Peter Miller

https://www.familysearch.org/tree/pedigree/landscape/L71V-D96

WIlls Creek by Rev. James A. Sell

The Cumberland Valley is often confused with the larger Cumberland Valley further east. It is a pretty little valley, the second one east of the Alleghany Mountain, part way the third full of beautiful steams and springs. It is thriy miles long, extending from Bedford to Cumberland. The stagecoach route to and from these towns passed through this valley to Cumberland also the country north, called Buffalo Run and Mulligan's Cove, a little valley only nine miles long. This is the location of the WIlls Creek Congregation. Like all the other older churches, no records are left to consult.

Sister Emma Replogle (nee MIller, daughter of Jacob [Studebaker] MIller, the school man) is the only surviving member. For seven generations on her mother's side, her people have come and gone out of here. The traditions that have come to her and have been preserved in her cultured mind. together with her own personal knowledge now furnish the most reliable data that we can get.

It is supposed that as an organization Will's Creek antedates all others in Bedford County. It seems as if George Adam Martin visited the members here when he lived at Stoney Creek, Somerset County about 1762 to 1770. Immediately after the Revolutionary War, Catharine MIller with her three sons, Elias, Peter and John came here from Maryland or Virginia. They took up land in Mulligan's Cove and became permanent settlers.

It is through that Catharine MIller was the first member of the church in the Cove. Her sons built good houses and barns, planted large orchards and had large well kept farms. They all united with the Church. Peter built a large house and had the upstairs arranged for church and school purposes. Long before they had school houses, their private homes were utilized for that purpose.

A Peter MIller is listed in "A list of the inhabitants of Bedford Township mde subject to the militia laws of this state - taken by Ephraim WIlliams the 3rd Feby. 1789." His brothers Elias and John are also listed. Taken from: Militia rolls--Bedford county to York county: Pennsylvania Archives Sixth Series Vol III page 24

Peter MIller, Elias MIller and John MIller are listed in the Bedford County MIlitia as privates and receiving Depreciation Pay. Taken from PA Fifth Series Vol 4, page 247

"The financial difficulties of the new government, difficulties that lasted into the 1790's, complicated payment of troops. Soldiers who served during the years 1777-1780, when the currency was depreciating, were paid in Continental Bills of Credit, which quickly lost value. To make amends for such depreciation, each of these men who in 1781 yet remained in service was awarded a substantial sum in Depreciation Pay Certificates, which were both interest bearing and negotiable, like bonds of the present day." "(phmc.pa.gov/Archives/Research-Online/Pages/Revolutionary-War.aspx)             

A Peter Miller and Elias Miller are listed as "Rangers on the Frontiers 1778-1783" for Bedford County. PA Archives Third Series, Vol 23, page 265 "In certain counties there were recruited special troops called Rangers, who served long term enlistments on the frontier against the Indians." (phmc.pa.gov/Archives/Research-Online/Pages/Revolutionary-War.aspx)
No Peter MIller in tax assessment listing for Brothers Valley Township, Bedford County for 1779, A John MIller is listed for 100 acres.

A Peter MIller is listed in the Supply Tax for Brothers Valley Township Bedford County for 1783. He has 50 acres, 1 Horse, 1 cattle and no sheep. His tax was 12.0. A John MIller is listed above him, maybe his brother. Not listed as freeman, so maybe married. A Peter MIller is listed in Return of Lands, etc. for Brothers Valley Township, Bedford County for 1784. He is listed as having one dwelling house and five whites, but no land. Taken from: Pennsylvania Archives Series 3, Vol. 22 pages 255 and 314

Two Peter MIllers listed on separate pages in the 1790 Federal Census for Bedford County Pennsylvania. On one page, two Peter MIllers are listed in the 1790 Federal Census for Bedford County Pennsylvania. These two Peters are listed right above his "brothers" John and Elias. Very Confusing.

Again two Peter MIllers listed in the 1800 Federal Census for Bedford County Pennsylvania. One in Dublin and AIr Townships and the other in Bedford and St.Clair Townships. The Peter MIller in Bedford and St.Clair Townships is associated with his "brothers" John and Elias and there is only one of him. In the 1800 Federal Census, there is one male under ten, one male 26-45 and one male over 45. Three females under 10 and one female 26-45.

There is another Peter MIller in the 1800 Federal Census for BrothersValley Township, Somerset County, Pennsylvania. This Peter does not appear to have a son named Andrew. However, it throws into doubt whether or not the Tax List for 1783 BrothersValley Township is this Peter Miller or the Revolutionary War Peter Miller.