The William Miller Family

Children:

1. Elijah Miller
   b. abt 1774
   
   

2. James Miller
   b. abt 1776
   
   

3. William Miller
   b. abt 1779
   
   

4. John Miller
   b. abt 1782

Chronological Timeline:

On 21 Apr 1764, Robert Millar entered claim #76 for 400 acres of land. The land was described as being in Mecklenburg County "on the East side of Cataba River joining John Scott including John Hardens improvements." This was later warrant #1143, and grant #34 issued on 6 Apr 1765.

NOTE: This was later in possession of William Miller in 1774. When was this transferred?

SOURCE: https://nclandgrants.com/grant/?mars=12.14.87.1130&qid=1266435&rn=1

On 6 Apr 1765, Robert Miller received land grant #34, previously land warrant #1143, for 360 acres of land. The land was described as being in Mecklenburg County on the East side of the Cataba River joining John Scotts line including John Hardins improvements; beginning at a black jack corner to John Scott thence with his line North 23 East 26 poles to a white oak gum, then South 83 East 160 poles to a black oak, due South 50 poles to Beatys line, West 30 poles to a stake, South 95 poles with Beaty's line to a hickory, South 78 West 143 poles with Kellers line to a white oak, South 48 West 178 poles to a black oak, West 30 poles to McCartys's line, North 18 East 212 poles to his corner, North 30 West 36 poles to a stake corner to John Scott, thence North 74 East 129 poles with Scotts line to the beginning."

NOTE: This was later in the possession of William Miller in 1774. How did this come into William Miller's possession? Is he related to Robert Miller?

SOURCE: https://nclandgrants.com/grant/?mars=12.14.87.1130&qid=1266435&rn=1

On 5 Sep 1771 in Mecklenburg County, North Carolina, William Miller of Lancaster County, Pennsylvania sold 360 acres of land to David Miller of Mecklenburg County for 5 shillings sterling money. The land was described as "being on the East side of the Cataba River joining John Scotts line including John Hardins improvements; beginning at a black jack corner to John Scott thence with his line North 23 East 26 poles to a white oak gum, then South 83 East 160 poles to a black oak, due South 50 poles to Beatys line, West 30 poles to a stake, South 95 poles with Beaty's line to a hickory, South 78 West 143 poles with Kellers line to a white oak, South 48 West 178 poles to a black oak, West 30 poles to McCartys's line, North 18 East 212 poles to his corner, North 30 West 36 poles to a stake corner to John Scott, thence North 74 East 129 poles with Scotts line to the beginning." It further states this land was originally granted to Robert Miller dated 6 Apr 1765. The witnesses to the deed were William Johnston and John Robinson. The deed was proven during the January 1772 court term.

NOTE: David Miller later sold this same tract of land to Samuel Barnet on 22 Jan 1772.

SOURCE [deed book 9, page 50]: https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3QS7-99D6-F97B-4

On 26 Mar 1773 in Mecklenburg County, North Carolina, William Miller created a note for 56 pounds South Carolina currenty with Francis Adams. The stipulation was that William Miller repay the sum on or before 1 Apr 1774. The witnesses to the note were James Gambel and John Adams.

SOURCE: https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3QS7-997J-1NYP

On 7 Sep 1777 in Mecklenburg County, North Carolina, William Miller created a note for 3 pounds proclamation money with Daniel John. The stipulation was that William Miller repay the sum within 12 months after the date.

SOURCE: https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3QS7-997J-1J4Y

On 30 Sep 1779 in Mecklenburg County, North Carolina, William Miller and William Smith created a note for 32 pounds North Carolina currency with John Johnston. The stipulation was that William Miller and William Smith repay the sum within 6 months after the date. The witness to the note was Aaron Wilson.

SOURCE: https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3QSQ-G97J-1V54

On 24 Mar 1780, the State of North Carolina issued grant #113 to William Miller for 45 acres of land in Mecklenburg County. The land was described as being "on the head branches of McKees Creek, beginning at a burt black tree his own old corner runs thence with John McGintey's old line North 36 West 30 poles to a stake Daniel McKermens corner on said line, then with said McKermans line of a new survey North 20 East 400 poles to a black oak his other and John McKermans corner, then with John McKermans line South 33 East 46 poles to a red oak his other corner, then with his other line South 87 East 69 poles to a red oak his corner on his own old line, then with said line South 25 West 38 poles to a small white oak his old corner on his own old line of another survey, then with said line to the beginning."

SOURCE [deed book 12, page 102]: https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3QS7-89D6-F36N

"In the year 1781 William Miller to the heirs of Thomas Smith a full lower? in the ten months service in the State Troops under General Sumpter this day William Smith proved the above amount against the estate of William Miller and that he has given all due credits and that the estate is justly indebted to him the sum of ten pounds for the above said service."

SOURCE: https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3QSQ-G97J-1KQ6

On 13 Jan 1783 in Mecklenburg County, North Carolina, the court "ordered that administration of the estate of William Miller be granted to James Bruster who hath entered into bond with John Bruster & John jack for the faithful discharge of his duty. Principal 500 pounds special securities each 250 pounds."

On the same day, the court "ordered that Elijah Miller aged 9 years an orphan of William Miller deceased be bound apprentice to James Shanks to learn the trade of cabinet maker who promises at the expiration of his apprenticeship the sum of 15 pounds in gold or silver above his freedoms."

On the same day, the court "ordered that James Miller an orphan of 7 years of age of Wm. Miller decd. be bound to Alexander Johnston to learn the trade of joiner & cabinet maker who promised at the expiration of his apprenticeship the sum 15 pounds in gold or silver over & above his apprentice files."

On the same day, the court "ordered that James Bruster be appointed guardian of John & William Miller orphans of William Miller decd. until next court when he is to produce the eldest to be bound by the court."

SOURCE: https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3Q9M-CSLV-VSDV-V

On 14 Apr 1783 in Mecklenburg County, North Carolina, the court "ordered that William Miller aged 4 years orphan of William Miller deceased be bound to Catharine McKnight to learn the weavers trade to serve 17 years she engaging to give said apprentice at the expiration of his apprenticeship a new loom & gears worth 7 pounds hard money above his freedom dues as directed by law and Robert McKnight engages to have the indentures fulfilled by the said Catharine."

SOURCE: https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3Q9M-CSLV-VSDV-8

On 16 Apr 1783 in Mecklenburg County, North Carolina, the court filed "an account of the sales of the estate of William Miller decd. by James Bruster administrator amounting to 284 pounds 2 shillings 6 pence specie as by inventory filed."

On the same day, the court "ordered that Mrs. Elenor Ferguson keep John Miller aged 1 year orphan of William Miller decd. for the term of 12 months & that she be allowed the sum of 10 pounds out of the estate."

SOURCE: https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3Q9M-CSLV-VSDG-F

On 11 Jan 1785 in Mecklenburg County, North Carolina, the court "ordered that letters of administration issue to Anne Miller admrx. on the estate of Wm. Miller decd. who offers for her security James Wilson who are bound in the sum of 150 pounds."

SOURCE: https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3Q9M-CSVB-2YY1

In Jun 1785 in Mecklenburg County, North Carolina, Ann Miller as administratrix of the estate of William Miller deceased, provided a return of the estate to the court. The following individuals purchased from the estate:

• Finny John

• Kenedy William

• Liddy John

• Maxfield James

• McCall James

• McComes James

• McGinnis Patrick

• Miller Anne

• Wallace William

SOURCE: https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3QS7-897J-1J7X

During the September 1786 court session in Mecklenburg County, North Carolina, the court "orderd that the administration on the estate of William Miller deceased pay to Mrs. Catherine McKnite the sum of 10 pounds currency for her service in keeping & maintaining John Miller her orphan son for 18 months past and for which he shall be allowed his account on settlement of the estate."

SOURCE: https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3Q9M-C9R1-SVCC

On 26 Apr 1790 in Mecklenburg County, North Carolina, the court "ordered that Samuel Bigham take charge of Elijah Miller& bring him to our next court viz. July."

SOURCE: https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3Q9M-CSVB-2BCZ

On 26 Jul 1790 in Mecklenburg County, North Carolina, the court "ordered that Elijah Miller an orphan now of the age of 16 years be bound to Saml. Bigham who is to learn him to read, write & cypher as far as he is able to receive in the term of 6 months & also to learn him the art or mystery of weaving & to give him one years schooling after he's out of his apprenticeship clear of any charge and one suit of new clothes."

SOURCE: https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3Q9M-CSVB-2BHC

The 1790 federal census shows Samuel Bigham Sr. enumerated within Mecklenburg County, North Carolina, immediately above his son; their households consisted of the following:

Samuel Bigham Sr.
2 Males 16+
1 Female

Samuel Bigham Jr.
1 Male 16+
4 Males under 16
4 Females

NOTE: The additional 16+ year old male in Samuel Bigham Sr.'s household is likely Elijah Miller.

SOURCE: https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:33SQ-GYY8-372V

On 5 Mar 1792 in Mecklenburg County, North Carolina, Hezekiah Alexander made an oath that "William Miller died in the 10 months service and left 4 or 4 children and one of them bound to Alexr. Johnston and has been with him 7 or 8 years and before their mother died she made over her thirds to Thomas Ferguson and James Bruster the admr. gave up the estate to said Ferguson but Bruster at the vendue bought one negro man at 160 pounds and that said Ferguson got a negro draw that was entitled to said Miller now he the said Johnston informs me of all this and says he suspects that the estate of the orphans of the said Miller is or is likely to be embezzled and therefore desires the court of Mecklenburg to examine into the affair that so justice may be done to the poor orphans."

NOTE: Hezekiah Alexander was the father of Esther Alexander, wife of Samuel W. Garrison; Samuel W. Garrison was son of John Garrison.

SOURCE: https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3Q9M-C9R1-S63R

During the January 1793 court session in Mecklenburg County, North Carolina, Thomas Ferguson made an oath and stated he was appointed guardian of Elijah, James, William & John Miller orphans of William Miller decd. That he this deponent called on James Bruster, administrator of said William Miller decd. for a settlement of the estate which was accordingly settled before the court. The sum due was ascertained and James Bruster gave three separate notes in 18 pounds each payable at a future date. After collecting the sum of the first note the deponent bought separate tracts by warrants on the other two notes and had judgement before William Wilson Esq., from which judgement said Bruster appealed and suggested that the first settlement was erroneous. The court appointed four justices to examine if any errors had occurred and to report back to the court. The justices appointed did not meet to examine before July and made no report; non-suits were recorded on the appeal, as the deponent was advised by the sheriff and an execution was issued for both.

On the same day, Robert Irwin Esqr. also made an oath and testified much of the same information.

SOURCE: https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3Q9M-C9R1-S6WP
SOURCE: https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3QS7-897J-1JR2

On 27 Apr 1795 in Mecklenburg County, North Carolina, the court ordered Hugh Parks and Joseph Hartt pay the "penal sum of 100 pounds in trust for the benefit of Elijah Miller minor of William Miller deceased. To be void on condition that Hugh Parks, who is appointed guardian of Elijah Miller minor, shall well & faithfully discharge his duty as guardian aforesaid as in several cases which by law is required." The witness to the court order was Isaac Alexander.

SOURCE: https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3Q9M-C9R1-SVN1
SOURCE: https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3QSQ-G9G4-9ZJ7

On 22 Jul 1796 in Mecklenburg County, North Carolina, the administrator of the estate of William Miller deceased, William Ferguson Esqr., created the final settlement. The total amount of the estate came to 106 pounds 6 shillings and 3 pence, "divided among the four heirs of said Miller viz to Elijah Miller, James Miller, William Miller & John Miller is 26 pounds 11 shillings 6 pence to each, one exclusive of the widows dowry and all expenses costs & allowances to the guardians."

SOURCE: https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3QSQ-G97J-1VJZ

On 25 Jul 1796 in Mecklenburg County, North Carolina, the court recorded the final settlement of the estate of William Miller deceased, "with the representatives of the estate of Thomas Ferguson deceased viz. William Ferguson in whose hands the said estate now remains." The final amount of the estate came to 106 pounds 6 shillings and 3 pence, "divided among the four heirs of said Miller viz to Elijah Miller, James Miller, William Miller & John Miller is 26 pounds 11 shillings 6 pence to each, one exclusive of the widows dowry and all expenses costs & allowances to the guardians."

SOURCE: https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3Q9M-C3Q7-CDBB

On 22 Jan 1798 in Mecklenburg County, North Carolina, the court "ordered that William Miller an orphan boy who was bound to James McKnight by this court be released from his indenture and that he be bound to James Miller his brother to learn the trade of a joiner and that James McKnight be released from any further charge of said Miller upon paying him the said orphan when he arrives to the age of 21 years the sum of 7 pounds hard money & 3 pounds currency."

SOURCE: https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3Q9M-C3Q7-C6FF