Elmer E Miller Foils Theif

Today, we celebrate the birth of Elmer Ellsworth Miller. He was born on June 10th, 1861.

We will celebrate by remembering an incident that occurred  when Elmer was 26 years old.

The following article appeared on the front page of the Harrisburg Telegraph on Wednesday, September 14, 1887.

A Thief Captured

He Plies His Vocation at Williams Grove and Lands in Jail

     During the Grangers' picnic at Williams' Grove, a restaurant on the grounds was managed by Elmer E. Miller, of Shepherdstown. This morning Mr. Miller was in Harrisburg and told a TELEGRAPH reporter of the capture of a thief who was plying his vocation during the great show. On Sunday morning after the picnic Mr. Miller was sleeping in one of the board cottages, when a long stick was thrust through a hole in the boards. He paid no attention to the matter at first, but when the stick was again inserted through the aperture (evidently with the intention of wrapping about it, he gave chase to the fellow at the other end and captured him. He was turned over to the police on suspicion of larceny. When Mr. Miller returned to his restaurant a man named Benjamin Walker said that he had noticed the thief's actions and offered to tell Miller where the thief had concealed his booty for $1. Finally he pointed out a place along the creek, where Miller found several empty pocket-books and a number of articles of clothing. Before Miller could return to the police headquarters, the thief, whose name is John Lawson, had been released. It was then decided to watch for him that night, and Millerand one or two others concealed themselves in the bushes near where the booty was discovered. Shortly after Lawson appearedand was taken into custody. He is now in the jail at Carlisle awaiting trial.

(Please note that the above article is transcribed exactly as it appeared with editing errors and misspellings.)

The Death of Elmer Miller

The following article appeared in Harrisburg's The Patriot on December 19, 1914.

After nearly a year's illness, Elmer E. Miller, aged 53 years, of 1108 Plum street, died suddenly shortly before noon yesterday. Death was due to Bright's disease from which he has suffered for several years. He is the father of Eugene E. Miller, for four years the greatest quarterback in American college ranks.

Mr . Miller's death came suddenly after he had been laughing and talking with his wife.

Mr. Miller was born in Center Square, Cumberland county, in 1861. He attended the Cumberland Valley Institute and later worked for several years in his home town. In 1886, he was married to Susan Ann Ellinger, at Bowmansdale. He came to this city in 1903 and has since worked as a wire splicer for the Harrisburg Light, Heat and Power Company.

One son, Eugene, is employed at Bawlff, Alberta, Canada, and will be unable to arrive home in time for his father's funeral. No funeral arrangements will be made until some communication is received from him.

Surviving Mr. Miller are the following sisters: Mrs. John B. Mohler, Mechanicsburg; Mrs. Ida Hair, York; Mrs. Albert Swartz, Mechanicsburg; Mrs. Grant Westhaver, Mechanicsburg; Mrs. Miller and seven children: Mrs. David C. Byers, Greencastle; Eugene E., Canada; Mrs. Lena J. Dunlap, Mary E., Charlotte G., Harry Grove, and Zella C., all of this city.

Although Mr. Miller never participated in athletics his son won country-wide fame. He was an all-around athlete and one of the cleanest players in any game. He was a star athlete while at Central High and later when he entered State College made the varsity in his freshman year. He played all four years and missed only one game in that time. He was captain in his senior year and was the choice of many for All-American honors.

Mrs. Lena Dunlap was a member of the Central High Girls' basketball team. In her junior year she acted as captain and in her senior year was manager.

____________________________________________

NOTES:

-Center Square, referred to as Elmer's place of birth, was near the intersection of Gettysburg Road and Lisburn Road. The 1872 map of Upper Allen Township shows that George H. Miller owned the house on the southwestern corner of this intersection.

-Mrs. John B. Mohler was Elmer's sister, Matilda.

-Mrs. Albert Swartz was Elmer's sister, Sarah Hellen.

-Mrs. Grant Westhaver was not Elmer's sister. She was his neice, Naomi, the daughter of Elmer's deceased sister, Susanetta.

-Mrs. David C. Byers was Elmer's daughter, Laura.

The Last Will and Testament of George Beelman Sr.

George Beelman (1786-1869)
Cumberland County; Will Book O, Page 237

     In the name of God amen I George Beelman (senior) of Upper Allen Township in the county of Cumberland and State of Pennsylvania (carpenter) being in perfect health and of sound mind memory and understanding but considering the uncertainty of this transitory life do make and publish my last will and testament in manner and form following to wit: First It is my will and I do order that all my just debts and funeral expenses be duly paid and satisfied as soon as conveniently can be after my decease. Item: I give and bequeath unto my dear wife Eve the dwelling house and buildings where we now live together with the land hereto belonging being about fifty-five acres now in my present possession so as not to include the lots under rent nor the Frilton Lot. She to have as much of my household and kitchen furniture as she may choose to elect out of what maybe in my dwelling house at the time of my decease and all of my tubs and kettles in and about my shining house during her natural lifetime: - also it is my will that my beloved wife Eve to have the income of four thousand one hundred dollars of Government Bonds during her natural lifetime - further it is my will that my wife Eve to have absolutely my Black mare and all of my flock of cattle and hogs which may be on hands at the time of my decease: all of which bequist to my said wife I do hereby declare to be in lieu and instead of her dower at commonlaw. Item - I give and bequeath unto my son George the lot house and stable where he now occupies to him and his heirs and assigns forever: He the said George to be charged six hundred dollars for the said lot in a settlement of my estate, also I give unto my son George Lot No. 9 of land lying in the township of Ritchmond Huron County and State of Ohio known lot no. 9 in section second to him and his heirs and assigns forever. He the said George to be charged eighteen hundred dollars for the land one half thereof to be due one year after my death the other half in two equal annual payments next after without interest. But if my said son George should think the land two dear then in that case he is authorized to choose three disinterested men who are to value and appraise the said land he my son George to have the said lot at its appraised value. But if my son George then should think the lot two high appraised in price then my executor to make sale of the said land the proceeds thereof to be divided equally amongst my heirs. -Item I give and bequeath unto my three sons George John and Adam all my carpenter tools my said three sons to divide the said tools between themselves. Share and share alike. Item - I give and bequeath unto my son Joseph the South and North lots of my land lying in the second section in the township of Ritchmond Huron County and State of Ohio known as lots number ten and fifteen in said section to him and his heirs and assigns forever. He the said Joseph to be charged four thousand five hundred dollars for the said two lots of land one half thereof to be due one year after my death the other half in two equal annual payments next after without interest. The said four thousand five hundred dollars to be a lien on the said land until final settlement of my estate. Item: I give and bequeath unto my daughter Fanny the lot house and stable with the appurtenances where she now lives during her natural lifetime and at her death the said lot house and stable to descend to her children their heirs and assigns forever. The said lot house and stable is to be charged to my daughter Fanny at eight hundred dollars at settlement of my estate. Item: I give and bequeath unto my daughter Sarah Miller the lot of ground which I bought of the estate of John Frilton dec'd during her natural lifetime, my said daughter Sarah to have possession of the said lot at the death of my said widow and at the death of my daughter Sarah the said lot of ground to go to her children their heirs and assigns forever: My daughter Sarah to be charged at settlement of my estate with five hundred and fifty dollars for the said lot of ground. And as touching all the remainder and residue of my real and personal estate not herein before provided for shall be sold within one or two years after my decease at the discretion of my executor either at public or private sale for the best price that can be got for it, my executor to have full power to sell and convey my real estate in fee simple. My whole estate real and personal not herein before bequeathed shall be reduced to cash - my executor retaining the sufficient amount of Bonds out of my estate deducting expenses to be divided into six equal shares and distributed in the following manner. viz. Item I give and bequeath unto my son George the one sixth part of my whole estate including the six hundred dollars for the aforesaid lot and the charges made in payments against him together with the price of the tract of land in the township of Ritchmond Huron County and State of Ohio known as lot no. 9 in Section 2nd if he shall do elect to take the said tract of land. - Item: I give and bequeath unto my son John the one sixth part of my whole estate including the charges made in my book against him. Item: I give and bequeath unto my son Adam the one sixth part of my whole estate including the charges made in my book against him. Item I give and bequeath unto my son Joseph the one sixth part of my whole estate including the charges made in my book against him. Item: I give and bequeath unto my daughter Fanny the one sixth part of my whole estate including the charges made in my book against her and eight hundred dollars for the aforesaid lot I bequeathed to her and her children as aforesaid. Item: I give and bequeath unto my daughter Sarah Miller the one sixth part of my whole estate including the charges made in my book against her and five hundred fifty dollars for the lot of ground I bequeathed to her and her children the said charge on my book and the five hundred and fifty dollars for the said lot of ground are first to be taken out of my daughter Sarah's share then the balance of the said full share to be left a lien in the two lots of land which I bequeathed to my son Joseph the interest whereof to be paid by my son Joseph yearly and every year to my daughter Sarah  so long as she remains to be the wife of George Miller. But in case her said husband should die before her, then in that case she is receive the said balance of her full share secured in the two lots of land in the State of Ohio into her own hands but in case that my daughter Sarah should decease before her said husband then her share to descend to her children and if one of her children should die in its minority after her death then its share to fall to its brothers and sisters and if all of her children should die after her in their minority then in that case her whole share shall fall back to her brothers and sisters share and share alike. It is further my will that whatever portion of my estate which may be left at the death of my said widow shall be sold and the net proceeds thereof together with all money not appropriated shall be equally divided amongst my heirs in the same manners aforesaid. And lastly I nominate constitute and appoint my son George to be executor of this will hereby revoking all other wills legacies and bequests by me heretofore made and declaring this and no other to be my last will and testament. In witness whereof I George Beelman the testator have to this my will written on two sheets of paper, set my hand and seal this nineteenth day of February in the year of our lord one thousand eight hundred and sixty seven.
                                                                                                George Beelman (seal)

˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜

Notes:
- The date given (February, 19th, 1867) is not consistent with the date as it was read on the gravestone (January 6, 1866). The gravestone is very difficult to read. The date may have been read incorrectly.
- The will was proven and affirmed by the witnesses, Christian Heartzler and Daniel Bailey, on January 12, 1869. George most likely died on January 6, 1869.
- Because Fanny's husband, Daniel Maust, was not mentioned, it is possible that the will was penned after Daniel's death in July, 1866. This supports the later date.
- Joseph is buried in Huron County, Ohio.
- A search of deeds should reveal more about the Ohio properties and the "Frilton Lot".

The Family of George Beelman Sr.

George Beelman Sr was born on May 2, 1786. His wife, Eve Brandt, was born on December 1, 1794.[1]

The date of their marriage has not yet been recovered. They were likely married circa 1810.

The known children of George and Eve:
George Beelman Jr (born abt 1811; death unknown) married Elizabeth. [2] Possibly buried in Huron Co. Ohio
John Beelman (1815-1882) [1]
Adam Beelman (1819-1887) married Martha [1]
Joseph Beelman (1820-1883) [3] married Eliza Ann Moore; held several elected offices including Huron County Commissioner; buried in Huron County, Ohio [4]
Fanny Beelman (1824-1888) married Daniel Maust [1]
Sarah Beelman (1830-1890) married George H. Miller [1]

According to his headstone, George died on January 6th, 186?. The date shown in the Will book suggests the year 1869. [5] A third source is needed to confirm the date.
After George's death, Eve lived with her son, John, and her daughter, Fanny. [6] John may have never married. Fanny was widowed by her husband, Daniel Maust, on July 20, 1866. Fanny's son, Fillmore Maust, was elected to the office of District Attorney and later to the State Legislature. [7]
Eve died on December 1, 1884. [1]
George Sr., Eve, John, Adam, Fanny, and Sarah are buried in Cocklin's Cemetery.

Sources:
1. Headstones, Cocklin's Cemetery, Upper Allen, PA
2. US Federal Censuses 1850-1870
3. Headstone, Bethel Cemetery, Willard, OH
4. History of Huron County, Ohio by Abraham J. Baughman, page 236
5. Cumberland County PA Register of Wills, Will Book O, page 237
6. US Federal Census 1870
7. Biographical Annals of Cumberland County, page 594

The Passing of George H Miller

George H Miller (1819-1895) was Zella Miller's grandfather. Here is the text of three documents concerning the end of George's life.

Will of George H Miller - Cumberland County Register of Wills, Will Book U, page 331
Last Will and Testament of George H. Miller decd.
I George H Miller of Mechanicsburg County of Cumberland and State of Pennsylvania do make and publish this my last will and testament in manner and form following.
First It is my will that all my just debts and funeral expenses and suitable tombstones to mark my grave be got and paid out of my Estate as soon after my decease as possible by my executor hereinafter named.
Item I give and bequeath all my property real personal and mixed to my daughter Susanetta Gross wife of Henry M. Gross of Mechanicsburg.
Lastly, I nominate, constitute, and appoint my daughter Susanetta Gross my executor of this my last will and testament hereby revoking all former wills by me heretofore made: but declaring this to be my last.
In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal this 16th day of November AD 1894
                                                 George H. Miller

Obituary, Mechanicsburg Free Press, Saturday, January 26, 1895, page 3
Death of George R Miller
George R Miller, aged 75 years, 6 months, and 2 days, died at the home of his daughter, Mrs. H.M. Gross, North Arch Street, on Thursday at 6 am. The deceased was a native of Upper Allen Township and has resided in town for several years. He was a member of Eureka Lodge, F. and A.M. and will be buried with Masonic honors at Cocklin's graveyard. Funeral at 1 o'clock today; services by Rev. J.M. Runkle.

Death Record, Cumberland County Death Records
922
Name,                       George H. Miller
Male of Female,         Male
Color,                        White
Age,                           75 years
Married or Single,       Married
Place of Birth,            Upper Allen Twp. Cumb. Co.
Occupation,               Gentleman
Date of Death,           January 23 1895
Place of Death,          Mechanicsburg
Street and No. where Death
Occurred,                  North Arch St.
Cause of Death,        Paraletic Stroke
Duration of last illness,  3 months
Place of Interment,      Cocklin Graveyard
Date of Interment,      January 25 1895
When Recorded,       May 25 1895

From the Miller Family Bible

This is an image from the bible of George H Miller (1819-1895). The drawing memorializes his first wife, Susanna Urich (1822-1849).

The writing within the drawing reads:
Susanna Miller
Wife of G H Miller
Departed this life
Oct 26th 1849
Aged 27 Years 6 M 5 D

Cocklin's Cemetery

The Final Resting Place of the Millers and Beelmans of Shepherdstown

Cocklin's Cemetery is easy to miss. The small graveyard on Lisburn Road is tucked in between a cornfield and Ashcombe Farms, a community of townhouses and single-family homes. One could drive by it hundreds of times and never see it.

This sign marks the entrance to the cemetery.

This tiny cemetery has among its inhabitants eight of our ancestors from the Miller family tree. Seven of these graves are still clearly marked.

Adam Miller (1795-1879) was Zella Miller's great-grandfather.

Sophia Hahn (1798-1876), Adam's wife was Zella's great-grandmother.

George H Miller (1819-1895), Zella's grandfather, rests in Cocklin's Cemetery, but he does not have a headstone. It is possible that he is buried here, next to his first wife, Susanna, and the monument he had erected for her. J Zeamer did not list George among the headstone inscriptions that he transcribed in 1904. This must mean that George never had his own headstone. 

Sarah Beelman (1830-1890) was George's second wife and Zella's grandmother. She was buried among the Beelman plots.

George Beelman (1786-1866), was Sarah Ann's father and Zella's great-grandfather.

 Eve Brandt (1794-1884) was George Beelman's wife, Sarah Ann's mother, and Zella's great-grandmother.

Christian Beelman (1751-1804) was George Beelman's father and Zella's great-great-grandfather. 

Christina Brenneison (1760-1820), Christian's wife, was Zella's great-great-grandmother.

A Brief Overview of the Miller Lineage

We know of four generations of Millers. Adam Miller married Sophia Hann in 1817. We know of eight children from this marriage of nearly 60 years. They had only two sons. George H. Miller was one.
George H. Miller married twice. His first wife, Susannah Urich, had three children: two sons and one daughter. Susannah died at the young age of 27. It was George’s marriage to Sarah Ann Beelman that produced Elmer E Miller.
Elmer married Susan Ann Ellinger. They had eight children. Their youngest child was a daughter named Zella.
All four generations lived in Upper Allen Township. Adam, George, and Elmer all remained throughout their lives in the Shephardstown vicinity. Adam and Sophia are buried in Cocklin’s Cemetary on Lisburn Road. This cemetary also contains George, both of George’s wives and Sarah Ann Beelman’s parents (George and Eve) and grandparents (Christrian and Christina). Elmer and Susan Ann are buried in Chestnut Hill Cemetary north of Shepardstown.
We will take a more detailed look at these individuals in future posts.

The Miller Family Tree

A Five Generational Family Tree for Zella Clarine Miller

(Click on image to enlarge.)