An Illustrated History of the State of Washington, by Rev. H.K. Hines, D.D., The Lewis Publishing Co., Chicago, IL. 1893 EDWARD MILLER. - Among the business men of Tacoma who have been associated with the city since the early days of the new town, is the subject of this sketch. He came here as a workman at his trade, began business for himself shortly afterward, in a small way, and now ranks among the substantial business men and manufacturers of Tacoma. A brief outline sketch of his career, giving some of the salient features, becomes, on that account, an interesting feature in this volume of Washington history. Edward Miller is a native of the State of Wisconsin, born at Mishicott, Manitowoc county, on the 26th day of January, 1800, his parents being Henry and Wilhelmina (Heberlein) Miller. His parents were natives of Germany, but both came to this country when young, and were married here. Our subject was reared in his native town, and there received his schooling, after which he learned the trade of tin and galvanized iron working, at which he was occupied there until 1884. In that year he came to Tacoma, a young man, twenty-four years of age, and after looking around went to work for the firm of Harvey & Young. He had in view his own establishment in business, however, and after two months with that firm, he, in partnership with Fred Keller, opened a small shop at 1,504 Railroad street. This partnership lasted about a year, and then Henry G. Peters bought out the interest of Mr. Keller, and the firm of Peters & Miller was formed. Business had increased meantime, but still the shop was not a large one. They soon removed to No. 912 Railroad street, where they remained five years, at the end of which time they put up a large brick structure on Jefferson avenue and Twenty-fifth street, and moved into it. The growth of their business during all this time had been regular and rapid, and in 1891 they incorporated as the Peters & Miller Company, with a capital stock of $25,000, and Mr. Miller became vice-president of the company. In July, 1892, Mr. Miller sold out his stock in that concern, and opened for himself a new establishment at No. 1,513 Tacoma avenue, and on the property erected a building, the same being completed in the spring of 1892, and being 25 x 100 feet in ground dimensions, and four stories and basement in height. Mr. Miller utilizes the basement and ground floor in his business operations. His trade extends all over the State of Washington, in galvanized iron and copper work, composition and metal roofing, etc., and he does a great deal of contract work. He was married in Wisconsin, on the 11th of September, 1881, to Miss Frances Hartmann, a native of that State, born in Milwaukee. They have three children, viz.: Oscar, born October 11, 1882; Arthur, born August 29, 1884; Edward, born November 7, 1887. Mr. Miller has passed the chairs of Crescent Lodge, No. 44, I.O.O.F., and for two years past has been its Treasurer; he is a member of Tacoma Encampment, No. 8, Tacoma Canton, No. 4, and Rebekah degree lodge, No. 1; is a member of A.U.U.W., No. 32, and of the Germania Society, of which he has been Treasurer for the past four years. As a business man Mr. Miller's capacity is indicated by the record of this progress in Tacoma, as, though yet a young man in years, he is thoroughly recognized as one of the reliable, substantial men of the city. He belongs to that class of businessmen who win friends by courteous demeanor, and holds them by fair, considerate treatment. For these reasons he and his establishment enjoy the highest standing in the business circles of the city and State. Submitted to the WA. Bios Project in January 2004 by Jeffrey L. Elmer * * * * Notice: These biographies were transcribed for the Washington Biographies Project. Unless otherwise stated, no further information is available on the individual featured in the biographies.