Albert W. Miller, the well-known druggist and apothecary of Hartland, Somerset County, was born in Palmyra, Maine, December 30, 1835, son of Benjamin and Jane (Davis) Miller. The father, a native of Lincolnville, Maine, after settling in Palmyra, was engaged in farming until 1852, when he went to California, remaining there until 1855. He later made another visit to California for the benefit of .his health, and took up a tract of land, but eventually returned to Maine, and passed the rest of his life in St. Albans. Jane, his wife, who is a native of Palmyra, became the mother of eleven children, four of whom are living, namely: Albert W., the subject of this sketch; Frank, who married Loantha Morrill, and is a farmer in Palmyra; Maria, the wife of Charles Hawes; and Annette, who is also married. The others were: Israel, who married Loanna Prescott, was a jeweller, and died in Arizona at the age of fifty-two years; Rozina, who died at the age of nine years; Nehemiah, who died at twenty-one; Uriah; Diantha; Sarah; and Loanna. The mother is still living, and resides in St. Albans. She is now eighty-eight years of age.
Albert W. Miller acquired a good education in Hartland and at Corinna Academy. For a time after the completion of his studies he worked upon a farm, was employed as a clerk for ten years, and taught school in St. Albans, Palmyra, and Dixmont for several winter terms. In 1865, having previously acquired his knowledge of the drug business in Newport and Bangor, he established the first regular drug store in Hartland. He had spent nineteen years in his original location when in 1884 he moved to the spacious store he now occupies. He carries a large stock, including drugs, chemicals, patent medicines, fancy goods, stationery, and paints and oils. He is one of the stirring business men of this town. In politics he is a Democrat, and he served the town in the capacities of a member of the School Board and Supervisor of Schools for a number of years, Selectman for twelve years, Town Clerk for eleven years, and Postmaster for eight years. He is now Trial Justice.
Mr. Miller married Myra E. Haskell, who was born in Palmyra, daughter of the late Aretus Haskell, also a native of Palmyra. He has no children. He is a member of Hartland Lodge, No. 101, I.O.O.F.; of Twilight Lodge, Daughters of Rebecca; and of the encampment in Pittsfield. Religious services are attended by him at the Methodist Episcopal church.
Source: Biographical review: containing life sketches of leading citizens of Somerset, Piscataquis, Hancock, Washington, and Aroostook counties, Maine. Boston: Biographical Review Publishing Company, 1898.