As the sole proprietor of the firm of Warren Miller & Sons, leather manufacturers, Everett W. Miller occupies a prominent position in Johnstown industrial circles. Born here January 13, 1886, Mr. Miller is the son of the late Warren and Rachel (Frederick) Miller, natives of Fulton county, both parents having been born a few miles west of this city. Warren Miller was reared and educated in this vicinity and as a young man went to work in the local leather tanneries. In the 'sixties he engaged in the manufacture of leather on his own account and after being in business by himself for a time became a member of Miller, Argersinger & Company, which was founded in 1873. Fourteen years ago Mr. Miller disposed of his interests in that firm and the following year, 1911, he established the business that is known as Warren Miller & Sons. He was actively connected with the work of this organization until his death, which occurred February 22, 1916. One of his sons, Fred F. Miller, who was a member of the company, died in April, 1920, leaving Everett W. Miller the sole owner and proprietor of the business. Mr. Miller's mother is also deceased, her death having taken place in March, 1918. Warren Miller was well known here for his activities in the local democratic organization. In the early days he was president of the village of Johnstown and after the city was incorporated he served as city water commissioner.
Everett W. Miller has lived all his life in Johnstown, obtaining his education in its public and high schools. He learned the leather business from the bottom up by working for various manufacturers here. When he had become the master of the business he joined his father and brother in forming the Warren Miller & Sons firm in 1911 and since their deaths has been the sole proprietor of the concern. His father was one of the pioneer buckskin manufacturers, thus it is most fitting that the specialty of the company should be oil and Indian tanned buckskin. The deerskins forming the large portion of his raw material come from Mexico and the Central American countries, chiefly, and are imported through New York brokers. Much of Mr. Miller's product is marketed right here in Johnstown with the local glove makers but he also enjoys a brisk business with Canadian manufacturers who buy quite heavily of his buckskins. About twenty-four people are employed in the plant, as a rule.
Mr. Miller and Miss Florence N. Woolrich were united in marriage in September, 1907, and are the parents of one child: Helen E. Miller, born in October, 1910. Mrs. Miller is the daughter of George H. and Ella (Gray) Woolrich, both of whom are natives of this county, the father having been born in Keck Center and the mother in Rockwood. Up to 1922 Mr. Woolrich spent his life in farming, but at that time he moved to Johnstown and has since worked for Warren Miller & Sons.
Unlike his father, Mr. Miller has not been an active factor in the political life of Johnstown, but he has ever been true to the principles of democracy and has supported the party of Andrew Jackson at the polls. He is much interested in church work, belonging to the Baptist church of Johnstown, in which he is president of the board of trustees and active in the work of the Sunday school. Mr. Miller's business career has been dominated by the ambition to become a successful leather manufacturer and he has worked to this end with a steadfastness of purpose that could not fail to be productive of gratifying results. His success in the last few years demonstrates the value of the thorough training he had at the bottom of the ladder and the wisdom of a young man's mastering the technique of an industry before he aspires to its executive positions.