Miller: Generation 1

John & Elizabeth Miller

As John Miller was age 87 when he died on 3 Feb 1802, we can assume a birth c. 1715, probably in Pennsylvania.

Elizabeth died in 1803 at 69, resulting in a birth year c. 1734.  Due to their age difference, was she actually his second wife?

25 Apr 1767: John Miller received a grant of land in York County, SC.  After this, there were many references to a John Miller.  In fact, the families of Miller, Neely, Faris, and Carothers supposedly all came to York about 1750 from York, Lancaster, and Union Counties, PA.  But was that our John Miller?  John's daughter Esther and husband John McPeak supposedly had their first child c. 1776 in PA.  (Our Henry was born in PA in 1773.)   Whenever John came south, he probably had other Millers with him.  The Miller surname in both Lancaster County, SC and Mecklenburg County, NC seem to be associated with Drennans, Neelys, and Barnetts.  [See Unassigned Millers]

7 Apr 1786: The sale of 150 acres from John Miller to Thomas Moore was proved in court by Thomas Davis and John Moore.[1]  But once again, was this our John?

1 Nov 1797: In a deed from William Hill Junior to William Edward Hayne for 200 acres in York County, the parcel was described as "being part of a tract of land granted by patent to John Miler . . . . bearing the date 25 Apr 1767, from him conveyed to William and John Fergus".[2]

1800 Census, York County, SC:  1 male over 45; 1 female under 10, 2 10-15, 1 over 45; 2 slaves.  He was enumerated on same page as Henry Miller.[3]

31 Jan 1802: John signed his will in York County. . .

Will of John Miller[4]

In the Name of God amen.  I John Miller do make and ordain this my last will and testament and disallows and disannuls all former wills & appoints this my last will.  Item I give and bequeath my soul to God that gave it me and my body to be buried in a deasent and Christian like manner at the discretion of my executors, and as touching the worldly goods that it hath pleased God to give me I desire that all my just debts be paid.

I give and bequeath my son James Miller five shillings sterling as his full share. I give my daughter Ester McPeke five shillings sterling as her full share.  I desire that all my rail and personable estate be praised and sold if occasion requires it at the discretion of the executors except the two Negroes.  I give and bequeath to my son John Miller that Negro man named Rody.  I give and bequeath to my son Hendry Miller that Negro man named Daniel.  Item I desire that all the rest of my Daughter married and unmarried be made up their shares in proportion with what they have got already equal with what Ester McPeke has got as her dowrey at the discretion of the executors to wit, my daughter Jean Hope, Mary Lowry, Susanah Hutton, Elizabeth Miller, Margarit Drinnin.  I give and bequeath the remaining part to my dearly beloved wife Elizabeth Miller if anything of consequence remains and to be at her discretion to divide it at her decease whom I constitute and appoint one of my lawful executors with her two sons John Miller and Hendry Miller, of this my last will & testament and my two sons John Miller and Hendry Miller is to take care and provide for their Mother a comfortable maintenance during her natural life if her part of the estate is not sufficient to maintain her during life, it is to be taken of the price or hire of the Negros left to them, and if all three of the executor cannot convene together at all times any two of them may act and do business at any time.  I  this my last will and testament as witness my hand and seal this 31st day of January 1802. 

John Miller

The will was witnessed by Bennet Highfill, Thomas Barnett, and John Fearis.  It was proved on 3 May 1802. when Henry and Elizabeth Miller were "qualified" as executors by the court.

Daughters Susannah, Mary, and Elizabeth each received $90.00 from the estate; John and Esther McPeak received $85.50.  Daughter Margaret received an unspecified amount, but declared herself fully paid. 

4 Apr 1803: Elizabeth died in York County, age 69.  Both she and John were buried at Bethel Presbyterian Churchyard, Clover, SC.[5]

Children of John Miller: We can't be sure that Elizabeth was the mother of all these children.  Of the nine children, five of their birth years aren't known . . .

James Miller

Esther Miller (c. 1755 -     ; m. John McPeak)

Jean Miller (15 Apr 1760 - 1846; m. William Hope 17 Jul 1782)

John Miller (     - c. 1805; m. Prudence _______)

Henry Miller (8 Jan 1773 - 24 Nov 1857; m. Rachel Drennan)

Mary Miller

Susannah Miller (m. _______ Hutton)

Elizabeth Miller

Margaret D. "Peggy" Miller  (21 Nov 1777 - 7 Feb 1860; m. William Drennan 2 Mar 1801)

If you have material about any individuals included in Nancy's Dead Relatives, can add well-documented family lines, have corrections and/or comments, or wish to establish a link to or from this site, please contact me at nancy@nancysdeadrelatives.com.  However, the decision whether or not to include any submitted material is the webmaster's (mine) alone. 

Nancy Denty Breidenthal

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