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History of Orange County
Town of Montgomery
Page 29
Though brought up in the Lutheran church of all Christian denominations, Mr. Miller preferred the Presbyterian as most republican and independent. Among his fellow citizens, whether in or out of a church connection, no one gave a more cheerful or bountiful support to its institutions. The Sabbath found him regularly in attendance at the house of God. It was his pride and pleasure to provide for the temporal wants of the church and minister, for whom his purse and personal exertions were ever ready at their call. He neither worshipped mammon in his external nor internal courts, for money in his view was designed for general circulation, to benefit all who could honestly or honorably procure it, and not to be hoarded. It is believed that no amount would have been deliberately placed at interest by him for the purpose of gain and accumulation, till all reasonable ways and means had been exhausted for its expenditure.— This estimate of money was the basis of his private and public liberality, most pleasantly shared in by the members of his household, which permitted no one to leave his do without a satisfaction beyond expectation. In this respect his lady was the true exponent of himself, and through long matrimonial life—longer than usually falls to mortals—she was in reality a crown to her lord. Her virtues were not that showy character which seek applause, and self gratification the ruling principle, but shown most conspicuous in her own domain, the domestic circle—where, though quiet and unobtrusive, all admitted she was the presiding goddess. This charitable feeling and good will manifested itself in the most agreeable manner to the children in the vicinity. His carriage, winter and summer, went as regularly down to the village as if it had been a daily stage in the employ of government. On these occasions, his vehicle would be crowded with the school chidden, thick as they could set or stand, and appeared as if a swarm of bees had settled upon it, all teeming with life and animation. He thus literally took them up and carried them in his arms. This may be looked upon as a small fact to write in a book by the churlish, proud on haughty citizen, but in our opinion, it opens a wider door to respect his character than many actions deemed more important. We close our observations on this head with the general remark, that there never was a good natured and virtuous man but was fond of children, and there never was a bad or ill tempered one that was.
Mr. Miller, by the request of friends and neighbors, was appointed to lay the corner stone of the First Presbyterian Church in the village of Montgomery. He was entitled to this honor, not only by virtue of his age and respectable standing, but by exertions and liberal donations towards its erection. This was no ordinary or common service when performed, as on the occasion referred to, by appropriate Christian solemnities. What more sacred or heart inspiring scene can be witnessed, than the erection of a temple in open day, before the world and in the face of heaven, in which that God is to be invoked and worshipped, in whom we live and move and have our being? To be an actor in such a scene is a high privilege in the sight of man, but no tongue can tell the prevailing nature of such a deed till he shall see, if happily he may, the heavenly scroll enrolled with its ten thousand names of sons and daughters new born there. But we forbear: the theme is too high and holy for unclean hands.
Mr. Miller died December 17, 1834, aged seventy-four, lie had but two children who grew up to age, John and Maria.
John married Miss Oliver, daughter of Judge Oliver, of Marbletown, Ulster county; and Maria, David Hunter, Esq., of Bloomingburgh. This family is in the town in the sixth generation.