William D. Miller Called Hence
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Passes Away At His Home Early Saturday Morning
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Prominent in Lodge Circles - Many Years Proprietor of Washington House - A Leading Democrat - Funeral on Wednesday Morning
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William D. Miller, one of the best known and most respected citizens of Annville, died at his home on West Main Street on Saturday morning after an illness of about a year. Although in poor health for a long time his death came as a shock to the community and many friends mourn his loss.
He is survived by his widow, who was Sarah Long, two daughters, Alice wife of Adam Hess, and Fannie, at home, two grandchildren, William M. Grumbein and Mrs. Arthur S. Miller and two great grandchildren, William and Sarah Miller.
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His Career
The late Mr. Miller was left fatherless when a very young boy, and upon him fell the care and comfort of his widowed mother, of whom he took the best of care up to the time of her death.
He learned blacksmithing in the shop of the late John Allewein, where the Saylor coach works now are, and was a fellow-apprentice with J.L. Saylor, who at the time learned painting. Later he entered the employ of Jacob S. Killinger in the milling business, in which he engaged for a period of twenty years. He then purchased and took charge of the Washington House, and was the proprietor of it for 23 years, until several years ago, when he was compelled on account of ill health to retire to private life.
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In Politics
A life-long and prominent Democrat, he was well known in political circles throughout the county, and was several times honored with a place on his party's ticket being at one time candidate for Sheriff of the county, and in this strong Republican section came within a small vote of being elected. He was once a candidate for county commissioner.
He always took a deep interest in all matters pertaining to the welfare of the community, no matter of public interest being too small for his attention and earnest consideration. He was always ready to lend a helping hand and speak a cheerful word to those in need. He will be missed by his host of friends and will always be remembered for his many deeds of kindness.
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Prominent Lodge Man
In lodge work he always took an active part and was a member of the following orders: Mt. Lebanon Blue Lodge, No. 226 F.A.M.; Lebanon Valley Commandery, No. 5 P.O. S. of A.; Quittapahilla Lodge of Odd Fellows; Camp No. 87, P.O.S. of A; and the Knights of Pythius.
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The Funeral
The funeral was held on Wednesday morning at ten o'clock from his late residence, interment being made in Mt. Annville cemetery. Following interment, services were conducted in Christ Reformed church by Rev. W.F. DeLong, pastor of the church, and Rev. A.E. Williams, pastor of St. Paul's Evangelical church. It was the wish of Mr. Miller that the Masonic order have charge of the funeral services and at the grave the full Masonic ceremonies were conducted by Worshipful Master Prof. S.H. Derickson, of Mt. Lebanon Lodge 226, F. and A.M. Brief services were also read at the grave by M.H. Bachman for Camp 76, P.O. S. of A., and by Z.A. Bowman for the Knights of Pythias.
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The Pall Bearers
Members of the Masonic order acted as pallbearers. These were Elmer A. Henry, C.P. Saylor and John P. Batdorf, of Annville, and William Killinger, B.F. Patschke and Francis Rothermel, of Lebanon. The honorary pallbearers were Henry Martin and Samuel Imboden of the Odd Fellows, Dr. Harry Zimmerman and Dr. W.S. Seabold, or the P.O. S. of A and John Biever and John Herr of the Knights of Pythias. Joseph Miller was the funeral director.
The funeral was very largely attended, both by townsmen of the late Mr. Miller and by his friends from elsewhere, who came to pay their respects. The floral offerings were many and beautiful among which was a bouquet of 72 carnations, representing the age of the late Mr. Miller from Camp 87, P.O. S. of A.

Data on William Deitzler Miller, 1838-1911

Lineage:
 Parents: Christian Miller & Elizabeth Deitzler of Annville
 Grandparents: Friedrich Miller & Elizabeth Cassel of Annville; Christian Deitzler &
      Christiana Ulrich of Bethel(?) Twp
 Great-grandparents: Adam & Maria Miller of ?; Christian Cassel & Barbara Berry
      of Annville
 Great-great-grandparents: Peter Berry & Margaret Cabler (Hublinger/Kublinger) of Heidelberg Twp;
      John & Maria Cassel of Hanover Twp, Dauphin Co.

Youth: born 5 September 1838 in Annville
 grew up at home directly east of 450 W. Main St.
 father died in 1847, he took care of mother until her death in 1870.
 learned blacksmithing with John Allewein (where Saylor coach works was
      located, near southeast corner of Main & White Oak Sts.)

Adult years: married Sarah Long, of the descendancy of Herman Long of the Cleona area
  (oldest land patent in the area, 1740)
 worked for Jacob S. Killinger in the milling business for 20 years
 purchased Washington House in 1884 and was proprietor for 23 years
 also owned numerous other properties in Annville
 sold Washington House in 1907 due to ill health, then purchased 202 W. Main St. 202 W. Main St.
    this property stayed in the Miller family until 1990 and was constantly used as a business,
    first as a restaurant (Ussie Miller's), then a tavern (Rich Miller, then Mike Miller)
 died 25 March 1911
 buried in family plot at Mt. Annville cemetery

Misc. Information:
 Family: William was one of 5 children. Siblings include John Henry, Ann Mariah
  who married Johann Pannebecker of Palmyra (some their descendants
  moved to Missouri), Amanda who died as an infant, and Elizabeth.
  William & Sarah had two girls, Fannie who never married, and Alice who
  first married Moses D. Grumbein then Adam Hess the local “taxi driver”
  who transported people from the train station to the local hotels. Moses
  Grumbein’s father was killed at Fair Oaks during the Civil War (May
  1862). He comes from the original emigrant, Leonhardt Krumbein who
  settled in Schaefferstown in the mid-1600’s.
 Grandchildren: Lottie, who married Arthur S. Miller (“Ussie”) & William (“Billy”)
  Grumbein, who operated a store near the northeast corner of Main &
  King Sts. Billy Grumbein married May Smith, of the old tinsmith family of
  Annville (Smith's Hardware.)
 Many descendants, especially of Arthur & Lottie Miller, still live in the
  Lebanon/Lancaster/Dauphin County area. Arthur's grandson was the last
  operator of the business William began at 202 W. Main St. Billy Grumbein’s
  last descendant lives near Harrisburg.

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