THE JESSE MILLER FAMILY
What you see below is part of a antique 1858 map of Forward Township, Butler Co., PA map showing the ownership of the land in that particular year. I have highlighted the lands of Jesse Miller and those lands belonging to the Brown Family. Jesse's daughter, Cynthia marries Robert H. Brown who is one of the Brown family heirs. You can read more about him on the former page and here. Brown's Mills are located on the Glade Run river in the lower center of the map. The Brown property on the right of the map are where the Brownsdale Methodist Episcopal Church and Cemetery are located, a church founded by Robert Brown, Esq. who is Robert H. Brown's grandfather, on his mother's, (Sarah) side.
Robert Brown Esq. was for years one of the foremost Methodists in this township and beyond. His home was a frequent "preaching place" from 1800 to 1860 when the Brownsdale Methodist Episcopal Church was erected. I have shown the location of this church which still stand today. A photo taken in the Oct. 2008 is below the map. In the book, History of Butler Co., PA, it was reported that "principle members" of the church include "Joseph Miller and family" along with various Brown family members. It makes sense to me that this may be our Joseph Miller because his granddaughter marries Adam Brown Sr.'s grandson. What better place to meet but in church!
Jesse Miller's land is situated at the bottom of this old map. I have highlighted it in order to find it quickly. Half of his land is in Forward Township and half is in Adams Township. Both of these townships are in Butler County. We estimate that Jesse Miller owned 120 acres and the townships in Butler Co. are 5 miles square. Just across the road, lives his friend and neighbor, William Cashdollar. The three Brown properties on the 1858 map probably belong to Adam (A. Brown), Robert's father, and his two uncles, his father's brothers, Joseph (Jos. Brown)and John (J. Brown).
Below the map is a photo of Jesse's land as it looks today. To me, coming from Iowa, it doesn't look like good farm land. It is very hilly and heavily forested and today it belongs to the Mars (town of) Rod and Gun Club. We "roped in" a very nice gentleman from the club to show us around.
