William W. Miller was born February 24, 1856, in Franklin County, Missouri, the eldest son of J. W. Miller, a well known and prominent farmer in his county. His mother was a Miss M. B. Bell. William attended public school until sixteen years of age, when he entered Lone Hill Academy, Franklin County, and there remained four years, when he graduated in mathematics and returned to his father’s home. Remaining there two years, William came south and settled in Vinita, I.T., opening a livery stable, and continued the same for two years. After this he embarked in farming and stock rising, and in 1885 purchased the hardware establishment of A. H. Goody Koentz, in Vinita, and located on the main street, which business he still carries on. Mr. Miller married Miss Ellen H. Blythe, daughter of James C. Blythe and Jemima Rodgers. Mr. Blythe is one-fourth Cherokee, and has been postmaster in Vinita for several years. By this marriage Mr. Miller has two children, Roy, born May 18, 1881, and Ray, born October 15, 1883. Mr. Miller is a gentleman of pleasing manners and good address, and is a first-class businessman. His establishment may be said to be the only exclusive hardware house in the Cherokee Nation, and he carries a fine stock of about $15,000. Mr. Miller has also 400 acres in cultivation and a beautiful residence in town, besides two business lots. Mrs. Miller is a lady of superior education and many accomplishments. She is kind and charitable, and greatly beloved and respected by all who know her. Mr. Miller and his wife are members of the Presbyterian Church.
