1940s Archive of Manuscript Research Documents Painstakingly Compiled by a Prominent Crawford, Pennsylvania Citizen for His Unpublished Book, “History of Hartstown”
12279On offer is an exciting collection of the thorough research conducted by a career educator, published author, and serious genealogist focusing on his hometown of Hartstown, Crawford County, Pennsylvania and the neighbouring West Fallowfield Township.
The researcher/author is one Milo H. Miller (1863-1951). Miller was the author of two books, each thoroughly researched genealogical treasures focused on the history of his family. He published A History and Genealogy of the Miller Family, 1725-1933 (tracing his father’s roots) in 1933 and A History and Genealogy of the John Ellis Family, 1797-1935 (tracing his mother’s roots) in 1936.
According to a letter from the Crawford Historical Society, he was conducting this research with plans to write the “History of Hartstown”. To learn more about Milo Miller, SEE BIO NOTES following this listing.
This research archive contains dozens of letters received by Miller (most handwritten or typed by the author, some transcribed by hand or typewriter by Miller). The letters Miller received were in response to his requests for information on the histories of a number of prominent Crawford County families including the following: Martzall, St. Clair, Henry, Rankin, Lee, and the family of Benjamin F. Ellis.
The letters in this archive show that many were pleased to help Miller conduct this research into Hartstown and West Fallowfield. Their letters contain pages of detailed information about the families, their lineage and connections within Crawford County. Some respondents refer Miller to others who may be able to help further. Miller made an effort to get data from the Crawford Historical Society, but he hit a dead end. He also made an effort to acquire census records from the National Archives in Washington, but they were under “national emergency” protocol due to the war, and were unable to help.
As well as research on families, Miller was interested in the history of Hartstown physicians, schools, the postal service, and more. The archive contains statistics and other data compiled, typed and collated by Miller about the postal service and postmasters of Hartstown, family doctors, the history of the school districts in the region, the Scotch-Irish in Western PA, and the Freewill Baptist Church in Adamsville
It seems Miller compiled data for at least four chapters, if not more, of his planned book on Hartstown’s history. Some of his typed pages include glued-in photographs and it appears a book was taking form. Unfortunately Miller did not publish the book. We know his wife, Maude, died in September, 1942, and his work on this book seemed to dwindle after that. We also know he started spending more months of the year in California after her death, which may also relate to why he abandoned this project.
This archive is an outstanding source of primary source documents for any Pennsylvania-related collector or researcher. The work Miller has done to acquire the information and organize the documentation in typed draft pages is useful for any budding researcher. It would be pretty remarkable if a modern-day researcher chose to use Miller’s work and finish the book on Hartstown and West Fallowfield that he began.
BIO NOTES ON MILO H. MILLER: Milo H. Miller was born to his brother to parents Samuel K. Miller (1822-1896) and Silence Ford Ellis (1828-1899) just outside of Hartstown, PA. Milo and his brother, Myron Manson Miller (1859-1949) were raised in Hartstown. Milo attended the Edinboro Normal School and Allegheny College. He worked as an education professional following graduation, and his hobby was genealogy. He worked as a principal and head of schools in Girard and Knoxville, and a principal in McKeesport. In 1894, Milo married Maude Moriarty (1870-1942). They had two children, Florence Imogen Miller (later Willison) and Ellis Miller. Milo devoted much time to genealogical research. Milo retired from education in 1933. A few months after Maude died in September of 1942, Milo travelled to California to stay with Ellis and his family, and eventually made his own home in California.
This archive contains hundreds of pages of letters, typed data, and historical information summarized by Miller. There are also some postcards and photographs included. Some of the pages are stapled together, some bound by string, and there are many loose documents. The majority of the writing is very legible and overall the collection is G+.
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