him a witness to significant historical events. Despite his age, he was unable to work, indicating a potential physical limitation or retirement. The couple's marital status remained intact, showcasing a long-lasting commitment to each other. Their enduring partnership was evident in their shared residence and the fact that they were the only two members of the household. ^[9]

William Henry Miller died (age 88) on 23 Jul 1958 in Los Angeles.^[10]

William H Miller was in an obituary on 26 Jul 1958 in Moline, Illinois, USA. He died (age 88) in about 1958 in Inglewood, Los Angeles, California, USA.^[11]

Sources

1. ↑ 1870 Census: "1870 United States Federal Census"
   Year: 1870; Census Place: Oxford, Adams, Pennsylvania; Roll: M593_1289; Page: 330A
   Ancestry Sharing Link - Ancestry Record 7163 #1683078 (accessed 3 May 2024)
   William H Miller (4/12) in Oxford, Adams, Pennsylvania. Born in Pennsylvania.
2. ↑ 1880 Census: "1880 United States Federal Census"
   Year: 1880; Census Place: Benderville, Adams, Pennsylvania; Roll: 1085; Page: 48b; Enumeration District: 043
   Ancestry Sharing Link - Ancestry Record 6742 #36310153 (accessed 3 May 2024)
   William Miller (10), single son, in household of Carmelius Miller (38) in Benderville, Adams, Pennsylvania, USA. Born in Pennsylvania.
3. ↑ Marriage: "U.S. and International Marriage Records, 1560-1900" Source number: 620.001; Source type: Pedigree chart; Number of Pages: 1 Ancestry Record 7836 #835265 (accessed 3 May 2024) William Henry Miller marriage to Mary Belle Drury in 1895.
4. ↑ 1900 Census: "1900 United States Federal Census"
   Year: 1900; Census Place: Kewanee, Henry, Illinois; Roll: 306; Page: 16; Enumeration District: 0020
   Ancestry Sharing Link - Ancestry Record 7602 #12186747 (accessed 3 May 2024)
   William Miller (30), married, Barber, head of household in Kewanee, Henry, Illinois. Born in Pennsylvania, USA.
5. ↑ 1910 Census: "1910 United States Federal Census" Year: 1910; Census Place: Kewanee Ward 4, Henry, Illinois; Roll: T624_292; Page: 9b; Enumeration District: 0132; FHL microfilm: 1374305
   Ancestry Sharing Link - Ancestry Record 7884 #5380072 (accessed 3 May 2024)
   William H Miller (39), married, Barber, head of household in Kewanee Ward 4, Henry, Illinois, USA. Born in Pennsylvania.
6. ↑ 1920 Census: "1920 United States Federal Census"
   Year: 1920; Census Place: Kewanee, Henry, Illinois; Roll: T625_371; Page: 11B; Enumeration District: 137
   Ancestry Sharing Link - Ancestry Record 6061 #89699312 (accessed 3 May 2024)
   Wm H Miller (48), married, Proprietor, head of household in Kewanee, Henry, Illinois. Born in Pennsylvania.
7. ↑ 1930 Census: "1930 United States Federal Census"
   Year: 1930; Census Place: Kewanee, Henry, Illinois; Page: 6B; Enumeration District: 0033; FHL microfilm: 2340254
   Ancestry Sharing Link - Ancestry Record 6224 #26346413 (accessed 3 May 2024)
   William H Miller (58), married, Proprietor, head of household at 429 Tremont St, Kewanee, Henry, Illinois, USA. Born in Pennsylvania.
8. ↑ 1940 Census: "1940 United States Federal Census"
   Year: 1940; Census Place: Kewanee, Henry, Illinois; Roll: m-t0627-00812; Page: 5B; Enumeration District: 37-37
   Ancestry Sharing Link - Ancestry Record 2442 #144720727 (accessed 3 May 2024)
   H William Miller (69), married, Proprietor, head of household in Kewanee, Henry, Illinois. Born in Pennsylvania.
9. ↑ 1950 Census: "1950 United States Federal Census"
   National Archives at Washington, DC; Washington, D.C.; Seventeenth Census of the United States, 1950; Year: 1950; Census Place: Inglewood, Los Angeles, California; Roll: 4086; Page: 74; Enumeration District: 19-1094
   Ancestry Sharing Link - Ancestry Record 62308 #265790768 (accessed 3 May 2024)
   William H Miller (79), married head of household in Inglewood, Los Angeles, California, USA. Born in Pennsylvania.
10. ↑ Death: "California, U.S., Death Index, 1940-1997" Place: Los Angeles; Date: 23 Jul 1958 Ancestry Record 5180 #10131100 (accessed 3 May 2024)
    William Henry Miller death 23 Jul 1958 (born 16 Apr 1870) in Los Angeles, mother's maiden name Hollinger.
11. ↑ Obituary: "U.S., Newspapers.com™ Obituary Index, 1800s-current"
    The Dispatch; Publication Date: 26 Jul 1958; Publication Place: Moline, Illinois, USA; URL: https://www.newspapers.com/image/339179074/?article=b121af6e-ef20-4686-8477-aa7dc7dd10a0&focus=0.37819618,0.9005729,0.49199843,0.9592166&xid=3355
    Ancestry Record 61843 #503061585 (accessed 3 May 2024)
    Name: William H. Miller; Gender: Male; Death Age: 88; Birth Date: abt 1870; Residence Place: Kewanee, Henry, Illinois, USA; Death Date: Abt 1958; Death Place: Inglewood, Los Angeles, California, USA; Burial Place: Inglewood, Los Angeles, California, USA; Obituary Date: 26 Jul 1958; Obituary Place: Moline, Illinois, USA; Newspaper Title: The Dispatch.