Warner Miller facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Warner Miller
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| United States Senator from New York |
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| In office July 27, 1881 – March 3, 1887 |
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| Preceded by | Thomas C. Platt |
| Succeeded by | Frank Hiscock |
| Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from New York's 22nd district |
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| In office March 4, 1879 – July 26, 1881 |
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| Preceded by | George A. Bagley |
| Succeeded by | Charles R. Skinner |
| Member of the New York State Assembly from the Herkimer County district |
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| In office January 1, 1874 – December 31, 1875 |
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| Preceded by | Eleazer C. Rice |
| Succeeded by | Myron A. McKee |
| Personal details | |
| Born | August 12, 1838 Hannibal, New York |
| Died | March 21, 1918 (aged 79) New York City, New York |
| Resting place | Oak Hill Cemetery, Herkimer, New York |
| Political party | Republican |
| Spouse | Caroline Churchill Miller (m. 1864-1903, her death) |
| Children | 5 |
| Education | Union College |
| Profession | Paper company executive |
| Military service | |
| Allegiance | United States of America Union |
| Branch/service | Union Army |
| Years of service | 1861–1862 |
| Rank | First Lieutenant |
| Unit | 5th New York Cavalry Regiment |
| Battles/wars | American Civil War |
Warner Miller (born August 12, 1838 – died March 21, 1918) was an important American businessman and politician from Herkimer, New York. He was a member of the Republican Party. Miller is best known for serving in the United States House of Representatives from 1879 to 1881. He also served as a U.S. Senator from 1881 to 1887.
Miller was born in Hannibal, New York. He graduated from Union College in 1860. During the American Civil War, he joined the Union Army. He started as a private and later became a first lieutenant. In 1862, he was captured but later released. He then received an honorable discharge from the army.
After the war, Miller became very successful in the papermaking business. He invented machines that made paper from wood pulp cheaply. This made him very wealthy. He also got involved in other businesses, like railroads and insurance.
Miller served in the New York State Assembly from 1874 to 1875. In 1878, he was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives. He was reelected in 1880. He later resigned from the House to become a U.S. Senator. He served in the Senate from July 1881 to March 1887. While a Senator, he led the Senate's Agriculture Committee.
After his time in the Senate, Miller ran for governor of New York twice. He lost both times. Warner Miller passed away in New York City on March 21, 1918. He was buried in Oak Hill Cemetery in Herkimer.
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Early Life and Education
Warner Miller was born on August 12, 1838, in Hannibal, New York. His parents were Hiram and Mary Ann Miller. He went to local schools in Oswego County. He also attended Charlotteville Academy. Later, he taught Latin and Greek at the Collegiate Institute of Fort Edward, New York.
He then went to Union College in Schenectady, New York. He earned his degree in 1860. Miller stayed connected with Union College throughout his life. In 1886, he received an honorary law degree. He also served on the college's board of trustees.
Military Service in the Civil War
In October 1861, Miller joined the Union Army during the American Civil War. He started as a private in the 5th New York Cavalry Regiment. He quickly moved up in rank. He became the regiment's sergeant major. Then, he was made a first lieutenant.
On May 25, 1862, Miller was captured during the First Battle of Winchester. The Union Army did not exchange prisoners at that time. So, the Confederate States Army released him on parole. This meant he could not return to military service. He then received an honorable discharge. After the war, Miller was active in groups for veterans. He was a member of the Grand Army of the Republic.
Business Success
After his military service, Miller worked at a paper mill in Fort Edward. He soon became the manager. He studied how to make paper scientifically. He even traveled to Belgium to see how paper was made from straw.
When he returned to the United States, Miller started a company. They bought several paper mills in Herkimer, New York. There, he began making paper from wood pulp on a large scale.
Miller invented a special machine. This machine made wood pulp paper very cheaply. At first, it was hard to sell his machines. But soon, other papermakers realized how valuable they were. They started buying them. Miller became very rich as his invention became the standard for the industry.
Besides papermaking, Miller was involved in other businesses. He was president of the Nicaragua Canal Construction Company. This company tried to build a canal in Central America. This was before the Panama Canal was built. He also served on the board of directors for other companies. These included an insurance company and a railroad.
Political Career
New York State Assembly
Warner Miller was a Republican. He served in the New York State Assembly for Herkimer County. He was a member in 1874 and 1875. Miller cared about public education. He introduced a bill to require drawing to be taught in public schools. This bill was successful.
Serving in the U.S. House
In 1878, Miller was elected to the United States House of Representatives. He was reelected in 1880. He served in the House from March 4, 1879, to July 26, 1881. While in the House, Miller was part of several important committees. His fellow members thought he was one of the most effective representatives.
Becoming a U.S. Senator
In 1881, two Republican U.S. Senators from New York resigned. They were Roscoe Conkling and Thomas C. Platt. They resigned because of a disagreement with President James A. Garfield. They thought they would be quickly reelected. This would have made them stronger in their dispute.
But instead, the New York State Legislature chose two new senators. They picked Elbridge G. Lapham and Warner Miller. Miller served as a Senator from July 27, 1881, to March 3, 1887. During his time in the Senate, he was chairman of the Agriculture Committee.
In 1887, Miller wanted to be reelected as Senator. Republicans controlled the state legislature. This meant their chosen candidate would win. However, Thomas C. Platt worked to make sure Miller would not win. After many votes, Frank Hiscock was chosen instead of Miller.
Later Years and Legacy
After leaving the Senate, Miller ran for Governor of New York in 1888. He lost to the current governor, David B. Hill. In 1894, Miller tried again to become governor. But the Republican nomination went to Levi P. Morton, who won the election.
In 1898, a new company called International Paper was formed. Miller sold his paper mills to this new company. In his retirement, he lived in Herkimer. In 1906, Miller was chosen to lead a state Special Tax Commission. This group reviewed New York's tax laws and suggested changes.
Warner Miller died in New York City on March 21, 1918. He was buried in Oak Hill Cemetery in Herkimer.
Family Life
In 1864, Warner Miller married Caroline Churchill. They had five children together: four sons and one daughter. Their son, Burr Churchill Miller, became a famous sculptor.
