Update-Search for relatives of John Miller (1748-1811)

As new pieces of the puzzle are shared, the more we can discern about the identities of our ancestors along with understanding their stories. This can be most evident as we continue to learn and understand how to utilize DNA testing. Since our last post in 2021, the testing of the Y-DNA of a great-great grandson of John Thompson Miller (John Miller’s grandson) was recently upgraded to the highest level currently available (known as the Big Y-700) with FamilyTreeDNA. Not only does this provide additional clarity to prior test results, this comprehensive test provides greater insight as to the paternal lineage of our John Miller (1748-1811) as it can be accurately traced back centuries. Moreover, these comprehensive Y-DNA results will continue to be refined and updated as more men are tested (particularly from suspected paternal lines) providing additional clarity to each subsequent generation.

John Miller is the 3rd-Great maternal

grandfather of Eula Claudine Reed

As noted in our previous post (Discovering the father of John Miller [1748-1811] using Y-DNA), the earliest proven ancestors of our Miller line are John Miller and his brother Andrew Miller. According to his headstone, John Miller was born in Pennsylvania in 1748, migrated to South Carolina in 1770 where he was a member of the Presbyterian Church, and he died on November 18, 1811 (Abbeville County, South Carolina). Having been elected Captain of the “Little River” militia company of “rangers“, his brother Captain Andrew Miller was killed fighting the British during General Daniel Morgan’s route of the infamous Colonel Banastre Tarleton in the Battle of Cowpens on January 17, 1781. In the mid-1760’s, plats were recorded for Andrew Miller (1766) and his brother-in-law John Johnston/Johnson (1765) on the northwest forks of Long Canes in what would become known as the Long Cane Settlement (present-day Abbeville County, South Carolina).

While the terms and identifiers utilized in DNA testing can be confusing, when we look at the information from a traditional genealogy perspective the results can be easier to understand for many of us. Since there is little to no change in the Y-DNA passed down from father to son, the Big Y-700 tests approximately 700 Y-DNA data points known as markers (STRs) and private variants (SNPs). By comparing these Y-DNA data points with the Y-DNA from other males tested at similar levels, men that share a common male ancestor are grouped into paternal family branches known as “Haplogroups” with a unique identifier (numbers & letters) in place of the name of the common male ancestor (which is generally unknown) from which the paternal group descends. While the vast majority of these paternal family branches date back thousands of years, more recent paternal branches continue to be identified as more men are tested at this advanced level. As a result, not only can we analyze the current paternal “Haplogroup” from a match with the great-great grandson of John Thompson Miller (John Miller’s grandson), more recent “Haplogroups” will continue to be identified as more male descendants from the suspected family branches are tested. Consequently, the chances of finding matched male descendants can be significantly improved by identifying and testing male descendants from Miller families that are suspected to share paternal lines.

At the present time, the results of the Big Y-700 test identified the most recent identified paternal branch of our great-great grandson of John Thompson Miller (Kit#B44303) as “Haplogroup R-FTD51195” which is shared with his two closest matches (Kit#B886941 & Kit#?). Identified as Haplogroup R-FTD51195, this otherwise unnamed common male ancestor is currently estimated with a 95% probability to have been born sometime between 1152 CE and 1664 CE with the most likely date of 1450 CE. As illustrated below, the results revealed Haplogroup R-FTD51195 descends from “Haplogroup R-FTA85523” with the last common male ancestor currently estimated (95% probability) to have been born sometime between 1057 CE and 1590 CE with the most likely date of 1365 CE. Since males can father children from their teens to well past their 50s, this wide variance (1057-1590 CE) is due to multiplying this potential range of years by the estimated number of generations that the Y-DNA indicates separates our great-great grandson of John Thompson Miller and the other two matched male descendants in Haplogroup R-FTD51195. Thus, Haplogroup R-FTD51195 and Haplogroup R-FTA85523 are most likely separated only by 2-4 generations.

Copy of Y-DNA Time Tree for Haplogroup R-FT30548 illustrating the branch with Haplogroup R-FTA85523 with the branch for Haplogroup R-FTA78956 and our John Miller branch of R-FTD51195. The common male ancestor of Haplogroup R-FT30548 was estimated with a 95% probability to have been born sometime between 1015 CE and 1540 CE with the most likely date of 1315 CE.

In addition, another branch of our Haplogroup R-FTA85523 has been identified as Haplogroup “R-FTA78956“, which includes a great-great grandson of William A. Miller (Kit#206928) who matched 103 of 111 Y-DNA markers with our great-great grandson of John Thompson Miller. With the Big Y-700 test results, there was a 95% probability that common male ancestor for Haplogroup R-FTA78956 was born sometime between 1715 CE and 1969 with the most likely date of 1875 CE. Since this great-great grandson of William A. Miller (see bleow) shared his lineage, the common male ancestor for Haplogroup R-FTA78956 appears to have been Dana Oscar Miller (1876-1933); Dana’s father James Matthew Miller (1848-1913), or Dana’s grandfather William A. Miller (1811-1891). If the paternal lineage of the other male descendant matched in Haplogroup R-FTA78956 had been known and shared, the identity of this common male ancestor for Haplogroup R-FTA78956 could be confirmed.

William A. Miller was born in Windham County (Vermont) on October 27, 1811; and his parents were Matthew Miller (1773-1831) and Mercy Darby (1777-1848);
James Matthew Miller was born in Windsor County (Vermont) on February 29, 1848; and his parents were William A. Miller (1811-1891) and Martha Tileston Davis (1816-1894);
Dana Oscar Miller was born in Windham County (Vermont) on September 8, 1876; and his parents were James Matthew Miller (1848-1913) and Mary Ella Morse (1?-1930).

This demonstrates the importance of sharing and verifying the paternal family lineage, which is often overlooked by participants testing their Y-DNA. While the science of Y-DNA testing is a powerful tool, it can only confirm how closely matched/related a tested male descendants is with other tested male descendants. Unless we can provide viable DNA samples taken from our ancestors for testing, to discover the identity of the common male ancestors we need to carefully review the documentation of the lineage for each of the matched male descendants. Fortunately, we have a proven male lineage for our great-great grandson of John Thompson Miller back to his grandfather John Miller (1748-1811). While advanced Y-DNA testing can identify male descendants that share a common male ancestors with our great-great grandson of John Thompson Miller, what we can learn from these matches is limited to the amount of information they can share regarding their male lineage documented by traditional methods of genealogy.

For example, one of the male descendants matched in Haplogroup R-FTD51195 with our great-great grandson of John Thompson Miller reported their earliest known male ancestor was Robert Miller from Scotland. However, this ancestor of Robert Miller did not share anything more regarding their paternal lineage to this Robert Miller from Scotland in his profile with FamilyTreeDNA. Without his paternal lineage, we were intially limited to the scientific Y-DNA data. Originally matching 106 of 111 markers with our great-great grandson of John Thompson Miller, the Big Y-700 revealed that this ancestor of Robert Miller had 24 non-matching variants identified (BY25456, FGC31137, FGC16208, Y97987, 17374664, 13646052, 16699887, MF611022, 6620196, 10933493, 11679938, 12092629, 13348063, 20649851, 22302375, 3801355, 4756472, 6931564, 8279588, 8825968, 13470139, 14166050, 15037372, 20708301) with a difference of 5 of 673 STRs.

Fortunately, this descendant subsequently responded to an email from our great-great grandson of John Thompson Miller and graciously shared his paternal lineage that revealed he was a grandson of Paul I. Miller (1917-1971) along with his paternal lineage traced back to Robert Miller (detailed below). In addition, Paul I. Miller’s grandson shared an article published in the New England Historical and Genealogical Register reporting that this Robert Miller had been an indentured servant of David Cargill when he was “first appears in New England among the proprietors of Londonderry, New Hampshire, who crossed over from Northern Ireland“; adding Robert Miller “apparently arrived with the first contingent in 1718…” Since David Cargill “was born in Scotland” and “emigrated to Aghadowey, County Derry, northern Ireland” prior to settling in New Hampshire, this article suggested “it is possible that Robert Miller also came from County Derry“; adding “there is a Robert Miller, perhaps the same man” listed on the Scotch-Irish petition to Governor Samuel Shute in 1718.[1] Since our common male ancestor was likely born sometime between 1152 CE and 1664 CE, our common male ancestor likely had been born in Scotland (most likely around 1450 CE). That said, it remains possible that this shared male ancestor had been part of the “Plantation” of protestants from Scotland into northern Ireland that began in 1606.[2]

Paul I. Miller was born in Augusta (Maine) on October 14, 1917; and his parents were Fredrick D. Miller ((1878-1961) and Mary Rebecca Witherell (1880-1979);
Fredrick D. Miller was born about 1878 in Maine (Lincoln County?); and his parents were Algernon Sidney Miller (1844-1939) and Elizabeth Dolley (1847-1922);

Portrait of Frederick D. Miller when he was about 20 years old. Copy shared on Ancestry.com.

Algernon Sidney Miller was born in Burlington (Penobscot County, Maine) on January 14, 1844; and his parents were Alfred Miller (1804-1862) and Lydia Clark (1808-1892);

Portrait of Algernon Miller with his sister Amanda taken about 1866. Copy shared on Ancestry.com.

Alfred Miller was born about 1804 in Brownfield (Maine); and his parents were David James Miller (1773-1859) and Martha “Patty” Poor (1783-1816);
David James Miller was born in Sanford (York County, Maine) on January 3, 1773; and his parents were John Bolt Miller (1740-) and Priscilla Thompson? (1747-aft1779);
John Bolt Miller was born in Hampton Falls (Rockingham County, New Hampshire) on January 13, 1740; and his parents were Robert Miller (?-aft1809?) and his first wife Ann Bolt (?-abt1743).

As noted in our previous post (Identifying other related Miller Families in Colonial South Carolina), Reverend William Boyd along with the leaders of 319 families from the Ulster colony petitioned to settle in New England in 1718. Moreover, Reverend William Boyd had been one of the leading Presbyterian ministers in the Ulster colony and David Cargill had represented the town of Aghadowey in the County Londonderry (northern Ireland) at “the General Synod of the Presbyterian church in Ulster…“[3] Since our John Miller (1748-1811) was a member of the Presbyterian church in South Carolina, this would suggest that his parents or grandparents may have been among the large influx of Scotch-Irish Presbyterians arriving in Pennsylvania from 1729-1750.[4] That said, they may have followed the migration of Presbyterians south from Massachusetts similar to Reverend Thomas Craighead who in 1724 moved from Freetown (Massachusetts) to White Clay Creek (Delaware); and then moved into Pequea Township (Lancaster County, Pennsylvania) in 1733; and ended his journey in Cumberland County, Pennsylvania.[5]

The other descendant (Kit#B886941) that comprised Haplogroup R-FTD51195 with our great-great grandson of John Thompson Miller reported their earliest known male ancestor was “Andrew Lewis Miller, b 1809 Tn, d 1865 Ga.” Unfortunately, this descendant (Kit#B886941) did not share anything more regarding their paternal lineage to this Andrew Lewis Miller (1809-1865). Originally matching 104 of 111 markers with our great-great grandson of John Thompson Miller, the Big Y-700 revealed this descendant of Andrew Lewis Miller (1809-1865) had 24 non-matching variants identified (Z29595, BY31707, DC1085, BY227927, FGC31137, FGC16208, Y97987, 13646052, 3384561, 8024425, 11375888, 11818333, 14638950, 20783647, MF611022, 3801355, 4756472, 6931564, 8279588, 8825968, 13470139, 14166050, 15037372, 20708301) and a difference of 8 of 679 STRs. Curiously, half of the 24 non-matching variants (FGC31137, FGC16208, Y97987, 13646052, 3801355, 4756472, 6931564, 8279588, 8825968, 13470139, 14166050, 15037372, 20708301) matched the other the descendant (Paul I. Miller’s grandson) matched in Haplogroup R-FTD51195.

Since descendant (Kit#B886941) is matched in Haplogroup R-FTD51195 with our great-great grandson of John Thompson Miller, questions regarding his reported paternal lineage to Andrew Lewis Miller (1809-1865) became apparent when another descendant (Kit#130827) of Andrew Lewis Miller (1809-1865) was not matched to Haplogroup R-FTD51195 (detailed below). Instead, this descendant (Kit#130827) was only matched to Haplogroup “R-FGC11397“; which is an earlier root of our John Miller branch of Haplogroup R-FTA85523 and its subsequent R-FTD51195. Our John Miller line Haplogroup R-FTA85523 branched off from Haplogroup R-FGC11397 to form Haplogroup “R-FT171815” with a common male ancestor estimated to have been born sometime around 400 CE.

Following our post in 2021, descendants of Dr. Clifford Miller (1877-1966) contacted us and graciously have shared additional information regarding their lineage and the Y-DNA testing of Dr. Clifford Miller grandson (Kit#130827). Although this grandson of Dr. Clifford Miller’s matched 103 of 111 markers with our great-great grandson of John Thompson Miller and has been placed in the same family group in the Miller Surname Project, as previously noted Dr. Clifford Miller’s grandson earliest identified Haplogroup was R-FGC11397. Interestingly, the great-great grandson of Samuel Thomas Miller (1825-1889) is another descendant of Haplogroup R-FGC11397. As previously noted (Discovering the father of John Miller [1748-1811] using Y-DNA), the great-great grandson of Samuel Thomas Miller (1825-1889) reported to have descended from Ebenezer Miller (1730-1796), who has been listed as the son of Charles Miller (1710-1795) that died in Lancaster County, South Carolina. Subsequent research indicates this Miller line had migrated from Massachusetts (Identifying other related Miller Families in Colonial South Carolina).

Portrait of Dr. Clifford Miller and his wife Pearl Womack Miller shared by his granddaughter.

According to his family, Dr. Clifford Miller was born in Georgia on June 16, 1877; and his parents were William Thomas Miller (1852-1883) and Sarah Vidella Dutton (1859-1883). William T. Miller died when he was 31 years-old and is buried in the Paynes Chapel United Methodist Church Cemetery in rural Jenkins County (about 10 miles north of Portal, Georgia). They added that the parents of William Thomas Miller (1852-1883) were Andrew Lewis Miller (1809-1865) and Priscilla Harris (1816-1880); and Andrew Lewis Miller (1809-1865) had been born in Monroe County (Tennessee) prior to moving in the 1840s to become the “first stationmaster at Station 6 1/2 in Rocky Ford” in Georgia. Although uncertain of the identity of his parents (they believe his father maybe Cullinus Miller), they added that Andrew Lewis Miller (1809-1865) had two brother (William Miller born in 1811 & Drury Miller born in 1822). Since another descendant (Kit#84207) reporting their earliest male ancestor of Cullinous Miller (1790-1840) was found not be a close match to our Miller family in the Miller Surname Project, if proven this would eliminate Cullinus Miller as the father of Andrew Lewis Miller (1809-1865). That said, it is interesting to note that Cullinas Miller and James Boyd (possibly James Maxwell Boyd [1763-1850]) posted and signed the bond for the marriage of Cullinas Miller and Polly Sloan in Blount County (Tennessee) on October 22, 1800.[6]

While this apparent contraction needs to be resolved, the name of Andrew Lewis Miller (1809-1865) could possibly indicate a link to the Miller families that settled in Augusta County (Virginia) along with the Pickens and Calhoun families which was explored in our previous post (Tracing Millers Migration from Pennsylvania to South Carolina). Interestingly, one of the most prominent families to settle in Augusta County (Virginia) were General Andrew Lewis (1720-1781) and his brother Colonel Charles Lewis (1735-1774). Similar to the Calhouns, their parents John Lewis (1677-1762) and Margaret Lynn (1693-1773) had immigrated from Donegal County in the Ulster Province of Ireland. While researching the Millers from Augusta County, it was noted that Rachel Miller had been married to John Lewis by Reverend Benjamin Erwin in Augusta County (Virginia) on April 1, 1789.[7] Rachel Miller’s husband, Captain John Lewis (1766-1843), was a son of Colonel Charles Lewis (1735-1774) and Sarah Murray; and died in Bath County (Virginia).[8] Since additional Millers were noted in the Lewis family history, additional research may shed light on the lineage of Andrew Lewis Miller (1809-1865).

Although the great-great grandson of William A. Miller (Kit#206928) branches off from our great-great grandson of John Thompson Miller after Haplogroup R-FTA85523, his reported paternal lineage provides additional insight as to our Miller lineage. According to the lineage he shared (detailed below), his Miller line lived in New Hampshire and Vermont after migrating from Londonderry in Northern Ireland in the 1700s. While we have not had the opportunity to verify their documentation, this would indicate that their Miller family was part of the migration of Scots-Irish protestants from the Ulster Plantations along with David Cargill’s indentured servant Robert Miller (ancestor of Paul I. Miller). Since our common male ancestor was likely born sometime between 1057 CE and 1590 CE, this would indicate our common male ancestor was born prior to the “Plantation” of protestants from Scotland that began in 1606.[9] Consequently, this may again suggest that our Miller ancestors were similarly involved in the failed Ulster Plantations prior to emigrating to the American colonies.

William A. Miller was born in Windham County (Vermont) on October 27, 1811; and his parents were Matthew Miller (1773-1831) and Mercy Darby (1777-1848);
Matthew Miller was born in Rockingham County (New Hampshire) on September 16, 1773; and his parents were Matthew Miller (1730-1824) and Mary Morison (1736-1815);
Matthew Miller was born in Rockingham County (New Hampshire) on June 15, 1730; and his parents were Samuel Miller (1705-1792) and Mary Dalziel (?-?);
Samuel Miller was born in Londonderry (Northern Ireland); and his father is speculated to Robert Miller (1680-?).

As previously posted (Discovering the father of John Miller [1748-1811] using Y-DNA), a great-great grandson of Hiram Boyd (1795-1850) had matched 105 of 111 markers with our great-great grandson of John Thompson Miller (Kit#B44303). In the upgraded Big Y-700, this great-great grandson of Hiram Boyd proved to be a DNA match with our great-great grandson of John Thompson Miller with 23 non-matching variants identified (17183914, FGC31137, FT30055, 13439944, 14187229, 16825155, 19145076, FGC16208, 26638856, Y97987, 13646052, FTA85523, FTD51195, MF611022, 3801355, 4756472, 6931564, 8279588, 8825968, 13470139, 14166050, 15037372, 20708301) with a difference of 3 of 656 STRs. Interestingly, this great-great grandson of Hiram Boyd shared 15 of the 16 non-matching variants (FGC31137, FGC16208, Y97987, 13646052, FTD51195, MF611022, 3801355, 4756472, 6931564, 8279588, 8825968, 13470139, 14166050, 15037372, 20708301) identified with the great-great grandson of William A. Miller (Kit#206928).

Currently, the most recent Haplogroup for this great-great grandson of Hiram Boyd (1795-1850) was Haplogroup “R-FT30548” with a last common male ancestor born sometime between 1015 CE and 1540 CE with the most likely date of 1315 CE. As noted in the above illustration, Haplogroup R-FT30548 is an earlier root of of Haplogroup R-FTA85523, indicating the last common male with our great-great grandson of John Thompson Miller and this descendant of Hiram Boyd was born much earlier than our share common male ancestor of the great-great grandson of William A. Miller. While this is well before the earliest listed male ancestor (Joseph Boyd) in the lineage shared by the great-great grandson of Hiram Boyd (detailed below), it is interesting to see that his paternal ancestors are reported to have settled in Prince George’s County (Maryland) before moving on to Adams County (Pennsylvania) which borders Maryland and had been created from western York County (Pennsylvania) in 1800.

Joseph John Boyd was born in Fountain Dale (Adams County, Pennsylvania) on May 9, 1833; aand his parents were Hiram Boyd (1795-1850) and Matilda Harbaugh (1810-1843);
Hiram Boyd was born in Prince George’s County (Maryland) on May 4, 1795; and his parents were Joseph Boyd (1766-1846) and Mary Scott (1767-1797);
Joseph Boyd was born in Prince George’s County (Maryland) on July 5, 1766; and his parents were Joseph Boyd (?-?) and his wife Eleanor (née unknown).

Since Prince George’s County marked Maryland’s western extending from Charles County to the Pennsylvania border when it was created, a section of Prince George’s County (Maryland) would become part of Pennsylvania when the border dispute (known as Cresap’s War) was finally resolved in 1767 (additional details of the Brethren in Cresap’s War posted in Tracing the German Baptist Roots of Jacob Sowder). Oddly enough, there were two letters by a surveyor named George Stevenson in 1760. While the first letter (February 2, 1760) noted land owned by “Abram & John Miller“, the second letter (April 2, 1760) related to a tract of land which amounted to about 150 acres which had been purchased by John Miller from Daniel McCormick at a public sale in 1758. At the time of Cresap’s War, Daniel McCormick “had the fortune to be the first persons who took hold of Cresap” for which he received this tract of land identified as “Manor 165“. Although James Wright attested that some entry would have been made, there seemed to be no record and Stevenson recommended that the amount John Miller had already been paid for the property should be taken in consideration when settling on a price John Miller would be charged for the land he had already purchased (see below).[10]

Scanned copy of the original letter of George Stevenson regarding John Miller dated February 2, 1760. Letter is part of the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission, Pennsylvania State Archives, in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania (Record Group 17, Records of the Land Office. Records of the Secretary of the Land Office. Correspondence Relating to Conestoga Manor Land, 1757-1765 [series #17.320]).

While a great deal more research is needed to known if this relates to our Miller line, it should be noted that extensive research and DNA study by Roberta Estes has been conducted regarding Brethren Millers that were caught up in Cresap’s War. Although we did not find the Stevenson letters cited in her research, Roberta Estes does provided detailed research linking Brethren Michael Miller to Crespa’s War and the Little Conewago Church founded on Little Conewago Creek in York County (Pennsylvania). In addition, she is the project manager of the Miller-Brethren Surname project which had previously grouped Dr. Clifford Miller’s grandson (Kit#130827) in the family group of Henry Miller who was reported to have been born in Rowan County (North Carolina) about 1780; and died in Wilkes County (North Carolina).[11] However, we were able to clarify with Roberta Estes that the updated Y-DNA test results had shown that Dr. Clifford Miller’s grandson (Kit#130827) was no longer considered a match to this family group of Henry Miller.

Although he has not not upgraded to the Big Y-700, a great-grandson of Charles George Miller (Kit#SI15692) matched 105 of 111 markers with our great-great grandson of John Thompson Miller. This great-grandson of Charles George Miller reported that his parents had immigrated from England to New South Wales (Australia) sometime after 1914. According to the current estimates, there is a 95% probability that the common male ancestor of the great-grandson of Charles George Miller and our great-great grandson of John Thompson Miller was born sometime between 1350 CE to 1800 CE, with the most likely year rounded to 1600 CE. While the descendant of Charles George Miller did share their lineage (detailed below), his earliest known male ancestor was born in Branscombe (Devon, England) in 1750. With the village of Branscombe (Devon County) located on the far southern coast of England (between Seaton & Sidmouth), it is unclear how this Miller descends from the Miller families that appear to have been part of the Scottish protestants that participated in the Ulster Plantations.

Charles George Miller was born in Lamberth (Surry, England) on March 6, 1856; and his parents were Joseph Henry Miller (1834-?) and Mary Powell (1837-?);
Joseph Henry Miller was born in Lambert in 1834; and his parents were Joseph Squire Miller (1812-1892) and Mary Ann Bushell (1811-1882);
Joseph Squire Miller was born in Plymouth (Devon, England) in 1812; and his parents were John Miller (1781-1854) and Jane Stevens (1791-?);
John Miller was born in Plymouth (Devon, England) on April 1, 1781; and his parents were John Miller (1750-1786) and Alice Campbell (1760-1844);
John Miller was born in Branscombe (Devon, England) in 1750; and his parents were not identified.

Since lineage shared by the great-great grandson of William A. Miller points to our Miller line having participated in the settlement in the Ulster Plantations, it was fascinating to see the research shared by Alan Watson in his recent post regarding the “Irish Quaker Millers and their emigration to Pennsylvania“. Citing images of records he reviewed from “Ireland, Society Of Friends (Quaker) Congregational Records“, Watson clarified the lineage of several Miller families that emigrated from Londonderry and Atrim counties in Northern Ireland and settled in Chester County (Pennsylvania) in the early 1700s.[12] This research documents Gawin/Gayen Miller (abt1674-abt1742) and James Miller (1669-abt1749) as the children of Robert Miller (abt1647-aft1709) and his wife Elizabeth who had farmed in the vicinity of Ballimony (Atrim County, Ireland) to the parish of Maghera in Londonderry County (Ireland) by 1694 CE. Based on this updated research, Watson suggests a number of corrections that are needed for the family trees of Gawin/Gayen Miller (abt1674-abt1742) and James Miller (1669-abt1749) found on Wikitree.

Ballimony (Ballymoney) is a small town “straddling the border of counties Londonderry and Antrim, rather close to Coleraine”; and the Quakers began holding a monthly meeting in Ballynacree, which is near Ballymoney, in or about 1682.

Copy of the survey of the Province of Ulster by Sir William Petty published in 1689 (Library of Congress). The Parish of Maghera is located between the words “Londonderry County” and the lake “Lough Neagh” (center-right). The village of Ballimony in Antrim County is located northeast of the words “Londonderry County” between Dunn and luce.

As previously posted (Discovering the father of John Miller [1748-1811] using Y-DNA), a number of descendants of Gawin/Gayen Miller (abt1674-abt1742) have participated in the Miller Surname Project which has matched them in at least two separate family groups (Gayen Miller A Group & Gayen Miller B Group). The five descendants of “Gayen Miller A Group” tested in the Big Y-700 were all in Haplogroup “R-Y140024” with there last common male ancestor born sometime between 1381 CE and 1745 CE with the most likely date of 1591 CE. The two descendants of “Gayen Miller B Group” tested in the Big Y-700 found one descendant was in Haplogroup “R-BY63190“, and the other in Haplogroup “R-FT105199“, which had branched of from “R-BY63190” sometime between 1515 CE and 1855 CE (most likely in 1718 CE). The last common male ancestor in Haplogroup “R-FT105199” was born very recently, sometime between 1831 CE and 1989 CE (most likely in 1931 CE).

A founding member of the Quaker New Garden Monthly Meetings, Gawin/Gayen Miller (abt1674-abt1742) and his wife Margaret had emigrated to Pennsylvania by 1702, settling on the east branch of Red Clay Creek in Kennet Township of Chester County, Pennsylvania. His brother James Miller (1669-abt1749) emigrated to Pennsylvania in 1729, where he lived in Chester County.

The “New Garden Meeting House” was built near White Clay Creek (highlighted in yellow) in southeastern Chester County (Pennsylvania) along the disputed border with Delaware and Maryland. Clipped from 1749 Lewis Evans map of Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Delaware (Library of Congress).

In addition, Watson’s updated research linked Samuel Miller to the Quaker meetings at Ballinacree (Ireland) where Robert Miller was found and not that far from Maghera (Londonderry County, Ireland). Although this Samuel Miller (abt1681-1771) may have been a son or close relative, no firm evidence of the relationship was identified. This Samuel Miller (abt1681-1771) emigrated to Pennsylvania in 1723 and settled settled in Sadsbury Township of Chester County.[13] A second Samuel Miller was found living near James Miller (1669-abt1749) after he had moved south to Timahoe (Kildare County, Ireland). This second Samuel Miller was born in Killead (Antrim County, Ireland), which was east of Lough Neagh lake; his parents were Thomas Miller and his wife Ellinor; and he married Jane Wyly in 1698. This “Samuel Miller’s deed of settlement (rather like a will)…mentions brothers, James, William, Matthew and Alexander Miller.” His brother James Miller was “said to be a farmer in Colrevah” (Tyrone County, Ireland).[14] Although this second Samuel Miller was not shown to have emigrated to the American colonies, this does identify additional Miller families that had living in/around Londonderry during the timeframe that could potentially be related to our John Miller (1748-1811) and his brother Captain Andrew Miller (?-1781).

While Watson’s updated research regarding John Miller that emigrated to Pennsylvania in 1709 is more complicated, this research certainly indicates this family line could potentially be related to our John Miller (1748-1811) and his brother Captain Andrew Miller (?-1781). After citing evidence establishing that the John Miller of New Garden (Pennsylvania) could not descend from John Miller (1633-1692) and Anne Clibben (1630-1716), this research concludes there were likely “at least two Quaker John Millers around in Ulster at the same time and it is hard to know which is which“. The first John Miller appears to have married Mary Agnew in Lurgan (Armagh County, Ireland) following a monthly meeting on November 19, 1691;[15] and another John Miller married Ann Lowdon in Ulster sometime after July 14, 1693.[16] Possibly one of these men, a John Miller was listed (1700, 1701, & 1703) in parish of Loughall, “which lies south of Lough Neagh, between the Lough and the town of Armagh“; and again in 1706-1707 in the parish of Aghaloo (Tyrone County, Ireland). Although they are in different counties, “Loughall and Agaloo are not too far away from one another; Loughall spans the road between Dungannon and Armagh and Aghaloo is to the east of it.“[17]

As previously posted (Discovering the father of John Miller [1748-1811] using Y-DNA), a great-great grandson of Samuel George Miller (1866-1943) match of 101 of 111 markers with our great-great grandson of John Thompson Miller (Kit#B44303) which currently estimates a 95% probability that the last common male ancestor was born sometime between 800 CE and 1600 CE with the most likely date rounded to 1250 CE. Although they have not upgraded to the Big Y-700 and this indicates a very distant link, the reported lineage of this great-great grandson of Samuel George Miller provides additional insight as to the identity of the paternal lineage of our John Miller (1748-1811) and his brother Captain Andrew Miller (?-1781). While this great-great grandson of Samuel George Miller has not traced his paternal line past James McKee Miller (1819-1897), the previously cited information indicates he was likely a descendant of the quaker family of Isaac Miller Sr (1752-?) who were documented in the records of the New Garden Monthly Meetings in Chester County, Pennsylvania.

While we still are not able to prove the identity of the parents of John Miller (1748-1811) and his brother Captain Andrew Miller (?-1781), all the results of the Big Y-700 testing suggest their parents or grandparents were born in Scotland or the Ulster Colony of northern Ireland. This is significant as it indicates our Miller paternal line does not descend from the numerous German/Dutch Miller families that emigrated to Pennsylvania during this timeframe. Moreover, ties to the Presbyterian Church indicates our Miller paternal line may well have been part of the influx of Scotch-Irish Presbyterians arriving in Pennsylvania from 1729-1750; or one of the Presbyterian families that moved south from Massachusetts. The remaining possibility is that our Miller paternal line is among the Quaker families that emigrated to Pennsylvania to escape persecution. As male descendants from these groups can be identified, tested, along with sharing documentation related to their lineage, we will continuing to learn more about the families of John Miller (1748-1811) and his brother Captain Andrew Miller (?-1781). As always, we appreciate that mistakes are part of the process and appreciate the continued assistance notifying us of corrections and revisions that need to be made.

God Bless!

Exhibit A: Augusta County (Virginia) Miller family Research

As noted in our previous post (Tracing Millers Migration from Pennsylvania to South Carolina), one of the more intriguing protential Miller connections was Andrew Miller who was named as an heir of John Miller who appears to have died in Augusta County (Virginia) sometime prior to August 19, 1766. Additional research documented below, indicates that this Andrew Miller had a close relative (possibly a brother) named William Miller; and that David Miller appears to have been a brother of John Miller. While David Miller is earlier linked to the John Miller that had married John Ingles’ widow by 1761, this John Miller has been reported to have moved on with his wife Mary to Carolina suggesting this was not the same John Miller that had died in 1766. Hopefully, descendants related to these Millers that lived in Augusta County (Virginia), along with descendants that suspect they descended from these Millers, will share documentation of their linage along and DNA testing information to help us determine if there are any connections to our great-great grandson of John Thompson Miller.

On April 14, 1753, a survey was made for “John Mills & David Miller 250 acres of Land Lying on Mulegan Run a Branch of ? River” adjoining “Edward McDonalds Land” in Augusta County, Virginia. Surveyor was Thomas Lewis. Another survey was made David Miller in 1753 (date?) for “120 acres of Land Lying on waters James River” adjoining “Byran McDonalds & Wood” in Augusta County, Virginia.[18]

On March 21, 1754, John Miller posted bond as the administrator of the estate of the deceased James Jones. Along with sureties of David Steward and Walter Davis.[19] On May 16, 1754, David Miller posted bond as administrator of the estate of the deceased William Miller with sureties of George Henderson and John Allison. Indicating he was literate, David Miller signed as did George Henderson and John Allison.[20]

On November 8, 1762, a survey was made for Thomas Lewis of 1300 acres of land “on Branch of Back Creek a branch of Jacksons River/Including four surveys in place Called the valley oposit John Millers Land” in Augusta County, Virginia. Interestingly, Thomas Lewis was also the surveyor.[21]

On August 19, 1761, the bond for “Mary Miller Administratrix of all the Goods & Challels Credits of John Ingles Deceased” was posted by John Miller, David Miller, and George Adams. While posting the bond indicates John Ingles had died intestate (without a will), it was noted that “if it shall hereafter Appear that any Last Will and Testament was made by the said Deceased” it would be presented to the “Court making request to have it Allowed and Approved…” Indicating all were illiterate, the bond was signed by John Miller, David Miller, and George Adams.[22] As previously noted (Tracing Millers Migration from Pennsylvania to South Carolina), this John Ingles was killed during the French and Indian (Shawnee, Miami & Ottowa) attack on Ft Vause on June 25, 1956. This “Mary Miller, now wife of John Miller” qualified as the administrator of the estate “of her former husband, John Ingles” with the bond secured by John Miller, David Miller, and George Adams. This John Miller and his new wife (Mary Ingles) reportedly left Augusta County “and went to Carolina” (possibly the “Waxhaws” settlement).

On August 19, 1766, Andrew Miller, Israel Christian, Benjamin Hawkins and William Fleming post the bond in Augusta County (Virginia) for “Andrew Miller & Israel Christian Administrator of all the Goods Chattles & Credits of John Miller deceased…” While posting the bond indicates John Miller (father of John Miller [1748-1811]?) had died intestate (without a will), it was noted that “if it shall thereafter appear that any Last will & Testament was made by this said Deceased…” it would be presented before the “Court making request to have it allowed and approved…” Indicating all were illiterate, the bond was signed by Andrew Miller, Israel Christian and Ben Hawkins.[23] On September 9, 1766, the Inventory of the estate of John Miller was made by Robert Breckenridge, James Bowland, and Samuel McRoberts (signed with his mark). The appraisement of the “Estate of John Miller deceased” was returned to the court on May 19, 1767.[24] On February 19, 1768, “Andrew Miller Heir at Law to John Miller Deceased of the County of Augusta and Colony of Virginia” sold to “Israel Christian Gent of County and Colony aforesaid” 81 acres “Lying and being in the county of Augusta on the south Branch of Catawba Creek” beginning “on the west side of the Branch corner to a Survey of Samuel McRoberts” in consideration of 100£ “current money of Virginia..” Indicating he was literate, Andrew Miller sign the indenture as witnessed by William Preston, Francis Smith and William Fleming. On the previous day (February 18, 1768), in consideration of “five Shillings current Money of Virginia” the same “Andrew Miller Heir at Law to John Miller Deceased of the County of Augusta and Colony of Virginia” sold to “Israel Christian Gent of County and Colony aforesaid” conveyed to Israel Christian the same 81 acres. Andrew Miller sign the indenture as witnessed by William Preston, Francis Smith and William Fleming.[25] This would suggest this Andrew Miller was the eldest son of John Wilson.

According to stories past down from John Harvey Miller (1871-1946), during his youth John Harvey Miller would ride his horse from his home in Kimberling Valley (present-day Bland County, Virginia) to Fincastle (Botetourt County, Virginia) “for social events and to visit his relatives to visit relatives.” John Harvey Miller added that his great-great-grandfather was John Miller of Miller’s Mill, which was adjacent to the present-day town of Fincastle in Botetourt County; and his great-great-grandfather’s father was named “John“. John Harvey Miller (1871-1946) was a son of Dr. Lorenzo John Miller (1828-1896) and Martha Lois Bird; and grandson of Reverend Charles T. Miller (1796-1867) and Anna McNeil. However, the parents of Reverend Charles T. Miller (1796-1867) are unproven with conflicting family traditions of German and Scots-Irish heritage.[26] As previously posted (see Tracing Millers Migration from Pennsylvania to South Carolina), the land of Miller’s Mill had been owned by John Miller and was acquire by Israel Christian from the estate of John Miller.

On or about August 28, 1766, a summons was issued in Augusta County (Virginia) for David Miller to appear in Chancery Court to answer a Bill of Complaint filed against him by Israel Christian (only information in online scanned file).[27]

On February 14, 1767, a survey was made for “Andrew & William Miller 103 acres of Land Lying on a Branch of Catawba Creek a Branch of James River” in in Augusta County, Virginia. The 103 acres were “in a line of Samuel McRoberts Land” and “a corner with a line of John Millers Land…” Thomas Lewis was the surveyor.[28] This would suggest that Andrew Miller and William Miller were closely related and likely brothers.

On March 9, 1767, “David Miller of the County of Augusta” conveyed to “Israel Christian Merchant” 120 acres “Lying and being in Augusta County on a branch of Buffallo Creek a branch of Roanoak” inconsideration of “five Shillings Currency Money of Virginia…” Indicating he was literate, David Miller signed the Indenture as witnessed by Israel Christian, Francis Smith, Robert Breckenridge, Ben Hawkins, William Fleming, Stephen Frigg?, ?, Nathan Gillen (by his mark), and William Christian. That same day, “David Miller and Hannah Miller his wife of the County of Augusta” conveyed to “Israel Christian Merchant” the 120 acres “Lying and being in Augusta County on a branch of Buffallo Creek a branch of Roanoak” inconsideration of £15 Virginia money (along with something about an Estate?). This second indenture was signed by David Miller with the same witnesses. That same day, “David Miller and Hannah Miller his wife of the County of Augusta” conveyed to “Israel Christian Merchant” conveyed 141 acres “in the County of Augusta on a branch of Roanoak called the Glade Creek” for the “Sum of five Shillings Current Money of Virginia…“; and signed by David Miller with the same witnesses. That same day, a fourth indenture was made by “David Miller and Hannah Miller his wife of the County of Augusta” and “Israel Christian Merchant” selling same 141 acres for the sum on £50 Virginia money; and signed by David Miller with the same witnesses.[29]

Exhibit B: Autosomal DNA Matches

Although autosomal DNA is far less effective at identifying beyond 3-4 generations, it was peculiar to find an autosomal DNA matched of 9 cM with our great-great grandson of John Thompson Miller and a descendant of Jacob Miller (1758-1833) and Margaret Penner (?) through their son David Miller (1778-?). This descendant reported Jacob Miller (1758-1833) was born in Bucks County (Pennsylvania) and died in Warren County (Kentucky). Coincidentally, autosomal of a 4th great-granddaughter of John Miller (through his son James M Miller) matched 12 cM across 1 segment with another descendant of Jacob Miller and Margaret Penner; this time through his son John Miller (1770-1840) and his wife Catherine Creek, and their son Andrew Miller (born in Warren County [Kentucky] in December 1801). This descendant believed Jacob Miller was a son of John Hannes (Indian John/Wounded John) Miller (1731-1802) who was born in Middleborough (Massachusetts) and died in Somerset County (Pennsylvania). Since this is most likely an odd coincident, this is simply noted in case more significant information is developed in the future.

[1] “Robert Miller, The One-Armed Tailor: Scotch Irish Immigrant to New England” by John B. Threlfall (New England Historical and Genealogical Register, Volume 140, No. 1, January 1986, Pages 17-22).

[2] The Plantation of Ulster (1610–1630).

[3] Scotch Irish pioneers in Ulster and America by Charles Knowles Bolton, Pages 93-94.

[4] Scotch Irish pioneers in Ulster and America by Charles Knowles Bolton, Pages 29-30.

[5] The Craighead family by James Geddes Craighead, Pages 37-38.

[6] Blount County (Tennessee) Original Marriage Bond dated October 22, 1800.

[7] Augusta County (Virginia) Marriage Register/Returns (1785-1813), Image 14 of 88.

[8] Genealogy of the Lewis family in America by William Terrell Lewis, Page 13.

[9] The Plantation of Ulster (1610–1630).

[10] Letter of George Stevenson dated February 2, 1760 (Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission, Pennsylvania State Archives, Harrisburg, PA; Record Group 17, Records of the Land Office; Records of the Secretary of the Land Office. Correspondence Relating to Conestoga Manor Land, 1757-1765 [series #17.320]); Letter of George Stevenson dated April 2, 1760 (Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission, Pennsylvania State Archives, Harrisburg. Record Group 17, Records of the Land Office. Records of the Secretary of the Land Office. Correspondence Relating to Conestoga Manor Land, 1757-1765 [series #17.320]).

“Correspondence concerned with the sale of tracts of land in Conestoga Manor located in the present Lancaster County. Information given varies among the letters. There are references to squatters occupying Conestoga Indian lands after the 1763 Conestoga Indian massacre and the occupation of a tract by Daniel McCormick as a reward for his service in arresting Thomas Cresap during the border dispute with Maryland known as “Cresap’s War.” Also of interest is a 1764 letter revealing crop rotation of hemp, barley, wheat, spelt, winter grain and Indian Corn on fields located near Blue Rock Ferry on the Susquehanna River. Among the names of those purchasing tracts in Conestoga Manor are Robert Beaty, George Adam Durstler, John Heer (Herr), Christian Heer(Herr), Rudy Herr, Samuel Herr, Michael Kauffman, M. Mather, John Mitchel, Abraham Miller, Jacob Miller, John Miller, Samuel Neilson, John Ross, M. Scott, Jacob Whistler, Jacob Whitman, Jacob Whitmore and John Whitmore.“

[11] Johann Michael Miller (Mueller) the Second (1692-1771), Brethren Immigrant, 52 Ancestors #104; Miller Families who are Brethren – Y-DNA Classic Chart; Miller Families who are Brethren – Y-DNA Colorized Chart.

[12] WikiTree: Irish Quaker Millers and their emigration to Pennsylvania.

[13] WikiTree: Irish Quaker Millers and their emigration to Pennsylvania.

[14] WikiTree: Irish Quaker Millers and their emigration to Pennsylvania.

“Eustace P.B, and Goodbody O. C. (Eds), Quaker Records Dublin, Abstracts of Wills, Irish Manuscripts Commission, Dublin, republished Clearfield & co, Baltimore, abstract 143 p 69.“

[15] WikiTree: Irish Quaker Millers and their emigration to Pennsylvania.

“marriage of John Miller and Mary Agnew in Lurgan on 19d 9mo (Nov) 1691; citing Archive Reference LGM5.1, Ulster Friends Trustees Ltd.“

[16] WikiTree: Irish Quaker Millers and their emigration to Pennsylvania.

“minutes dated 14d 5mo (Jul) 1693, John Miller and Ann Lowdon having this day laid their intentions of marriage with each other before the meeting …; citing Ulster Quarterly meeting minutes 1674-1693, Ulster Friends Trustees Ltd, archive ref Q.1.1.A.“

[17] WikiTree: Irish Quaker Millers and their emigration to Pennsylvania.

[18] Augusta County (Virginia) Surveyors Record 1 (1744-1761), Page 67; Augusta County (Virginia) Surveyors Record 1 (1744-1761), Page 68.

[19] Augusta County (Virginia) Will Book 2 (1752-1760), Page 31.

[20] Augusta County (Virginia) Will Book 2 (1752-1760), Page 43.

[21] Augusta County (Virginia) Surveyors Record 2 (1761-1774), Page 23.

[22] Augusta County (Virginia) Will Book 3 (1761-1767), Pages 73-74.

[23] Augusta County (Virginia) Will Book 3 (1761-1767), Page 460.

[24] Augusta County (Virginia) Will Book 4 (1767-1772), Pages 5-7.

[25] Augusta County (Virginia) Deed Book 15 (1768-1769), Pages 68-72.

[26] Return to the Land: A History of the Miller Family of Bland County, Virginia by David S. Miller M.D, Page 16.

[27] Augusta County (Virginia) Chancery Court File 412 for Israel Christian vs. David Miller (1766-002).

[28] Augusta County (Virginia) Surveyors Record 2 (1761-1774), Page 77.