This branch of the Miller family of Albany traces through four generations direct to the Fatherland. The name was anglicized in the first generation and has always since been spelled Miller, although the German family, who are numerous in Hanau, are Muellers and Muhlers.
(I) Christian Miller, founder of this branch, came to New York City when a lad of twelve years. He was born in Hanau, Germany, and died in Albany, New York. He settled in New York City on coming to this country, and served an apprenticeship with William Smith, a grocer, who so thoroughly taught him the business that in a few years he was capable of conducting a store of his own. He located in Albany, where he conducted a general store on the same plot of ground now occupied by John Keeler's State Street Restaurant. This property which he purchased remained in the family until a few years ago, passing out of their control in 1906. He was a member of the Dutch Reformed Church of Albany, and a man of good standing in the city. He married.
(II) William C., son of Christian Miller, was born in Albany, New York, where his life was passed. He died in Albany. He married (first) a Van Schaick.
(III) Ernest John, son of William C. Miller, was born in Albany, New York, and died in that city in 1896. He was educated at Albany Boys' Academy and graduated from Rutgers College, New Brunswick, New Jersey. He chose law, and fitted for that profession at the Albany Law School. He practiced in Albany for several years, then abandoned his profession for the sake of engaging in manufacturing as vice-president and treasurer of the Albany Card and Paper Company. He was a member of the Dutch Reformed Church and a Republican in politics. He married Jessie, daughter of Dr. Peter MacNaughton, of Albany, for over half a century a leading citizen and physician of that city. Children:
- William C., of New York City, now connected with the Edison Electric Company as engineer to the controller; he married Virginia Temple.
- Jane Guest, died August 4, 1888.
- Ernest Livingston, a retail coal dealer of Albany, married Edith, daughter of Edward Easton, Sr.
- MacNaughton, of further mention.
(IV) MacNaughton Miller, youngest son of Ernest John and Jessie (MacNaughton) Miller, was born in Albany, New York, April 19, 1873. He was educated at the Albany Academy, and began his business career as a messenger in the Commercial Bank of Albany, rising through successive promotions to the position of individual bookkeeper. In 1902 he became assistant cashier of the Park Bank, holding that position until the Park became merged with the Union Trust Company. He was elected assistant treasurer of the latter institution, advanced to the position of secretary, and is now (1911) secretary and treasurer. He is a deacon of the Dutch Reformed Church, and a Republican in politics. He is a member of the Albany Academy Alumni Association, and the Fort Orange and Racquet clubs of Albany. For seven years Mr. Miller served in the Third Signal Corps, New York National Guard, ranking as first sergeant. He married, June 20, 1899, Caroline Baxter Cobb, of Grand Rapids, Michigan, daughter of Rev. Sanford H. Cobb, a minister of the Dutch Reformed Church. Child,
- Ernest John Miller (2), born July 21, 1906.