John Peter Miller (1715-1794)

C1 John Peter Miller, born 19 January, 1715, Germany, died 1794, Washington County, Maryland. In 1745, he bought a parcel of land called "Ash Swamp", located in Prince George's County, Maryland, from John George Arnold. In 1752 this land, (became Frederick County), was added to and resurveyed by Philip Jacob Miller, (his brother), on the authority of Lodowich Miller, (their brother). On 9 December, 1783, Lodowich Miller, conveyed this land, 220 acres, now Washington County, to Philip Jacob Miller, for 5 shillings. All this information is found in Washington County, Maryland, land records, book C, pages 563-47.

On 26 December, 1783, Philip Jacob Miller, conveyed 144 acres of "Ash Swamp" to his brother, John Miller, for 5 shillings and brotherly affection. Book C, pages 260-2. This deed was recorded before the former deed. Interestingly, this land had on it a small cemetery which is no longer in existence.

On 13 December, 1794, John Miller, made his last will. It was probated on 26 December, 1794. The executors, were Daniel Miller and John Fisher, son-in-law. Washington County Will Records, book A, pages 318-319.

No wife was named so we presume she was dead. There may have been two wives since there seems to be a wide age-spread of the children. There is no record that reveals the name of his wife or wives. On 26 April, 1795, the Ash Swamp land, 143 1/2 acres, was sold by the estate to John Schnebly, deed book I, pages 584. 25 September, 1795, John Schnebly, also bought adjoining "Ash Swamp" land from Philip Jacob Miller, deed book I, pages 360.

John names 11 children in his will. The last three sons, Ludwick, David and Michael, being under the age of 21. On 6 April, 1795, the "Ash Swamp" land, 143 1/2 acres, was sold by the executors of the estate to John Schnebly. Deed book I, page 584.

On 25 September, 1795, John Schnebly, also bought the adjoining "Ash Swamp" land from Philip Jacob Miller. Deed book I, page 360. Philip Jacob Miller, then moved to Kentucky.

On 9 April, 1799, the executors of John Miller's estate made distribution of 2,070 pounds in equal parts, to his 10 remaining children. Book I, page 80. all apparently now 21. The order of the named heirs is basically the same as in the will. Michael, the last named in the will, is missing in the distribution list.

Eleven children:

D1 Daniel Miller
D2 John Miller
D3 Catherine Miller
D4 Susannah Miller
D5 Mary Miller
D6 Elizabeth Miller
D7 Jacob Miller
D8 Abraham Miller
D9 Ludwick Miller
D10 David Miller
D11 Michael Miller