Charles H. Miller

As printed in 1912

CHARLES H. MILLER, whose long, efficient and honorable service made him one of the best known railroad men for many years connected with the Pennsylvania system, has been a resident of Crestline, O., since 1860, and now lives retired, his home being located on the corner of Seltzer and Main Streets, Crestline. He was born in the city of New York, June 9, 1829, and is a son of John F. and Barbara (Giunder) Miller.

John F. Miller was born at Hamburg, Germany, Oct. 5, 1805, and died at Carrolton, O., July 2, 1897. When 12 years old he came to the United States on a cattle ship. For a number of years he lived in the city of New York and became a custom tailor, later in life moving to Carroll county, O. In New York City he married Barbara Giunder, who was born on the Atlantic Ocean when her parents, Jacob Giunder and wife, were coming from Switzerland to America. The mother died after the birth of her child and her burial was at seat. The father continued the journey with his motherless children, to Philadelphia, from there coming to Carrol county, O. In Switzerland he had been a linen manufacturer. His death occurred there when he was almost 100 years old. Mrs. Miller was reared by her brother and sister, mainly in New York State.

Her death occurred in Carroll county, O., when aged 84 years. She was a member of the Lutheran church. Four sons and three daughters were born to John F. and Barbara Miller. One son, Benjamin, died at the age of 75 years. Thomas J. left a son at death. John F. died without issue. All the sons and daughters reached maturity and the two survivors are: Charles H. and Mary, the latter of whom never married and who still occupies the old homestead in Carroll county.

Charles H. Miller grew to manhood in Carroll county and secured his education there. In 1851 he entered railroad life, becoming connected with the C. & P. Railroad, and worked on a construction train until 1853, when he went to Pittsburgh, where he engaged in merchandising for four years. He then returned to railroading and was conductor on a Pennsylvania line road until 1860, when he came to Crestline. Here he was placed in charge of the company's business with the title of dispatcher, but at that time his duties included a much wider territory than at present. In February, 1868, he was assigned to the position of livestock agent at Chicago, Ill., but still retained his home at Crestline. The company appreciated his services and gave him full credit for what had been accomplished. When he left the railroad service an elaborate dinner was tendered him by his fellow livestock agents of the Union Stockyards, at Chicago, on Dec. 29, 1900. He stood high in the regard of both employers and comrades and was given the privilege of naming his successor, his son-inlaw, Ernest A. Oliver being subsequently named to succeed him. He has a thorough knowledge of railroad history running back 'sixty-one years. Politically Mr. Miller is, like his father before him, a Democrat. He is a third degree Mason.

Mr. Miller was married at Carrolton, O., to* Miss Caroline Jackson, who was born there May 26, 1833, and died at her home in Crestline, Jan. 8, 1908. Although quiet and domestic in her tastes she was widely known for her sympathy and charity were given wherever needed and the circle of those who sincerely mourn her is large. She was the beloved mother of the following children: Ada, who married A. J. Wire, and died twelve years later; Carrie, who is the wife of Ernest A.

Oliver; Frank, who formerly was a member of the Ohio State Legislature, and is now engaged in the livestock business at Crestline; and Fannie, who is her father's housekeeper and devoted attendant.

As printed in History of Crawford County, Ohio, and representative citizens (1912). See the original pages. Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.