Charles Miller (businessman)

Charles Miller
Born	Oberhoffen-sur-Moder, Alsace, France
Died	December 21, 1927(1927-12-21) (aged 84) Franklin, Pennsylvania, U.S.
Occupation(s)	Businessman, philanthropist, military officer
Known for	Founder of Galena-Signal Oil Company; Major General in Pennsylvania Army National Guard

Charles Miller (June 15, 1843 – December 21, 1927) was a prominent businessman and philanthropist from Pennsylvania, as well as a Major General in the Pennsylvania Army National Guard. He led the unit currently recognized as the 28th Infantry Division and played a pivotal role in establishing the Galena-Signal Oil Company, which later became part of the Standard Oil conglomerate and eventually developed into entities such as Texaco and Valvoline.

Early life

Miller was born in Oberhoffen-sur-Moder, Alsace, France, and emigrated with his family to the United States in 1855, settling in Boston, New York. His early work experience included clerking in retail establishments and selling sewing machines.

In 1861, he enlisted in Company A of the 74th Infantry Regiment within the New York National Guard, where he served along the Canada–US border to guard against Confederate incursions during the American Civil War. Although he qualified for a commission in the Army, he chose not to accept it and remained actively involved with the Grand Army of the Republic following the conflict.

Business career

During the late 1860s, Miller identified opportunities within the burgeoning oil sector and relocated to Franklin, Pennsylvania. There, he partnered with his brother-in-law Joseph C. Sibley to establish the Galena Oil Company. This enterprise eventually became known as Galena-Signal Oil Company, which played a significant role in replacing traditional animal-fat lubricants with petroleum-based alternatives and emerged as a leading supplier of lubricants to railroads. Miller held the position of company president until 1919. Subsequently, Galena-Signal was absorbed into Standard Oil and later integrated into corporations now recognized as Texaco (1928) and Valvoline (1931).

In addition to his oil ventures, Miller founded the Jamestown, Franklin and Clearfield Railroad—a subsidiary of the New York Central Railroad—and served as its president. He also presided over other railroad companies and held leadership roles at American Steel Foundries as president and chairman. His business interests extended to various Franklin-based enterprises including a bank, newspaper, machine shop, and agricultural properties.

In 1919, Miller stepped down from his role at Galena-Signal to assume the chairmanship of the board for the Home Oil Refining Company located in Texas.

Political career

Initially aligned with the Republican Party, Miller served as Mayor of Franklin during 1885 and 1886. Later in life, he advocated for temperance causes and affiliated himself with the Prohibition Party. His public service also included appointed positions such as trustee of the Pennsylvania Soldiers' and Sailors' Home.

Philanthropy

Miller made substantial contributions to his community by financing a night school aimed at helping individuals complete high school education and acquire business skills. He supported the local Baptist church, which he helped establish, along with donations to the YMCA and public library. Furthermore, he served as a trustee at Bucknell University, where he endowed a fellowship program.

Military career

In 1880, Miller returned to military duty as the ordnance officer for the Pennsylvania National Guard's 2nd Brigade, holding the rank of major and serving under James A. Beaver. He continued in this capacity until 1898, when he was elevated to brigadier general and took command of the brigade. Two years later, in 1900, he was named commander of the unit now known as the 28th Infantry Division and promoted to major general, a position he held until retiring in 1906.

Awards and honors

In 1896, Miller was awarded an honorary Master of Arts degree by Bucknell University. The French government recognized his significant contributions to business and industry by bestowing upon him the title of Chevalier of the Legion of Honor in 1901.

Death

Miller actively participated in his business ventures and philanthropic efforts until suffering a stroke in December 1927 that resulted in a coma. He died on December 20, 1927, and his remains were laid to rest at Franklin Cemetery in Franklin.

Family

Miller married Ann Adelaide Sibley, sister of Joseph C. Sibley, in 1863. The couple had seven children: Adelaide Sibley Miller, Clarence A. Miller, Charles Joseph Sibley Miller, Henry S. Miller, Leroy S. Miller, Julius French Miller, and Metta Evalina Miller. Following his divorce from Ann, Miller wed Emma Bulen in 1905. Their marital difficulties gained national media coverage around 1910 but eventually they reconciled. Emma Miller passed away in Chicago in 1928.