Meet the Family

  • Silhouette portraits of a woman and a man in profile, framed in ornate oval frames, hanging on a striped wall.

    Henry & Esther

    FATHER & MOTHER

    Henry and Esther met and married in Canada in 1878. They moved to Columbia Falls to raise their children, which eventually included four daughters and a foster son.

  • Four silhouette profiles of women in vintage oval and floral frames, arranged in a grid.

    Sarah, Minnie, Alice, & Eva

    FOUR DAUGHTERS

    Henry and Esther had four daughters — Sarah, Minnie, Alice, and Eva. They all eventually grew up and got married. Eva married and moved with her husband up north to Eureka, MT. Alice married a Mr. Reid and moved out to San Francisco, CA. Sarah married a Mr. Stover and Minnie married a Mr. Selvage, and they remained within blocks of their parents in Columbia Falls.

  • Silhouette of a man wearing a top hat, bow tie, and tuxedo inside an oval frame.

    Paul

    FOSTER SON

    After moving to Columbia Falls, Henry and Esther decided to foster a son. Paul was a slightly troubled boy who was known for getting into difficult situations and skirmishes. Eventually, he moved out west to Seattle, WA.

Henry Miller’s Story

1848-1891

Henry Miller was born in Illinois in 1848 to a pair of nomadic parents. When he was old enough, he joined the army and fought in the Civil War for the Union. He met his wife, Esther, in Canada and they married in 1878 and moved to Columbia Falls in 1891.

Historical newspaper clipping with obituary of Henry A. Miller, born in an immigrant wagon in 1848, died at Columbia Falls. Details about his life include crossing Illinois, moving to Iowa, serving in the civil war, and living in Columbia Falls until his death. Survived by four daughters.

1891-1918

While in Columbia Falls, Henry Miller continued his learned trade as a carpenter. He not only designed and built his own house, but also worked on Lake McDonald Lodge in Glacier National Park, and the Soldier’s Home District in Columbia Falls. He also built many homes, schools, and other buildings in Columbia Falls and around the Flathead Valley.

Henry also participated in his local chapter of G.A.R. (Grand Army of the Republic), helping other Civil War veterans like himself. He was very interested in politics as well, judging many elections and becoming Justice of the Peace in 1894. He even judged a local school election in 1911 where women were allowed to vote!

1918-1920

Later in his life, Henry Miller got sick with intestinal issues. Despite surgery that at first appeared to have healed him, he suddenly got worse and passed away in 1920. His house passed to his wife, and when she died in 1947, the house was given to his four daughters. Alice Reid (née Miller) and her husband resided there, hence the name “Reid Mansion.”

Newspaper obituary for Henry A. Miller, who died after an illness. Born in 1848 in Illinois, he served in the Civil War, was married to Miss Esthie Davis, and was a carpenter and builder in Columbia Falls, Montana.
A newspaper clipping announcing a school election on Saturday, April 1, for one school trustee in District No. 6, with candidates T. V. Kilduff and J. A. Brinkerhoff, and the retiring trustee A. N. Smith, serving three years. Polls open from 2 to 6 p.m. at the school building. Qualified electors, including women, can vote. Judges Henry Miller, J. K. Miller, and H. E. Kennedy are appointed.

Newspaper Clippings

From The Columbian, Hungry Horse News, The Daily Interlake, The Great Falls Tribune, and The Eureka Journal

  • A blurry black-and-white newspaper clipping about a civil case involving Judge Henry Miller, Mr. Rytker, and Mr. Miller, mentioning lawyers and a dispute about the contest.

    March 19, 1904

  • Black and white card of thanks with names of women expressing gratitude for support during a loved one's funeral.

    December 2, 1920

  • Text reading: 'Henry Miller has started painting his residence.'

    May 8, 1913

  • A newspaper clipping listing street lights at specific intersections on Tuesday, including Henry Miller corner, Minnie Selvage corner, and Barrett corner.

    November 25, 1937

  • A newspaper clipping about Judge Henry A. Miller being engaged at a carpenter's work at the soldier's home during the past week.

    December 12, 1903

  • A newspaper clipping about Mrs. Henry Miller, her recent visit, and her plans to return home after staying with her daughter, Mrs. Sara Stover.

    October 9, 1924

  • Close-up of a newspaper clipping about Judge H. Miller of Columbia Falls Township, a champion fisherman who caught a big flat river trout.

    November 28, 1903

  • A newspaper clipping about Henry Miller, a carpenter working in Kalispell, spending Sunday at home.

    October 15, 1914

  • A newspaper clipping about Henry Miller and a proposed bill for old age pensions for citizens over 60, with details about the bill and a petition signed by nearly 200 people.

    December 21, 1911

  • A black and white newspaper clipping mentioning Henry Miller completing a new barn and describing the building's value and appearance, with a note about a nearby carpenter shop.

    November 25, 1905

  • A newspaper clipping about the 1912 primary elections for the Populist Party in Columbia Falls, listing delegates and alternates, including names like W. R. Ramsdell, C. H. Selvage, Jos. Robinson, and others.

    September 13, 1894

  • Historical document listing receipts and disbursements for schools in Flathead County, Montana, from August 1, 1910, to August 1, 1911, including salaries, supplies, and other expenses.

    September 21, 1911

  • November 27, 1920

  • Obituary for Henry A. Miller, detailing his death at home in Columbia Falls, age 71, survived by wife and four children, and mentioning his prominence and funeral details.

    December 2, 1920

  • A close-up of a newspaper clipping with the text 'Henry Miller is re-shingling his residence.'

    April 18, 1918

  • Text from a newspaper clipping mentioning Jack Reuter, Ed Graves, A.E. Purvlance, and Mrs. Miller's house.

    October 16, 1919

  • Historical document listing names and titles of individuals associated with law enforcement and justice, including police constables and justice of the peace, divided by township and county.

    November 5, 1904

  • Black and white newspaper clipping titled 'Populist Primaries' listing delegates and alternates for Columbia Falls, with names and titles.

    August 13, 1896

  • Historical newspaper clipping about the completion of a residence for M. A. Butler, describing the house's features and construction details.

    October 14, 1915

  • Close-up of a newspaper clipping about reports from the Kalispell hospital stating that Henry Miller is recovering from his operation.

    November 18, 1920

  • Old newspaper clipping about Henry Miller gathering materials for a new school house in Deer Park district to finish in August.

    July 30, 1904

  • Clipping from a newspaper or document about Henry Miller returning home from Choteau, reporting good crop conditions except for stretch between mountains and Shelby.

    July 2, 1914

  • Clipping of a newspaper article about Henry Miller's serious operation at Kaleisell hospital.

    11-11-1920

  • Excerpt from a newspaper about H. A. Miller building two hay sheds for D. Haskell.

    July 18, 1903

  • A newspaper clipping stating that H. A. Miller has two large hay barns under construction for D. Haskell.

    July 25, 1903

  • A black-and-white newspaper clipping about brick work at a dormitory building, mentioning Henry Miller.

    August 9, 1917

  • Obituary notice for Mrs. Alvin M. Reid. Includes details about funeral arrangements, her death, birth, family, and surviving children.

    April 19, 1957

  • Clipping of a newspaper article about the annual meet of old veterans, mentioning their activities, speeches, and elected officers. The article references locations like Kalispell, Columbia Falls, and Spring Creek.

    September 2, 1905

  • A black-and-white newspaper clipping listing the installation of officers for the Rebekahs lodge, including names and roles such as Noble Grand, Secretary, Treasurer, and Guardian.

    July 13, 1922

  • A newspaper snippet about H. A. Miller returning from Lake McDonald, having completed building additions to the Glacier hotel property.

    July 25, 1912

  • A typed excerpt mentioning a Grand Old Soldier attending a Soldiers Reunion in Flathead County, highlighting the Henry Miller bean hole and its significance.

    July 9, 1904

  • A newspaper clipping describing Herman Selvage's new building in a burned district, nearly ready for occupancy, under Henry Miller's supervision, praising his work.

    June 25, 1904

  • Historical newspaper article about a Woman's Relief Corps event, describing officers elected, a supper hosted by women, and its successful fundraising.

    April 2, 1896

  • Image of a newspaper article listing names of individuals enrolled in Columbia Falls, including J. R. Hillman, Tom Lee, T. H. Cheney, O. P. Gregg, J. F. Clay, and others.

    June 27, 1903

  • Advertisement for a horse for sale, about 1400 pounds, good farm horse, priced at $100, inquiry to H. A. Miller.

    June 21, 1917

  • A newspaper clipping stating, 'Henry Miller reports a swarm of honey bees at his place Monday.'

    June 12, 1919

  • A newspaper clipping about Fred Ehrig Jr. and Henry Miller signing a contract to build the Butler dwelling last week.

    June 24, 1915

  • A newspaper clipping describing Joe Imholt and Henry Miller walking 2000 feet to a soldier's home, highlighting the improvement in walkability from the home to the main driving road, providing comfort for the old veterans.

    June 24, 1905

  • A black and white newspaper clipping titled 'School Election Saturday' announcing an election for one school trustee for District No. 6 on Saturday, April 1. It mentions candidates T. V. Kilduff and J. A. Brinkenhoff, with A. N. Smith as the retiring trustee. Polls open from 2 to 6 p.m. at the school building, and all qualified electors, including women, are allowed to vote. It also notes H. E. Kennedy and J. K. Miller have been appointed judges.

    March 30, 1911

  • List of judges and clerks appointed for election day, April 1, including First Ward, Second Ward, and Third Ward.

    March 7, 1912

  • Excerpt from a newspaper mentioning Henry Miller going to Whitefish on Tuesday to work on a J. E. Lewis building.

    April 4, 1912

  • Text from a newspaper clipping mentioning Mr. Henry Miller's birthday dinner celebration and the dinner guests, including Mrs. J. E. Lewis, Miss Alida Nelson, H. C. Selvage, and John Patterson.

    March 20, 1919

  • A newspaper clipping about a school trustee election scheduled for April 6, mentioning judges and a petition for re-election.

    March 21, 1912

  • A snippet of a newspaper clipping about Henry Miller returning last week from Choteau where he spent the summer following his trade.

    January 1, 1914

  • Excerpt from a typed document stating that H. A. Miller departed on Tuesday for Bonner to work at his trade as a carpenter.

    April 1, 1905

  • A newspaper clipping about Henry Miller leaving for Seattle, Washington, for security employment.

    January 13, 1906

  • A newspaper clipping about Judge H A Miller having a new veranda for Herman Selvig's dwelling.

    February 6, 1904

  • A typed newspaper clipping about H. A. Miller, a lumber man from Kalispell, transacting business in the city last Thursday.

    February 25, 1915

  • A newspaper clipping urging people to register for the upcoming city election by calling Justice of the Peace Henry Miller at his home.

    February 15, 1917