Rachel was the youngest of three children born to:
John Franklin Miller Jr., b. Feb. 23, 1857 (1859) in PA. and d. Aug. 16, 1946 in Eldersburg, Carroll, MD. &
Viola Humphrey Burhans, b. Nov. 30, 1868 in Coxsackie, Greene, NY. and d. Jun. 11, 1955 in West Lafayette, IN. *Note: Viola had a twin brother, Frank.
John Franklin and Viola (Burhans) Miller's children were:
1. Frances Humphrey Miller, b. 1905 in Washington County, MD. and d. Apr. 6, 1928 of a brain tumor at the University of Maryland Hospital in the City of Baltimore, Baltimore county, MD.
1905.
2. John Franklin Miller III, b. Jul. 30, 1906 in Hagerstown, Washington, MD. and d. Oct. 9, 1959 at Springfield Hospital in Winnetka, Cook, IL. He was the Vice-President of Illinois Tool Works of Chicago since 1959. His survivors included his wife, Frances, and two sons, John F. and Edward A. Miller.
3. Rachel Burhans Miller, b. Sep. 7, 1910 in MD. and d. Aug. 10, 1982 in Alachua County, FL.
Rachel married Robert Bower Eckles.
In the Jan. 2, 1920 U.S. census, 9 yr. old Rachel Miller, b. in MD., was living at 121 Broadway in Hagerstown Ward 4, Washington, MD. with her
61 yr. old father, John F. Miller, the proprietor of a retail clothing store, b. in PA.
50 yr. old mother, Viola Miller, b. in NY.
14 yr. old sister, Francis Miller, b. in MD.
13 yr. old brother, John F Miller, b. in MD.
Rachel's father was b. in PA. and her mother in NY.
*Note: By the 1930 U.S. census, all three children were 'off the nest'.
21 yr. old Frances Miller, b. in Hagerstown, MD. and her 15 yr. old sister, "Rachael" Miller, also b. in Hagerstown, MD., are listed on the Passenger List of the S. S. "Fort Victoria", as sailing from Hamilton, Bermuda on Apr. 3, 1926 and arriving at the Port of New York, NY. on April 5th, 1926. Their address was listed as 1212 Broadway in Hagerstown, MD. They appear to be unaccompanied by any family member other than each other.
In 1928, Rachel B. Miller was the Society Editor on the 'Hoo-Wair-N-Wat' Staff of the school newspaper at Hagerstown, MD. In 1929, she was the Managing Editor.
In the same year, Rachel played the part of Mrs. Crosby in the Senior Play - The Thirteenth Chair, a mystery play in three acts.
Also listed for Rachel B. Miller in the 1929 Hagerstown High School yearbook is the following:
Rachel Miller - "Flick"
"Gasassnassaninoconpoop"
A.A. - 1, 2, 3, 4; 'Hoo-Wair-N-Wat' 1, 2; Society Editor, 3; Man.-Editor, 4; Latin Club 3; French Club 3, 4; Dramatic Club, 3; President Book Club, 4; Sejusof Staff (snapshot editor); Science Club, 1.
"Unquenchable spirit,
Marvelous pep,
Have caused us to wonder,
And gained her a rep."
The Morning Herald (Hagerstown, MD.), P. 24, Col. 6
Fri., May 17, 1929
Excerpt from: SOLVE MYSTERY IN ANNUAL PLAY OF HIGH SCHOOL
"Thirteenth Chair" Produced at Auditorium; to Be Repeated Tonight
Catherine Nicely, as madame Rosalie LeGrange, a medium, was the star performer in the Senior play at the High School auditorium last night, when the graduates presented a mystery drama, "The Thirteenth Chair." The play will be repeated tonight.
Miss Nicely, as the spiritualistic medium trying to clear her daughter who is accused of murder, did a finished piece of acting for an amateur.
Henry Chapman, who played the part of Inspector Tim Donahue, was particularly good among the boys, and other outstanding players were Allen Campbell, who was good as Roscoe Crosby and Rachel Miller as Mrs. Crosby.
In Sep. 1929, The Morning Herald of Hagerstown, MD., reports that Rachel Miller 'has left for Boston to take a course at the Leland Powers School of Expression'. According to her 1935 wedding announcement, Rachel was a graduate of this school.
*Note: The Leland Powers School, also known as the Leland Powers School of Communication, Leland Powers School of Radio, Theatre, and Television, Leland Powers Theatre School, the Leland Powers School of Expression, Leland Powers School of the Spoken Word, and originally called the Leland Powers School of Elocution, was originally located in the Fenway neighborhood of Boston, Massachusetts, and later in Brookline, Massachusetts. It was founded by speaker and author Leland Powers in 1904. The school educated several notable speakers and authors of the early 20th century.
On Sat., Dec. 20, 1930, according to the Hagerstown Herald, Miss Rachel Miller, who was studying at the Leland Powers School of Expression, arrived from Boston to spend her vacation with her parents, Mr. and Mrs. J. Franklin Miller, 121 Broadway.
The Feb. 26, 1931 edition of The Morning Herald (Hagerstown, MD.) reported that Rachel Miller was to play the role of a college reporter in a three act farce-comedy entitled "A Poor Married Man", which was to run two nights at the Green Springs Furnace School and featured a live orchestra. Proceeds were to benefit the school.
The Daily Mail (Hagerstown, MD.), P. 7, Col. 5
Sat., Mar. 21, 1931
Rachel Miller, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. J. Frank Miller, 131 Broadway, has just returned to school from her Spring vacation which she spent visiting school friends in Boston. We hear that she is having a marvelous time this winter besides being interested in her work at the Leland Powers School of Theatre in Boston, where she is in her second year. Just recently she attended a dance at the Sigma Chi house of M. I. T., and during her holiday attended dances at Harvard and a number of other social functions.
*Note: Could she have met her future husband at one of these dances?
On Thurs., June 18, 1931, Rachel hosted a bridge luncheon at the Fountain Head Club in honor of her sister-in-law, Mrs. J. Franklin Miller of Detroit. Mr. and Mrs. J. Franklin Miller were in town visiting his parents, Mt. and Mrs. J. Frank Miller. Luncheon was served in the attractive club dining room at 1:30, after which five tables of bridge were in play. The guest of honor received a guest prize.
The Daily Mail (Hagerstown, MD.), P. 2, Col. 3
Tue., Jan. 17, 1933
Excerpt from: MEETING OF D.A.R. HELD ON MONDAY
Mrs. Homer W. Miller Is Hostess to Conococheague Chapter
Six new members were received into Conococheague chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution, at a meeting held yesterday at the home of Mrs. Homer W. Miller, the Terrace.
They were Mrs. William H. Burhans, Miss Rachel Burhans Miller (and four others).
At the business meeting at which Mrs. F. N. Hoffmeier, the regent, presided the following committee chairmen were named: Mrs. J. Frank Miller, conservation and thrift; Mrs. Homer W. Miller, D.A.R. magazine; Mrs. Warren Miller, historian; Miss Dora Burhans, constitution and by-laws; Miss Rachel Miller, program committee (and 9 others).
Following the business meeting, Mrs. Marshall Wilson gave an interesting talk on the history of Washington County prior to and during the French and Indian War in connection with Fort Frederick near Clearspring. She also spoke of the improvement in the appearance of the ruined fort since the Daughters of the American revolution began planting trees in the vicinity of the fort. The D. A. R. have also been responsible for most of the restoration of the fort, the markings and so forth.
Tea was served in the dining room where Mrs. Hoffmeier presided at the tea table. Miss Josephine Miller and Miss Rachel Miller assisted in serving.
The next meeting will be held at the home of Mrs. John G. Bower Sr., 400 Potomac avenue.
At the Women's Club's tea on April 4, 1933, Miss Rachel Miller, graduate of the Leland Powers School of the Theatre was to give a reading for the membership, and Miss Adele Rosenberg of the Peabody Conservatory was to play piano selections.
Rachel Burhans Miller married Robert Bower Eckles at Old Christ Church in Cambridge, MA. on Dec. 14, 1935.
At the time of her marriage, Rachel was teaching at the Bishop Lee Dramatic School in Boston, MA.
The Daily Mail (Hagerstown, MD.), P. 6
Wed., Dec. 18, 1935
MISS MILLER IS MARRIED
Wedding To Mr. Eckles Takes Place Saturday In Cambridge
Mr. and Mrs. J. Frank Miller, 121 Broadway, announced the marriage of their daughter, Rachel Burhans Miller to Mr. Robert Bower Eckles, at old Christ Church, Cambridge, Mass., December 14.
Mr. Eckles is the son of the late Dr. and Mrs. Warren Eckles of York, Neb., and is attending the Harvard graduate school.
Mrs. Eckles is a graduate of the Leland Powers School and at present is teaching in the Bishop Lee dramatic School, at Boston.
The couple will reside in Cambridge, Mass.
The Lincoln Star (Lincoln, NE.), P. 16, Col. 2
Sun., Dec. 22, 1935
Miller-Eckles
The marriage of Miss Rachel Burhans Miller, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John Franklin Miller of Hagerstown, Md., and Boston, Mass., to Robert Eckles of Cambridge, Mass., son of Dr. Dora B. Eckles of York, and the late Dr. Warren F. Eckles, took place Dec. 14 in First Christ's Congregational church in Cambridge, Mass., with Rev. Leslie Glenn officiating in the presence of relatives and close friends. The bride was given in marriage by her mother, and was attended by Miss Mary Halowell of Boston. Richard Miller of Detroit served as best man.
The bride is a graduate of Bishop Lee school of Boston. Mr. Eckles was graduated magna cum laude from Harvard where he was a member of the debating club, Hasty Pudding club (performing arts and and an advocate for satire and discourse as tools for change worldwide) and Fifty-four club. He has studied one year at Oxford, England and is now working for his Ph. D. degree. After Jan. 1, the couple will reside in Cambridge, Mass.
Robert and Rachel Eckles had two children:
1. Frances Alison Eckles. Alison was named in honor of her mother's older sister, Frances Humphrey Miller, who died in 1928 at the age of 23 of a brain tumor. Alison received her middle name in honor of John Alison, possibly a relative on her father's side of the family.
2. Sarah Humphrey Eckles. Sarah received her middle name in honor of her mother's older sister, Frances Humphrey Miller.
Humphrey was also Sarah's grandmother, Viola's middle name - and Humphrey was her great-grandmother, Isadora Adaline Humphrey's maiden name. ) Isadora marr. William Winslow Burhans (grandson of Cornelius Burhans).
According to the ship's manifest for the S.S. Europa, 27 yr. old Rachel Burhans M. Eckles, b. Sep. 7, 1910 in Hagerstown, MD. and 27 yr. old Robert Bower Eckles, b. Apr. 11, 1910 in York, NE., were sailing from Southampton, England on Nov. 27, 1937, arriving at the Port of NYC on Nov. 25, 1937. Their home address was 702 Iowa Av. in York, NE.
In August, 1938, Rachel was visiting her parents in Hagerstown, MD. In a few weeks, she was to join her husband, Robert Eckles, in Columbia, Boone, MO., to make their future home. Robert was to be a faculty member of the Stevens College in that city.
According to the Hagerstown Herald, Hagerstown, MD., Rachel's husband, Robert was teaching at Kent University, Kent, OH. Rachel, who was living in Columbia, MO., went to vacation with her parents.
In the Apr. 25, 1940 U.S. census, 29 yr. old Rashel (Rachel) M. (Miller) Eckles, b. in MD., was living in a rented home at 114 West Wood in Columbia, Boone, MO. with her
30 yr. old husband, Robert B. Eckles, a history teacher at a Jr. College, b. in NE.
In 1935, Rachel was living in Boston, MA. and Robert was living in Cambridge, MA.
Robert had completed 5 years of college, and Rachel had finished her 3rd year of college.
Robert worked 20 hours in the week prior to the census and 52 weeks in 1939. His income was listed as $2500.
On Jun. 11, 1955, Rachel's mother, Viola Miller, died of a heart attack at Rachel Eckles' home in West Lafayette, IN.
*Note: Rachel and Robert divorced and Robert married 2nd, Mrs. Anne Ammerman on Sat., Aug. 12, 1972.
Robert was b. Apr. 11, 1910 in York, NE. and d. on Jan. 22, 1993 in San Antonio, Bexar, TX.
Rachel died on Aug. 10, 1982 in Alachua county, according to the Florida Death Index. Her last residence was Gainesville, Alachua, FL., according to the U.S. Social Security Death Index.
John Franklin Miller Jr., b. Feb. 23, 1857 (1859) in PA. and d. Aug. 16, 1946 in Eldersburg, Carroll, MD. &
Viola Humphrey Burhans, b. Nov. 30, 1868 in Coxsackie, Greene, NY. and d. Jun. 11, 1955 in West Lafayette, IN. *Note: Viola had a twin brother, Frank.
John Franklin and Viola (Burhans) Miller's children were:
1. Frances Humphrey Miller, b. 1905 in Washington County, MD. and d. Apr. 6, 1928 of a brain tumor at the University of Maryland Hospital in the City of Baltimore, Baltimore county, MD.
1905.
2. John Franklin Miller III, b. Jul. 30, 1906 in Hagerstown, Washington, MD. and d. Oct. 9, 1959 at Springfield Hospital in Winnetka, Cook, IL. He was the Vice-President of Illinois Tool Works of Chicago since 1959. His survivors included his wife, Frances, and two sons, John F. and Edward A. Miller.
3. Rachel Burhans Miller, b. Sep. 7, 1910 in MD. and d. Aug. 10, 1982 in Alachua County, FL.
Rachel married Robert Bower Eckles.
In the Jan. 2, 1920 U.S. census, 9 yr. old Rachel Miller, b. in MD., was living at 121 Broadway in Hagerstown Ward 4, Washington, MD. with her
61 yr. old father, John F. Miller, the proprietor of a retail clothing store, b. in PA.
50 yr. old mother, Viola Miller, b. in NY.
14 yr. old sister, Francis Miller, b. in MD.
13 yr. old brother, John F Miller, b. in MD.
Rachel's father was b. in PA. and her mother in NY.
*Note: By the 1930 U.S. census, all three children were 'off the nest'.
21 yr. old Frances Miller, b. in Hagerstown, MD. and her 15 yr. old sister, "Rachael" Miller, also b. in Hagerstown, MD., are listed on the Passenger List of the S. S. "Fort Victoria", as sailing from Hamilton, Bermuda on Apr. 3, 1926 and arriving at the Port of New York, NY. on April 5th, 1926. Their address was listed as 1212 Broadway in Hagerstown, MD. They appear to be unaccompanied by any family member other than each other.
In 1928, Rachel B. Miller was the Society Editor on the 'Hoo-Wair-N-Wat' Staff of the school newspaper at Hagerstown, MD. In 1929, she was the Managing Editor.
In the same year, Rachel played the part of Mrs. Crosby in the Senior Play - The Thirteenth Chair, a mystery play in three acts.
Also listed for Rachel B. Miller in the 1929 Hagerstown High School yearbook is the following:
Rachel Miller - "Flick"
"Gasassnassaninoconpoop"
A.A. - 1, 2, 3, 4; 'Hoo-Wair-N-Wat' 1, 2; Society Editor, 3; Man.-Editor, 4; Latin Club 3; French Club 3, 4; Dramatic Club, 3; President Book Club, 4; Sejusof Staff (snapshot editor); Science Club, 1.
"Unquenchable spirit,
Marvelous pep,
Have caused us to wonder,
And gained her a rep."
The Morning Herald (Hagerstown, MD.), P. 24, Col. 6
Fri., May 17, 1929
Excerpt from: SOLVE MYSTERY IN ANNUAL PLAY OF HIGH SCHOOL
"Thirteenth Chair" Produced at Auditorium; to Be Repeated Tonight
Catherine Nicely, as madame Rosalie LeGrange, a medium, was the star performer in the Senior play at the High School auditorium last night, when the graduates presented a mystery drama, "The Thirteenth Chair." The play will be repeated tonight.
Miss Nicely, as the spiritualistic medium trying to clear her daughter who is accused of murder, did a finished piece of acting for an amateur.
Henry Chapman, who played the part of Inspector Tim Donahue, was particularly good among the boys, and other outstanding players were Allen Campbell, who was good as Roscoe Crosby and Rachel Miller as Mrs. Crosby.
In Sep. 1929, The Morning Herald of Hagerstown, MD., reports that Rachel Miller 'has left for Boston to take a course at the Leland Powers School of Expression'. According to her 1935 wedding announcement, Rachel was a graduate of this school.
*Note: The Leland Powers School, also known as the Leland Powers School of Communication, Leland Powers School of Radio, Theatre, and Television, Leland Powers Theatre School, the Leland Powers School of Expression, Leland Powers School of the Spoken Word, and originally called the Leland Powers School of Elocution, was originally located in the Fenway neighborhood of Boston, Massachusetts, and later in Brookline, Massachusetts. It was founded by speaker and author Leland Powers in 1904. The school educated several notable speakers and authors of the early 20th century.
On Sat., Dec. 20, 1930, according to the Hagerstown Herald, Miss Rachel Miller, who was studying at the Leland Powers School of Expression, arrived from Boston to spend her vacation with her parents, Mr. and Mrs. J. Franklin Miller, 121 Broadway.
The Feb. 26, 1931 edition of The Morning Herald (Hagerstown, MD.) reported that Rachel Miller was to play the role of a college reporter in a three act farce-comedy entitled "A Poor Married Man", which was to run two nights at the Green Springs Furnace School and featured a live orchestra. Proceeds were to benefit the school.
The Daily Mail (Hagerstown, MD.), P. 7, Col. 5
Sat., Mar. 21, 1931
Rachel Miller, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. J. Frank Miller, 131 Broadway, has just returned to school from her Spring vacation which she spent visiting school friends in Boston. We hear that she is having a marvelous time this winter besides being interested in her work at the Leland Powers School of Theatre in Boston, where she is in her second year. Just recently she attended a dance at the Sigma Chi house of M. I. T., and during her holiday attended dances at Harvard and a number of other social functions.
*Note: Could she have met her future husband at one of these dances?
On Thurs., June 18, 1931, Rachel hosted a bridge luncheon at the Fountain Head Club in honor of her sister-in-law, Mrs. J. Franklin Miller of Detroit. Mr. and Mrs. J. Franklin Miller were in town visiting his parents, Mt. and Mrs. J. Frank Miller. Luncheon was served in the attractive club dining room at 1:30, after which five tables of bridge were in play. The guest of honor received a guest prize.
The Daily Mail (Hagerstown, MD.), P. 2, Col. 3
Tue., Jan. 17, 1933
Excerpt from: MEETING OF D.A.R. HELD ON MONDAY
Mrs. Homer W. Miller Is Hostess to Conococheague Chapter
Six new members were received into Conococheague chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution, at a meeting held yesterday at the home of Mrs. Homer W. Miller, the Terrace.
They were Mrs. William H. Burhans, Miss Rachel Burhans Miller (and four others).
At the business meeting at which Mrs. F. N. Hoffmeier, the regent, presided the following committee chairmen were named: Mrs. J. Frank Miller, conservation and thrift; Mrs. Homer W. Miller, D.A.R. magazine; Mrs. Warren Miller, historian; Miss Dora Burhans, constitution and by-laws; Miss Rachel Miller, program committee (and 9 others).
Following the business meeting, Mrs. Marshall Wilson gave an interesting talk on the history of Washington County prior to and during the French and Indian War in connection with Fort Frederick near Clearspring. She also spoke of the improvement in the appearance of the ruined fort since the Daughters of the American revolution began planting trees in the vicinity of the fort. The D. A. R. have also been responsible for most of the restoration of the fort, the markings and so forth.
Tea was served in the dining room where Mrs. Hoffmeier presided at the tea table. Miss Josephine Miller and Miss Rachel Miller assisted in serving.
The next meeting will be held at the home of Mrs. John G. Bower Sr., 400 Potomac avenue.
At the Women's Club's tea on April 4, 1933, Miss Rachel Miller, graduate of the Leland Powers School of the Theatre was to give a reading for the membership, and Miss Adele Rosenberg of the Peabody Conservatory was to play piano selections.
Rachel Burhans Miller married Robert Bower Eckles at Old Christ Church in Cambridge, MA. on Dec. 14, 1935.
At the time of her marriage, Rachel was teaching at the Bishop Lee Dramatic School in Boston, MA.
The Daily Mail (Hagerstown, MD.), P. 6
Wed., Dec. 18, 1935
MISS MILLER IS MARRIED
Wedding To Mr. Eckles Takes Place Saturday In Cambridge
Mr. and Mrs. J. Frank Miller, 121 Broadway, announced the marriage of their daughter, Rachel Burhans Miller to Mr. Robert Bower Eckles, at old Christ Church, Cambridge, Mass., December 14.
Mr. Eckles is the son of the late Dr. and Mrs. Warren Eckles of York, Neb., and is attending the Harvard graduate school.
Mrs. Eckles is a graduate of the Leland Powers School and at present is teaching in the Bishop Lee dramatic School, at Boston.
The couple will reside in Cambridge, Mass.
The Lincoln Star (Lincoln, NE.), P. 16, Col. 2
Sun., Dec. 22, 1935
Miller-Eckles
The marriage of Miss Rachel Burhans Miller, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John Franklin Miller of Hagerstown, Md., and Boston, Mass., to Robert Eckles of Cambridge, Mass., son of Dr. Dora B. Eckles of York, and the late Dr. Warren F. Eckles, took place Dec. 14 in First Christ's Congregational church in Cambridge, Mass., with Rev. Leslie Glenn officiating in the presence of relatives and close friends. The bride was given in marriage by her mother, and was attended by Miss Mary Halowell of Boston. Richard Miller of Detroit served as best man.
The bride is a graduate of Bishop Lee school of Boston. Mr. Eckles was graduated magna cum laude from Harvard where he was a member of the debating club, Hasty Pudding club (performing arts and and an advocate for satire and discourse as tools for change worldwide) and Fifty-four club. He has studied one year at Oxford, England and is now working for his Ph. D. degree. After Jan. 1, the couple will reside in Cambridge, Mass.
Robert and Rachel Eckles had two children:
1. Frances Alison Eckles. Alison was named in honor of her mother's older sister, Frances Humphrey Miller, who died in 1928 at the age of 23 of a brain tumor. Alison received her middle name in honor of John Alison, possibly a relative on her father's side of the family.
2. Sarah Humphrey Eckles. Sarah received her middle name in honor of her mother's older sister, Frances Humphrey Miller.
Humphrey was also Sarah's grandmother, Viola's middle name - and Humphrey was her great-grandmother, Isadora Adaline Humphrey's maiden name. ) Isadora marr. William Winslow Burhans (grandson of Cornelius Burhans).
According to the ship's manifest for the S.S. Europa, 27 yr. old Rachel Burhans M. Eckles, b. Sep. 7, 1910 in Hagerstown, MD. and 27 yr. old Robert Bower Eckles, b. Apr. 11, 1910 in York, NE., were sailing from Southampton, England on Nov. 27, 1937, arriving at the Port of NYC on Nov. 25, 1937. Their home address was 702 Iowa Av. in York, NE.
In August, 1938, Rachel was visiting her parents in Hagerstown, MD. In a few weeks, she was to join her husband, Robert Eckles, in Columbia, Boone, MO., to make their future home. Robert was to be a faculty member of the Stevens College in that city.
According to the Hagerstown Herald, Hagerstown, MD., Rachel's husband, Robert was teaching at Kent University, Kent, OH. Rachel, who was living in Columbia, MO., went to vacation with her parents.
In the Apr. 25, 1940 U.S. census, 29 yr. old Rashel (Rachel) M. (Miller) Eckles, b. in MD., was living in a rented home at 114 West Wood in Columbia, Boone, MO. with her
30 yr. old husband, Robert B. Eckles, a history teacher at a Jr. College, b. in NE.
In 1935, Rachel was living in Boston, MA. and Robert was living in Cambridge, MA.
Robert had completed 5 years of college, and Rachel had finished her 3rd year of college.
Robert worked 20 hours in the week prior to the census and 52 weeks in 1939. His income was listed as $2500.
On Jun. 11, 1955, Rachel's mother, Viola Miller, died of a heart attack at Rachel Eckles' home in West Lafayette, IN.
*Note: Rachel and Robert divorced and Robert married 2nd, Mrs. Anne Ammerman on Sat., Aug. 12, 1972.
Robert was b. Apr. 11, 1910 in York, NE. and d. on Jan. 22, 1993 in San Antonio, Bexar, TX.
Rachel died on Aug. 10, 1982 in Alachua county, according to the Florida Death Index. Her last residence was Gainesville, Alachua, FL., according to the U.S. Social Security Death Index.
Rachel was the youngest of three children born to:
John Franklin Miller Jr., b. Feb. 23, 1857 (1859) in PA. and d. Aug. 16, 1946 in Eldersburg, Carroll, MD. &
Viola Humphrey Burhans, b. Nov. 30, 1868 in Coxsackie, Greene, NY. and d. Jun. 11, 1955 in West Lafayette, IN. *Note: Viola had a twin brother, Frank.
John Franklin and Viola (Burhans) Miller's children were:
1. Frances Humphrey Miller, b. 1905 in Washington County, MD. and d. Apr. 6, 1928 of a brain tumor at the University of Maryland Hospital in the City of Baltimore, Baltimore county, MD.
1905.
2. John Franklin Miller III, b. Jul. 30, 1906 in Hagerstown, Washington, MD. and d. Oct. 9, 1959 at Springfield Hospital in Winnetka, Cook, IL. He was the Vice-President of Illinois Tool Works of Chicago since 1959. His survivors included his wife, Frances, and two sons, John F. and Edward A. Miller.
3. Rachel Burhans Miller, b. Sep. 7, 1910 in MD. and d. Aug. 10, 1982 in Alachua County, FL.
Rachel married Robert Bower Eckles.
In the Jan. 2, 1920 U.S. census, 9 yr. old Rachel Miller, b. in MD., was living at 121 Broadway in Hagerstown Ward 4, Washington, MD. with her
61 yr. old father, John F. Miller, the proprietor of a retail clothing store, b. in PA.
50 yr. old mother, Viola Miller, b. in NY.
14 yr. old sister, Francis Miller, b. in MD.
13 yr. old brother, John F Miller, b. in MD.
Rachel's father was b. in PA. and her mother in NY.
*Note: By the 1930 U.S. census, all three children were 'off the nest'.
21 yr. old Frances Miller, b. in Hagerstown, MD. and her 15 yr. old sister, "Rachael" Miller, also b. in Hagerstown, MD., are listed on the Passenger List of the S. S. "Fort Victoria", as sailing from Hamilton, Bermuda on Apr. 3, 1926 and arriving at the Port of New York, NY. on April 5th, 1926. Their address was listed as 1212 Broadway in Hagerstown, MD. They appear to be unaccompanied by any family member other than each other.
In 1928, Rachel B. Miller was the Society Editor on the 'Hoo-Wair-N-Wat' Staff of the school newspaper at Hagerstown, MD. In 1929, she was the Managing Editor.
In the same year, Rachel played the part of Mrs. Crosby in the Senior Play - The Thirteenth Chair, a mystery play in three acts.
Also listed for Rachel B. Miller in the 1929 Hagerstown High School yearbook is the following:
Rachel Miller - "Flick"
"Gasassnassaninoconpoop"
A.A. - 1, 2, 3, 4; 'Hoo-Wair-N-Wat' 1, 2; Society Editor, 3; Man.-Editor, 4; Latin Club 3; French Club 3, 4; Dramatic Club, 3; President Book Club, 4; Sejusof Staff (snapshot editor); Science Club, 1.
"Unquenchable spirit,
Marvelous pep,
Have caused us to wonder,
And gained her a rep."
The Morning Herald (Hagerstown, MD.), P. 24, Col. 6
Fri., May 17, 1929
Excerpt from: SOLVE MYSTERY IN ANNUAL PLAY OF HIGH SCHOOL
"Thirteenth Chair" Produced at Auditorium; to Be Repeated Tonight
Catherine Nicely, as madame Rosalie LeGrange, a medium, was the star performer in the Senior play at the High School auditorium last night, when the graduates presented a mystery drama, "The Thirteenth Chair." The play will be repeated tonight.
Miss Nicely, as the spiritualistic medium trying to clear her daughter who is accused of murder, did a finished piece of acting for an amateur.
Henry Chapman, who played the part of Inspector Tim Donahue, was particularly good among the boys, and other outstanding players were Allen Campbell, who was good as Roscoe Crosby and Rachel Miller as Mrs. Crosby.
In Sep. 1929, The Morning Herald of Hagerstown, MD., reports that Rachel Miller 'has left for Boston to take a course at the Leland Powers School of Expression'. According to her 1935 wedding announcement, Rachel was a graduate of this school.
*Note: The Leland Powers School, also known as the Leland Powers School of Communication, Leland Powers School of Radio, Theatre, and Television, Leland Powers Theatre School, the Leland Powers School of Expression, Leland Powers School of the Spoken Word, and originally called the Leland Powers School of Elocution, was originally located in the Fenway neighborhood of Boston, Massachusetts, and later in Brookline, Massachusetts. It was founded by speaker and author Leland Powers in 1904. The school educated several notable speakers and authors of the early 20th century.
On Sat., Dec. 20, 1930, according to the Hagerstown Herald, Miss Rachel Miller, who was studying at the Leland Powers School of Expression, arrived from Boston to spend her vacation with her parents, Mr. and Mrs. J. Franklin Miller, 121 Broadway.
The Feb. 26, 1931 edition of The Morning Herald (Hagerstown, MD.) reported that Rachel Miller was to play the role of a college reporter in a three act farce-comedy entitled "A Poor Married Man", which was to run two nights at the Green Springs Furnace School and featured a live orchestra. Proceeds were to benefit the school.
The Daily Mail (Hagerstown, MD.), P. 7, Col. 5
Sat., Mar. 21, 1931
Rachel Miller, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. J. Frank Miller, 131 Broadway, has just returned to school from her Spring vacation which she spent visiting school friends in Boston. We hear that she is having a marvelous time this winter besides being interested in her work at the Leland Powers School of Theatre in Boston, where she is in her second year. Just recently she attended a dance at the Sigma Chi house of M. I. T., and during her holiday attended dances at Harvard and a number of other social functions.
*Note: Could she have met her future husband at one of these dances?
On Thurs., June 18, 1931, Rachel hosted a bridge luncheon at the Fountain Head Club in honor of her sister-in-law, Mrs. J. Franklin Miller of Detroit. Mr. and Mrs. J. Franklin Miller were in town visiting his parents, Mt. and Mrs. J. Frank Miller. Luncheon was served in the attractive club dining room at 1:30, after which five tables of bridge were in play. The guest of honor received a guest prize.
The Daily Mail (Hagerstown, MD.), P. 2, Col. 3
Tue., Jan. 17, 1933
Excerpt from: MEETING OF D.A.R. HELD ON MONDAY
Mrs. Homer W. Miller Is Hostess to Conococheague Chapter
Six new members were received into Conococheague chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution, at a meeting held yesterday at the home of Mrs. Homer W. Miller, the Terrace.
They were Mrs. William H. Burhans, Miss Rachel Burhans Miller (and four others).
At the business meeting at which Mrs. F. N. Hoffmeier, the regent, presided the following committee chairmen were named: Mrs. J. Frank Miller, conservation and thrift; Mrs. Homer W. Miller, D.A.R. magazine; Mrs. Warren Miller, historian; Miss Dora Burhans, constitution and by-laws; Miss Rachel Miller, program committee (and 9 others).
Following the business meeting, Mrs. Marshall Wilson gave an interesting talk on the history of Washington County prior to and during the French and Indian War in connection with Fort Frederick near Clearspring. She also spoke of the improvement in the appearance of the ruined fort since the Daughters of the American revolution began planting trees in the vicinity of the fort. The D. A. R. have also been responsible for most of the restoration of the fort, the markings and so forth.
Tea was served in the dining room where Mrs. Hoffmeier presided at the tea table. Miss Josephine Miller and Miss Rachel Miller assisted in serving.
The next meeting will be held at the home of Mrs. John G. Bower Sr., 400 Potomac avenue.
At the Women's Club's tea on April 4, 1933, Miss Rachel Miller, graduate of the Leland Powers School of the Theatre was to give a reading for the membership, and Miss Adele Rosenberg of the Peabody Conservatory was to play piano selections.
Rachel Burhans Miller married Robert Bower Eckles at Old Christ Church in Cambridge, MA. on Dec. 14, 1935.
At the time of her marriage, Rachel was teaching at the Bishop Lee Dramatic School in Boston, MA.
The Daily Mail (Hagerstown, MD.), P. 6
Wed., Dec. 18, 1935
MISS MILLER IS MARRIED
Wedding To Mr. Eckles Takes Place Saturday In Cambridge
Mr. and Mrs. J. Frank Miller, 121 Broadway, announced the marriage of their daughter, Rachel Burhans Miller to Mr. Robert Bower Eckles, at old Christ Church, Cambridge, Mass., December 14.
Mr. Eckles is the son of the late Dr. and Mrs. Warren Eckles of York, Neb., and is attending the Harvard graduate school.
Mrs. Eckles is a graduate of the Leland Powers School and at present is teaching in the Bishop Lee dramatic School, at Boston.
The couple will reside in Cambridge, Mass.
The Lincoln Star (Lincoln, NE.), P. 16, Col. 2
Sun., Dec. 22, 1935
Miller-Eckles
The marriage of Miss Rachel Burhans Miller, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John Franklin Miller of Hagerstown, Md., and Boston, Mass., to Robert Eckles of Cambridge, Mass., son of Dr. Dora B. Eckles of York, and the late Dr. Warren F. Eckles, took place Dec. 14 in First Christ's Congregational church in Cambridge, Mass., with Rev. Leslie Glenn officiating in the presence of relatives and close friends. The bride was given in marriage by her mother, and was attended by Miss Mary Halowell of Boston. Richard Miller of Detroit served as best man.
The bride is a graduate of Bishop Lee school of Boston. Mr. Eckles was graduated magna cum laude from Harvard where he was a member of the debating club, Hasty Pudding club (performing arts and and an advocate for satire and discourse as tools for change worldwide) and Fifty-four club. He has studied one year at Oxford, England and is now working for his Ph. D. degree. After Jan. 1, the couple will reside in Cambridge, Mass.
Robert and Rachel Eckles had two children:
1. Frances Alison Eckles. Alison was named in honor of her mother's older sister, Frances Humphrey Miller, who died in 1928 at the age of 23 of a brain tumor. Alison received her middle name in honor of John Alison, possibly a relative on her father's side of the family.
2. Sarah Humphrey Eckles. Sarah received her middle name in honor of her mother's older sister, Frances Humphrey Miller.
Humphrey was also Sarah's grandmother, Viola's middle name - and Humphrey was her great-grandmother, Isadora Adaline Humphrey's maiden name. ) Isadora marr. William Winslow Burhans (grandson of Cornelius Burhans).
According to the ship's manifest for the S.S. Europa, 27 yr. old Rachel Burhans M. Eckles, b. Sep. 7, 1910 in Hagerstown, MD. and 27 yr. old Robert Bower Eckles, b. Apr. 11, 1910 in York, NE., were sailing from Southampton, England on Nov. 27, 1937, arriving at the Port of NYC on Nov. 25, 1937. Their home address was 702 Iowa Av. in York, NE.
In August, 1938, Rachel was visiting her parents in Hagerstown, MD. In a few weeks, she was to join her husband, Robert Eckles, in Columbia, Boone, MO., to make their future home. Robert was to be a faculty member of the Stevens College in that city.
According to the Hagerstown Herald, Hagerstown, MD., Rachel's husband, Robert was teaching at Kent University, Kent, OH. Rachel, who was living in Columbia, MO., went to vacation with her parents.
In the Apr. 25, 1940 U.S. census, 29 yr. old Rashel (Rachel) M. (Miller) Eckles, b. in MD., was living in a rented home at 114 West Wood in Columbia, Boone, MO. with her
30 yr. old husband, Robert B. Eckles, a history teacher at a Jr. College, b. in NE.
In 1935, Rachel was living in Boston, MA. and Robert was living in Cambridge, MA.
Robert had completed 5 years of college, and Rachel had finished her 3rd year of college.
Robert worked 20 hours in the week prior to the census and 52 weeks in 1939. His income was listed as $2500.
On Jun. 11, 1955, Rachel's mother, Viola Miller, died of a heart attack at Rachel Eckles' home in West Lafayette, IN.
*Note: Rachel and Robert divorced and Robert married 2nd, Mrs. Anne Ammerman on Sat., Aug. 12, 1972.
Robert was b. Apr. 11, 1910 in York, NE. and d. on Jan. 22, 1993 in San Antonio, Bexar, TX.
Rachel died on Aug. 10, 1982 in Alachua county, according to the Florida Death Index. Her last residence was Gainesville, Alachua, FL., according to the U.S. Social Security Death Index.
John Franklin Miller Jr., b. Feb. 23, 1857 (1859) in PA. and d. Aug. 16, 1946 in Eldersburg, Carroll, MD. &
Viola Humphrey Burhans, b. Nov. 30, 1868 in Coxsackie, Greene, NY. and d. Jun. 11, 1955 in West Lafayette, IN. *Note: Viola had a twin brother, Frank.
John Franklin and Viola (Burhans) Miller's children were:
1. Frances Humphrey Miller, b. 1905 in Washington County, MD. and d. Apr. 6, 1928 of a brain tumor at the University of Maryland Hospital in the City of Baltimore, Baltimore county, MD.
1905.
2. John Franklin Miller III, b. Jul. 30, 1906 in Hagerstown, Washington, MD. and d. Oct. 9, 1959 at Springfield Hospital in Winnetka, Cook, IL. He was the Vice-President of Illinois Tool Works of Chicago since 1959. His survivors included his wife, Frances, and two sons, John F. and Edward A. Miller.
3. Rachel Burhans Miller, b. Sep. 7, 1910 in MD. and d. Aug. 10, 1982 in Alachua County, FL.
Rachel married Robert Bower Eckles.
In the Jan. 2, 1920 U.S. census, 9 yr. old Rachel Miller, b. in MD., was living at 121 Broadway in Hagerstown Ward 4, Washington, MD. with her
61 yr. old father, John F. Miller, the proprietor of a retail clothing store, b. in PA.
50 yr. old mother, Viola Miller, b. in NY.
14 yr. old sister, Francis Miller, b. in MD.
13 yr. old brother, John F Miller, b. in MD.
Rachel's father was b. in PA. and her mother in NY.
*Note: By the 1930 U.S. census, all three children were 'off the nest'.
21 yr. old Frances Miller, b. in Hagerstown, MD. and her 15 yr. old sister, "Rachael" Miller, also b. in Hagerstown, MD., are listed on the Passenger List of the S. S. "Fort Victoria", as sailing from Hamilton, Bermuda on Apr. 3, 1926 and arriving at the Port of New York, NY. on April 5th, 1926. Their address was listed as 1212 Broadway in Hagerstown, MD. They appear to be unaccompanied by any family member other than each other.
In 1928, Rachel B. Miller was the Society Editor on the 'Hoo-Wair-N-Wat' Staff of the school newspaper at Hagerstown, MD. In 1929, she was the Managing Editor.
In the same year, Rachel played the part of Mrs. Crosby in the Senior Play - The Thirteenth Chair, a mystery play in three acts.
Also listed for Rachel B. Miller in the 1929 Hagerstown High School yearbook is the following:
Rachel Miller - "Flick"
"Gasassnassaninoconpoop"
A.A. - 1, 2, 3, 4; 'Hoo-Wair-N-Wat' 1, 2; Society Editor, 3; Man.-Editor, 4; Latin Club 3; French Club 3, 4; Dramatic Club, 3; President Book Club, 4; Sejusof Staff (snapshot editor); Science Club, 1.
"Unquenchable spirit,
Marvelous pep,
Have caused us to wonder,
And gained her a rep."
The Morning Herald (Hagerstown, MD.), P. 24, Col. 6
Fri., May 17, 1929
Excerpt from: SOLVE MYSTERY IN ANNUAL PLAY OF HIGH SCHOOL
"Thirteenth Chair" Produced at Auditorium; to Be Repeated Tonight
Catherine Nicely, as madame Rosalie LeGrange, a medium, was the star performer in the Senior play at the High School auditorium last night, when the graduates presented a mystery drama, "The Thirteenth Chair." The play will be repeated tonight.
Miss Nicely, as the spiritualistic medium trying to clear her daughter who is accused of murder, did a finished piece of acting for an amateur.
Henry Chapman, who played the part of Inspector Tim Donahue, was particularly good among the boys, and other outstanding players were Allen Campbell, who was good as Roscoe Crosby and Rachel Miller as Mrs. Crosby.
In Sep. 1929, The Morning Herald of Hagerstown, MD., reports that Rachel Miller 'has left for Boston to take a course at the Leland Powers School of Expression'. According to her 1935 wedding announcement, Rachel was a graduate of this school.
*Note: The Leland Powers School, also known as the Leland Powers School of Communication, Leland Powers School of Radio, Theatre, and Television, Leland Powers Theatre School, the Leland Powers School of Expression, Leland Powers School of the Spoken Word, and originally called the Leland Powers School of Elocution, was originally located in the Fenway neighborhood of Boston, Massachusetts, and later in Brookline, Massachusetts. It was founded by speaker and author Leland Powers in 1904. The school educated several notable speakers and authors of the early 20th century.
On Sat., Dec. 20, 1930, according to the Hagerstown Herald, Miss Rachel Miller, who was studying at the Leland Powers School of Expression, arrived from Boston to spend her vacation with her parents, Mr. and Mrs. J. Franklin Miller, 121 Broadway.
The Feb. 26, 1931 edition of The Morning Herald (Hagerstown, MD.) reported that Rachel Miller was to play the role of a college reporter in a three act farce-comedy entitled "A Poor Married Man", which was to run two nights at the Green Springs Furnace School and featured a live orchestra. Proceeds were to benefit the school.
The Daily Mail (Hagerstown, MD.), P. 7, Col. 5
Sat., Mar. 21, 1931
Rachel Miller, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. J. Frank Miller, 131 Broadway, has just returned to school from her Spring vacation which she spent visiting school friends in Boston. We hear that she is having a marvelous time this winter besides being interested in her work at the Leland Powers School of Theatre in Boston, where she is in her second year. Just recently she attended a dance at the Sigma Chi house of M. I. T., and during her holiday attended dances at Harvard and a number of other social functions.
*Note: Could she have met her future husband at one of these dances?
On Thurs., June 18, 1931, Rachel hosted a bridge luncheon at the Fountain Head Club in honor of her sister-in-law, Mrs. J. Franklin Miller of Detroit. Mr. and Mrs. J. Franklin Miller were in town visiting his parents, Mt. and Mrs. J. Frank Miller. Luncheon was served in the attractive club dining room at 1:30, after which five tables of bridge were in play. The guest of honor received a guest prize.
The Daily Mail (Hagerstown, MD.), P. 2, Col. 3
Tue., Jan. 17, 1933
Excerpt from: MEETING OF D.A.R. HELD ON MONDAY
Mrs. Homer W. Miller Is Hostess to Conococheague Chapter
Six new members were received into Conococheague chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution, at a meeting held yesterday at the home of Mrs. Homer W. Miller, the Terrace.
They were Mrs. William H. Burhans, Miss Rachel Burhans Miller (and four others).
At the business meeting at which Mrs. F. N. Hoffmeier, the regent, presided the following committee chairmen were named: Mrs. J. Frank Miller, conservation and thrift; Mrs. Homer W. Miller, D.A.R. magazine; Mrs. Warren Miller, historian; Miss Dora Burhans, constitution and by-laws; Miss Rachel Miller, program committee (and 9 others).
Following the business meeting, Mrs. Marshall Wilson gave an interesting talk on the history of Washington County prior to and during the French and Indian War in connection with Fort Frederick near Clearspring. She also spoke of the improvement in the appearance of the ruined fort since the Daughters of the American revolution began planting trees in the vicinity of the fort. The D. A. R. have also been responsible for most of the restoration of the fort, the markings and so forth.
Tea was served in the dining room where Mrs. Hoffmeier presided at the tea table. Miss Josephine Miller and Miss Rachel Miller assisted in serving.
The next meeting will be held at the home of Mrs. John G. Bower Sr., 400 Potomac avenue.
At the Women's Club's tea on April 4, 1933, Miss Rachel Miller, graduate of the Leland Powers School of the Theatre was to give a reading for the membership, and Miss Adele Rosenberg of the Peabody Conservatory was to play piano selections.
Rachel Burhans Miller married Robert Bower Eckles at Old Christ Church in Cambridge, MA. on Dec. 14, 1935.
At the time of her marriage, Rachel was teaching at the Bishop Lee Dramatic School in Boston, MA.
The Daily Mail (Hagerstown, MD.), P. 6
Wed., Dec. 18, 1935
MISS MILLER IS MARRIED
Wedding To Mr. Eckles Takes Place Saturday In Cambridge
Mr. and Mrs. J. Frank Miller, 121 Broadway, announced the marriage of their daughter, Rachel Burhans Miller to Mr. Robert Bower Eckles, at old Christ Church, Cambridge, Mass., December 14.
Mr. Eckles is the son of the late Dr. and Mrs. Warren Eckles of York, Neb., and is attending the Harvard graduate school.
Mrs. Eckles is a graduate of the Leland Powers School and at present is teaching in the Bishop Lee dramatic School, at Boston.
The couple will reside in Cambridge, Mass.
The Lincoln Star (Lincoln, NE.), P. 16, Col. 2
Sun., Dec. 22, 1935
Miller-Eckles
The marriage of Miss Rachel Burhans Miller, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John Franklin Miller of Hagerstown, Md., and Boston, Mass., to Robert Eckles of Cambridge, Mass., son of Dr. Dora B. Eckles of York, and the late Dr. Warren F. Eckles, took place Dec. 14 in First Christ's Congregational church in Cambridge, Mass., with Rev. Leslie Glenn officiating in the presence of relatives and close friends. The bride was given in marriage by her mother, and was attended by Miss Mary Halowell of Boston. Richard Miller of Detroit served as best man.
The bride is a graduate of Bishop Lee school of Boston. Mr. Eckles was graduated magna cum laude from Harvard where he was a member of the debating club, Hasty Pudding club (performing arts and and an advocate for satire and discourse as tools for change worldwide) and Fifty-four club. He has studied one year at Oxford, England and is now working for his Ph. D. degree. After Jan. 1, the couple will reside in Cambridge, Mass.
Robert and Rachel Eckles had two children:
1. Frances Alison Eckles. Alison was named in honor of her mother's older sister, Frances Humphrey Miller, who died in 1928 at the age of 23 of a brain tumor. Alison received her middle name in honor of John Alison, possibly a relative on her father's side of the family.
2. Sarah Humphrey Eckles. Sarah received her middle name in honor of her mother's older sister, Frances Humphrey Miller.
Humphrey was also Sarah's grandmother, Viola's middle name - and Humphrey was her great-grandmother, Isadora Adaline Humphrey's maiden name. ) Isadora marr. William Winslow Burhans (grandson of Cornelius Burhans).
According to the ship's manifest for the S.S. Europa, 27 yr. old Rachel Burhans M. Eckles, b. Sep. 7, 1910 in Hagerstown, MD. and 27 yr. old Robert Bower Eckles, b. Apr. 11, 1910 in York, NE., were sailing from Southampton, England on Nov. 27, 1937, arriving at the Port of NYC on Nov. 25, 1937. Their home address was 702 Iowa Av. in York, NE.
In August, 1938, Rachel was visiting her parents in Hagerstown, MD. In a few weeks, she was to join her husband, Robert Eckles, in Columbia, Boone, MO., to make their future home. Robert was to be a faculty member of the Stevens College in that city.
According to the Hagerstown Herald, Hagerstown, MD., Rachel's husband, Robert was teaching at Kent University, Kent, OH. Rachel, who was living in Columbia, MO., went to vacation with her parents.
In the Apr. 25, 1940 U.S. census, 29 yr. old Rashel (Rachel) M. (Miller) Eckles, b. in MD., was living in a rented home at 114 West Wood in Columbia, Boone, MO. with her
30 yr. old husband, Robert B. Eckles, a history teacher at a Jr. College, b. in NE.
In 1935, Rachel was living in Boston, MA. and Robert was living in Cambridge, MA.
Robert had completed 5 years of college, and Rachel had finished her 3rd year of college.
Robert worked 20 hours in the week prior to the census and 52 weeks in 1939. His income was listed as $2500.
On Jun. 11, 1955, Rachel's mother, Viola Miller, died of a heart attack at Rachel Eckles' home in West Lafayette, IN.
*Note: Rachel and Robert divorced and Robert married 2nd, Mrs. Anne Ammerman on Sat., Aug. 12, 1972.
Robert was b. Apr. 11, 1910 in York, NE. and d. on Jan. 22, 1993 in San Antonio, Bexar, TX.
Rachel died on Aug. 10, 1982 in Alachua county, according to the Florida Death Index. Her last residence was Gainesville, Alachua, FL., according to the U.S. Social Security Death Index.
Inscription
IN MEMORY
RACHEL
BELOVED DAUGHTER
Gravesite Details
Buried with her parents
