The immigrant ancestor of the Miller family of Amsterdam, New York, was Robert Miller, who landed in America in April, 1830. He was of Scotch birth and ancestry. He was of the fourth generation from William Miller, who died prior to 1728, and Marian Craig Miller, both born in or near Glasgow, Scotland. They had two sons — James and Andrew. The latter embraced the cause of the Stuarts, and for his loyalty to "Prince Charlie" had his property confiscated and became an exile to France.
(II) James, eldest son of William and Marian (Craig) Miller, was baptized January 21, 1706. He cultivated a farm near Glasgow, called the "Manse of Garvch." He was a devout Presbyterian, as were his parents. He married Jane Neilson, supposed to have been of the same family as was Admiral Nelson, the famous English naval hero and victor of Trafalgar. Children: William, Margaret, Walter and James.
(III) James (2), youngest son of James (1) and Jane (Neilson) Miller, was born near Glasgow, Scotland, April 21, 1734. He followed the same occupation as his father and cultivated the same farm. He was twice married, his second wife being Ann Caruth, who bore him children: John, Mary, Alexander, Robert (see forward), Ann and Janet.
(IV) Robert, son of James (2) and Ann (Caruth) Miller, was born on the homestead farm near Glasgow, Scotland, December 9, 1774, died at West Galway, Saratoga county, New York, June 18, 1834. He was a farmer in early life at Anderston, Scotland, but later located in Glasgow, where he was a prominent business man. He was a man of importance in the city and was chosen chief officer of the local civil government. He had a considerable fortune, but through misfortune it was entirely swept away. He was of an exceedingly strong character, but deeply sensitive and felt keenly the loss of fortune and position. Believing that he could retrieve his fortune in the New World, he left his wife and children in Scotland, came to the United States, settling in West Galway, Saratoga county, New York, in April, 1830. After a year his wife at a great sacrifice followed with the children. He made brave efforts to reinstate the family fortunes, but failed, and one year after the arrival of his family he died, literally of disappointment and a broken heart. He was a devout Christian, a member of the Presbyterian church, as were his parents. Robert Miller married (first) Mary A. Ronalds. They had a daughter, Mary Ann, born February 18, 1802, while they were living on the farm at Anderston. Mrs. Miller died soon after the birth of her daughter. Mr. Miller married (second) February 10, 1810, Jane, daughter of Charles and Mary (Watson) Anderson, of Kirkcaldy, Scotland. She was a brave, stout-hearted woman, sharing her husband's misfortunes without a murmur, and with her ten children left the native land to share his lot among strangers, becoming for his sake indeed "A stranger in a strange land." She survived her husband until April 24, 1856. She was a devout Presbyterian and reared her children in the strict faith of that church. Robert and Jane (Anderson) Miller were the parents of eleven children, ten of whom were born in Scotland during their days of prosperity:
- Janet, born May 29, 1811.
- Robert, October 17, 1812.
- Marion, June 18, 1814.
- Jane, November 20, 1816.
- Susanna, May 19, 1818.
- Margaret, July 2, 1819.
- James A., see forward.
- Elizabeth, June 30, 1823.
- Ann, September 25, 1825.
- John, September 27, 1828.
- Catherine, July 12, 1831; she was the only child born in the United States.
(V) James A., seventh child and second son of Robert and Jane (Anderson) Miller, was born in Glasgow, Scotland, June 30, 1821, died in Amsterdam, New York, December 27, 1904. He was nine years of age when his mother brought him to New York, but of sturdy build and endowed with all the attributes that enrich the Scottish character. He developed rapidly under the stimulus of hard work and privation, becoming of great assistance to his parents. At the age of sixteen years, two years after the death of his father, he went to New York City, determined to carve out a career of his own choosing. He obtained a clerk's position there, and out of his earnings saved some money that was the nucleus of his later ample fortune. After a few years in New York he went to Fultonville, New York, where he became associated with John H. Starin, the famous steamboat owner of the Hudson and East rivers, who further advanced his fortunes. During his connection with Mr. Starin he became possessed of sufficient means to engage at Amsterdam, New York, (then his home) with John Kellogg, of that city, in the manufacture of linseed oil, under the firm name of Kellogg & Miller. This was a most successful partnership and business enterprise. Both were capable, energetic men, and well adapted each to the other. Mr. Miller became deeply interested in the welfare and development of Amsterdam. He was for many years president of the First National Bank of the city, member of the Board of Trade, and ever ready to assist in every public enterprise that promised the betterment of Amsterdam. He was an Abolitionist and a Republican. He would not accept public office himself, but was always ready to help his friends to political preferment. He was reliable, upright, of noted integrity, possessing ample fortune fairly earned and wisely used. Mr. Miller married, in Amsterdam, Elizabeth, born in New Bedford, Massachusetts, March 2, 1836, died April 2, 1905, daughter of Peleg and Ardelia (Bennett) Clark. Peleg Clark was the well-known carriage manufacturer of New Bedford. Mrs. Miller was a woman of rare qualifications. She was possessed of great literary ability, womanly grace, refinement and culture. Like her husband she was a devout Presbyterian. Mr. Miller served the Amsterdam congregation for many years prior to his death as elder. They were leaders in the religious and social life of the congregation as well as liberal contributors to all church benevolences. James A. and Elizabeth (Clark) Miller were the parents of the following children:
- Catherine L., born in Amsterdam, New York; educated in the public schools, and is a graduate of Wells College, Aurora, New York; married George N. Holbrook.
- John Charles, born in Amsterdam; in business at Syracuse, New York; married Sarah R. Nelson, and has two children:
- Charles Raymond, married Winifred Smith, and has a son, John R. Miller, and
- Gladys, unmarried.
- Elizabeth, died at the age of five years.