While researching my third great grandfather James T. Allen with Google books, I stumbled upon a book titled "Pioneer History of Wise County" by Cliff Cates. As happens sometimes in this situation, I found little in this book about James Allen except for one page that mentioned that he had married my third great grandmother Sallie Miller. I was a little disappointed but also happy to see on that same page was a biography of Sallie's parents William Alfred Miller and Mildred B. Hughes. So I immediately had a full biography with pictures of my fourth great grandparents. This was pretty amazing. Below is the article on the Miller family:
WILLIAM A. MILLER
In later years the truly original and picturesque subject of this sketch became generally known as Uncle Billy Miller, one of the jolliest, most generous, and optimistic old men that stepped down from the pioneer days to the rustling, bustling present ; a present that was strange to him, yet one which he enjoyed with all the heartiness of his ebullient nature.
Wm. Alfred Miller was born in Hopkins County, Kentucky, in 1817. Before he left that state for Texas he married Mildred B. Hughes, who was a faithful helpmeet to him through all his days. Mr. Miller came to Burleson County, Texas, in the fall of 1853. After three years he returned to Williamson County, Illinois, thence back to Burleson County in 1857. Mr. Miller then came on a mule to prospect in Wise County, which resulted in his location here in 1859. Mr. Miller first settled the Lockard place South of Decatur; finally he moved to his Sweetwater place, where he lived at the time of his death in August, 1900. Mrs. Miller died two months later, October, 1900.
Born to the union was a large family of children, as follows: Sallie, married James Allen of Wise County, both being now dead; Frank; Kittie, who married Chas. More, a prominent business man, miller, and respected citizen of Wise County for many years, both being now dead; C. H. Miller, born January 13, 1849, Hopkins County, Kentucky, married Sarah E. Stacks, of Ellis County, July 7, 1870. Ten children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. C. H. Miller, as follows: Teola, married W. T. Tull, now deceased; Charlie M., married, lives in Ft. Worth, Texas; Jake, Dallas, Texas: Albert, Ft. Worth, Texas; Robert H. and Lizzie May, children, at home. Mr. Miller has served faithfully and efficiently as a barber in Decatur for many years; is also a successful inventor and an upright and respected citizen.
Jim F. Miller lives in Clay County; Eliza, born in Burleson County, Texas, married S. W. Telghman, a prominent builder and contractor, and substantial citizen of Decatur; to the latter union have been born Minnie, married and living in Omaha, Nebraska; Bob, married and living at Decatur; Dan and Will. The next daughter of Wm. A. Miller, Viola, is now Mrs. J. H. Smith, living in California.
Loyd Miller a distant cousin of mine submits this story about the father and son barbers.
William Alfred started barbering with his son Charles Hector (Heck) who took over after William's death. Story passed from his son, Robert Hershell Sr., to his sons, Charles Houston & Robert H. Jr., on down to me & now to my son, Charles T.(C. T.)...No year was given....several riders dismounted in front of the Miller Barber Shop (not far from where the town square is now). After two of the riders had their shave, etc. the youngest man asked if he could leave the two horses they rode in on at the shop.
They wanted Heck to see that they got back to their owner (name forgotten), a local resident & to tell him Jesse James kept his word that they would be returned. The two men joined waiting riders & road double off towards the Denton direction. When Heck contacted owner he found out that the riders had "taken/stole" the horses (without owner knowing) and left the note that they would be returned. As to the "truth" of the story date and who the riders said they were would have to be compaired to reports of seeing the "James and Younger" boys passing through Wise Co., if any.
The Millers made their own barber trade tokens as well. Here is a picture of one from "Trade Token Tales" by Jerry Adams. I would like to find one of these if any still exist.
