| Notes |
- William A. Miller died at age 42 in 1847. He was a pioneer in Missouri, had served in the legislature, and was said to have been a delegate to the first Missouri Constitutional Convention.
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I William A. Miller of the county of Andrew and state of Missouri, being of sound mind and memory, but weak in body do make and publish this my last will and testament in manner and form following: that is to say
First, It is my will that my funeral and all my just debts bee fully paid after my decease.
Second, After the payment of my funeral expenses and all my just debts I give (devise) and bequest to my beloved Wife - Agnes C. Miller all the remianing part of my estate both real and personal consisting first of land to wit. the South East Quarter of section no. eleven in Township No. Fifty Eight in Range No. Thirty Five containing One Hundred and Sixty Acres. and secondly of horses, cattle, sheep & hogs by me now owned, together with all my houseehold and kitchen furniture. Farming utensils & all the crop which is on my farm at my decease durng her natural life, or widowhood. and after the death or marriage of my wife, Agnes C. Miller I give and bequeath to my five sons Fleming M. Miller, Samuel T. Miller, Charles D. Milller, George E. H. Miller, Finis A. Miller and Robert D. Miller to be equally divided among them, to them and their heirs forever.
Lastly, I Herely constitute and appoint my said wife to be the executrix of this my last will and testament. Revolking and annulling all former wills and testaments by me made and satisfying and confirming this and no other to be my last will and testament.
In testimony whereof I have here unto so my hand and sel this Twentyfirst day of July One Thousand Eight hundred and forty six (1846) Signed, sealed published and declared by the above named William A. Miller as and for his last will and testament in presence of us who at his request have signed as witness to the same.
Albert Hawkins, Charles Hibby, Stephen Jones, Wesley Vaughn.
Filed 15th March 1847
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William Alexander Miller was born in Blount Co. Kentucky [actually was in Tennessee, TCM], March 24, 1804. He was a farmer and was the first Chaplain of the Missouri legislature in 1844 and 1845 at Jefferson City. He was married to Agness Chelly Mitchell January 21, 1823. To this union were born seven children as follows: Fleming Mitchell, who afterwards became a minister; the second child, Samuel Thomas ... also became a minister; and Charles Donnell .... The others were: Amanda M., George C. H., Finis A. and Robert D.
The following is a letter written by [him] while he was in the legislature:
Jefferson City, Mo.,
Dec. 15, 1844
Dear Chelly and Children,
With a heavy heart I again sit down to write to you. I am in first rate health and as comfortably situated as I can be, but Oh, my dear wife and children I can hear nothing from you. It is a good deal over a month since I left home and I have received one letter, and that written a month since. What is the matter? Do you neglect to write or are the letters miscarried? Do if you please write and do not mark free and mail them at Savanna. I fear there is negligence at Jimtown. I subscribed for the Jefferson Inquirer that you might get all the news, if any of the members are sick you will find it noticed in the papers.
If I knew you were all well it would give me more satisfaction than anything on this earth. If I had my horse here I would start home in a few days, but he is not here and I reckon I can not go. We are not doing much in the Legislature but spouting.
The members from Platte County have been together tonight several hours preparing a Bill to favor the settlers On state lands. I feel great interest in the mater but if I don't hear from home shortly I shall be of no account. Say to the people generally my heart is set on the passage of that Bill. The provisions of which are that the settlers shall have 5 years from the first of April that is $50 the first of April come a year and $50 each year thereafter without interest. I fear it will not pass but will do my best.
Mitchell, attend diligently to business. When you kill the hogs be careful in salting. I expect you had better grind the salt. Economize all you can and take good care of the stock but above everything make the family as comfortable as you can and be especially careful of fire.
Charles, be a good boy and let Mitchell manage. Sam and Mary, attend to your Mother and try to render her happy. Dock, Anse and Bob don't forget me. Be good boys obey your Mother and mind your books. If I shall live to get home to you I intend never to leave you so long again. We will not get ready to leave here before the 15th of March. My expenses will be about a dollar a day. My family shall have the benefit of my earnings. It is 11 o'clock at night everything is quiet in the City and I am left to reflections of home, home sweet home. May the Lord keep you in the hollow of his hand.
Pray for me, give my best respects to all the neighbors. This will be mailed at Sparta. I am your affectionate and loving Companion and Father.
William A. Miller.
from: History of the Samuel T Miller Clan
Author: R. B. Miller, Call Number: CS71.M545x 1953
[Editor's Note: the children's names mentioned in the third- and second-to-last paragraphs of the letter contain several nicknames, but they are indeed the children listed in the first paragraph by R. B. Miller. "Mitchell" is Fleming Mitchell Miller; "Dock" is George Culver Harte Miller; "Anse" is Finis Ansel; "Sam" and "Bob" and "Charles" are obvious. Amanda M. died in 1842 at age 13, before the letter was written. "Mary" is 18-year-old Samuel Thomas Miller's new bride, Mary Elizabeth Gibbins.]
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Ramage Family History
1804 - 1847 (42 years)
