Background
William Henry Harrison Miller was born on September 6, 1840, at Augusta, New York. He was the son of Lucy (Duncan) and Curtis Miller, a farmer. His ancestors were Scotch and English.
William Henry Harrison Miller was born on September 6, 1840, at Augusta, New York. He was the son of Lucy (Duncan) and Curtis Miller, a farmer. His ancestors were Scotch and English.
Miller graduated from Hamilton College in 1861.
After his graduation, Miller taught school at Maumee, Ohio. In May 1862 he enlisted in the 84th Ohio Infantry but was mustered out in September with the rank of second lieutenant. He then began the study of law in the office of Morrison R. Waite; this he continued at Peru, Indiana, while serving there as superintendent of schools. In 1865, he was admitted to the bar and in 1866 moved to Fort Wayne. He attracted the attention of Benjamin Harrison at whose invitation he became a partner in the firm of Harrison and Hines at Indianapolis. The most dramatic case of this type was the lieutenant-governorship contest in 1886. When Benjamin Harrison became president Miller became his attorney-general and one of his most trusted personal advisors. The appointment was a surprise to Republican leaders, for Miller was unknown outside of his state and had had practically no administrative experience. As attorney-general he endeavored to enforce the laws vigorously and impartially with a disregard of political influences that was often disconcerting to Republican leaders. His careful investigation into the records of men suggested for federal judicial appointments was responsible in part for the excellence of Harrison's judicial appointments. Among the more important cases that came before the United States Supreme Court and to which Miller gave his personal attention were those involving the anti-lottery law, the interstate commerce act, the Sherman anti-trust act, and the constitutionality of the McKinley tariff. Among his most able assistants was the solicitor-general, William Howard Taft. When Harrison's term ended in 1893, Miller rejoined his old law firm and engaged in active practice until 1910. He died in Indianapolis on May 25, 1917.
Miller took no active part in politics but was the trusted adviser of those Republicans who did; when cases came before the state supreme court involving political questions, he often argued the Republican side.
In the spectacular case in re Neagle, his position that it was the duty of the executive to protect federal judges against physical injury while on duty was upheld by the Supreme Court.
Miller was a man of great industry, inclined to be somewhat impulsive at times, and well versed in the law.
Quotes from others about the person
When Taft resigned to become United States circuit judge, he wrote of Miller: "To serve under a chief whose only requirement is that one shall do right and enforce the law without fear or favor is as delightful as it is exceptional".
Miller was married to Gertrude A. Bunce in December 1863. They had seven children.