The Father Of Trafford
W. A. MILLER - Father of Trafford
William A. Miller, president of the First National Bank of Trafford City, Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, and one of the most prominent men in the community deserves more than any other the title of "Father of Trafford," where for many years he was the only business man in that section of the county and conducted an extensive business with the farmers and people for miles around. Mr. Miller is a son of William M. and Christine Miller, who spent nearly all their lives in Westmoreland County. William M. Miller was a miller by trade as well as name, and had charge of the grist mills at Saltsburg, Delmont and the Waltour Mill at Manor during the 1850s. In 1857 he took charge of one of the flouring mills in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and during his residence in that city he was married and there his son, W. A. Miller, was born October 16, 1859. Mr. William M. Miller soon tired of the West and returned to the State of Pennsylvania, accompanied by his family, and took charge of the milling department of the Gibson distillery near Belle Vernon.
In 1877 he again moved, this time to what was then Stewart Station, now Trafford, and took charge of the Stewart Grist Mill and Saw Mill. Mr. William M. Miller was a veteran of the Mexican War, a member of the Heavy Artillery, and did his bit in taking Mexico City. Early in life the son, W. A. Miller, was thrown practically upon his own resources, he being the oldest of seven children, and owing to this fact his parents were not able to give him more than a common school education, which at that time was very meager, only extending over a period of five or six months in the year, which did not amount to a great deal. At the age of seventeen, feeling the lack of a good education, but having no capital to pay for the same, he secured work as a laborer for the Pennsylvania Railroad Company at the wage of ninety-nine cents per day. He remained with the company for about a year, and as he lived at home, and his room and board cost him practically nothing, he was able to save the greater portion of his wages. This money enabled him to take a course of study, which qualified him to teach in the public schools, and thus be attained his ambition, serving in the capacity of teacher when only nineteen years of age, his first school being his home school in Cavettsville, near Trafford. The following year he was elected principal of the Turtle Creek public school, serving four years and was the first principal of that borough. While teaching he kept up his own studies and was granted a permanent certificate as teacher for the public schools of the State. During this same period he took a four years' course in the Chataqna Literary and Scientific Circle and graduated in the class of 1884. Mr. Miller loved his profession, but was not satisfied with the remuneration and, as stated in the beginning of this sketch, engaged in the mercantile business at Trafford. In connection with his business he also served as agent of the Pennsylvania Railroad Company and agent of the Adams Express Company with great efficiency.
He was also appointed postmaster by Grover Cleveland during his first term and served in this capacity for twenty-one years. He was not of the same political party as President Cleveland, but was appointed because he owned the only building then suitable for a post office in Trafford. He greatly improved the service in what was then a comparatively rural community and made it keep pace with the rapid development of the town. He was a most efficient and disinterested public officer and gained the commendation of his fellow citizens, whether politically his friends or foes. Mr. Miller was also one of the first members of the Trafford town council, and worked very hard for the interests of the community. It was largely through his personal efforts that the borough was started on a sound business and financial basis. Mr. Miller is a Republican in politics, and an absolutely staunch supporter of the policies and principles of that party in so far as National affairs are concerned, but remains independent in his judgment in the question of local politics.
He was one of a group of men who organized the First National Bank of Trafford City; he was a member of the first board of directors; later was elected vice-president and finally president, a position which he continues to hold. It is unquestionably due in no small degree to his business abilities and great talent for organizing that this concern has reached the place that it now holds in financial matters. Mr. Miller is a member of the United Presbyterian Church of Trafford, and for a number of years, also at present (1918), holds the office of elder therein. He is a religious man and puts in practice his profession in a degree far above the average. Mr. Miller was united in marriage July 12, 1883, at Trafford, Pennsylvania, with Anna Brush, a daughter of Daniel and Susan Brush, of Trafford. Mrs. Miller is also a member of the United Presbyterian Church. They are the parents of three children: Susan, born July 14. 1884, became the wife of R. B. Turner, of Cambridge Springs, Pennsylvania; Dorothy, born November 29, 1896; and Christine, born February 10. 1899. Self-made in the truest sense of the word, successful in his 'business undertakings and aims, the career of Mr. Miller is an apt illustration of the value of character in determining the measure of success possible to attain. One of Pennsylvania's native sons and through his long connection with business one of Trafford's best known merchants, trained in business methods, and one of the oldest men in the business world of Trafford, Mr. Miller stands to-day respected by the community.
He is a true representative of Trafford, her institutions and her citizenship. Industry, thrift and perseverance mark his way through life, and to these qualities he adds business ability of a high order and honesty of purpose. He began life in a career of his own choosing, and during his years of service for others gained the capital and experience with which later he founded his own business, receiving little, if any, financial aid from outside sources, character and ability being his chief assets. He is an energetic worker and devoted to his business, but when his day's work is ended his own fireside claims him and there his hours "off duty" are spent. He is most hospitable, delights to entertain his friends at his own home in social games and enlivening conversation. Finding in such intercourse the enjoyment others seek in club or lodge. No man attains higher reputation for honorable dealing than he, and in the business world his firm friends are many. His promises or statements can always be relied upon for he holds his word sacred and his excellent business judgment often enables others to profit as well as himself. He is a good sportsman and considered an authority on the game and fish of Western Pennsylvania.
Written by John Newton Boucher - January 1, 1918
American Historical Society - Publisher
Old and New Westmoreland: Volume 3