From: Commemorative Biographical Record of Central Pennsylvania, J. H. Beers, 1898, page 583.

Gideon Dornblaser (the father of our subject) was born July 21, 1817, and was but a boy when his parents removed to this section. He learned the carpenter's trade with Matthew Riddle, near Pleasant Gap, Centre County, but his youth was mainly spent upon his father's farm, his education being limited to an attendance at the schools of that locality. In early manhood he was married near Nittany Hall to Miss Catherine Miller, who was born January 7, 1824, the daughter of John and Eve Miller. After his marriage he settled at the old homestead with his father, and, except for making improvements upon the farm, he did not work at his trade. In time he purchased the farm where he continued to reside until his death, which occurred September 24, 1866, his life being doubtless shortened by a severe attack of typhoid fever in 1855. He was of ordinary build, weighing 148 pounds usually, and until weakened by the fever he was a most industrious worker. In the management of his farm he was very successful, and with the assistance of his wife's economy he gained a handsome competence, being regarded as one of the substantial men of the neighborhood. He was prominent in local politics as a member of the Democratic Party, and after serving creditably in various township offices he was elected, in 1860, county commissioner. While he held firm opinions, he was not inclined to argue, and could always keep his temper in a discussion. In religious work he was active, being a leading member of the Evangelical Lutheran Church, in which he held offices almost constantly. Although his sympathies were readily awakened in behalf of any movement which promised benefit for the community, his home and family constituted his chief interest. On November 28, 1861, his beloved wife passed to the other world, and their remains now rest in the cemetery at Snydertown.

Gideon and Catherine Miller had eight children:

John M., born May 2, 1846, is a merchant at Valley Falls, Kans.; Benjamin F., born June 4, 1848, died in 1855; Mary E., born August 25, 1849, is now Mrs. Jacob P. Krope, of Porter, Penn.; Sarah O, born February 3, 1852. married W. J. Burrell; Miss Emma J., born July 24, 1855, resides at Lamar; Clara E., born August 12, 1859, died May 28, i860; and Samuel G., born May 10, 1861, is a Lutheran minister at Columbus, Ohio.