With the onset of war in 1861, Pendleton County fell
under Union control. Many of the residents were angry with the Union
forces, who raided and devastated the occupying area. There was no
escape, and no neutral ground. Each person had to declare his allegiance
to either the North or the South. Isaac, and his two brothers, Amos and
Job Miller, followed their hearts and declared their allegiance to thier
home state of Virginia.. In November 1861, they enlisted in the 46th
Virginia Militia. Isaac was a 2nd Corporal and his two brother Privates
in Company C. That same month, the 46th was ordered by General TJ
"Stonewall" Jackson to Winchester, Virginia, to assist
Jackson's Winter Campaign at Romney. Shortly after this, the 46th
disbanded in April, 1862. On June 1 1862, Isaac enlisted in the 1st
Virginia Regiment Partisan Rangers Company F. Isaac was a Private in
this regiment, which in April 1863, under General John D. Imboden, would
become the 18th Virginia Cavalry Company A.
On the 27th of July, 1862, Isaac married Amelia Susan Cowger of Ft.
Seybert, Pendleton County. To this Union, one child was born, Johnson
Taylor Miller. On December 20th, 1862, while home on furlough to visit
his pregnant wife, Isaac was captured and arrested by Captain Scuters.
On December 30th, 1862, Isaac was sent to Camp Chase, Ohio. On March
28th, 1863, Isaac was forwarded to City Point, Virginia for exchange.
Tragedy occurred on June 13th, 1863, when Isaac's young wife, Amelia,
died while traveling by horseback in the mountains. On January 12th
1865, Isaac married Fidelliah Margaret Roadcap, also of Ft. Seybert are. Below is a tintype of the couple taken in 1866. (Thanks to Dennis Miller for sending the image...)
To this union, eight children were born, William Harness, Stephen Perry,
Charles Ed, Martha Susan, James Harry, Rebecca Lough, Mary Emma, and
Robert Lee Miller. On May 11th 1865, Isaac, after four hard fought
years, was paroled at Winchester, Virginia. During those years Isaac's
regiment were in the battles of, Jones-Imboden West Virginia Raid,
Gettysburg, Waynesboro, Williamsport, New Market, Lynchburg Campaign,
Monocacy, 3rd Winchester, Fisher's Hill, Cedar Creek, and countless
other engagements and skirmishes.
After the war, Isaac returned to his home in Upper Tract, and raised
his family there until December 1884. On December 8th, 1884, Isaac T.
Miller and family arrived by train in Winchester, Randolph County,
Indiana., settling a couple miles East of this cemetery. In Isaac's
later years, he had a longing desire to return to his homeland where he
was born and raised. He was often found sitting on the railroad tracks,
a few hundred yards from his home, waiting to go back. On Sunday, July
18th 1915, the decrepit, 75 year old Isaac T. Miller, accompanied by his
faithful dog, ventured out to the tracks one last time.
At 1:40pm, Isaac and his dog were struck and killed by fast moving
Big Four Passenger Train No. 419. The conductor of the train stated he
observed Isaac seated on the South rail, petting his dog. The conductor
sounded the whistle, and as the engine neared, Isaac turned his face,
and looked at the train. Isaac then either fell or laid back in the
tracks. Thus bringing the end to a life of a man who with bravery, stood
strong for his beliefs, in the face of adversity.
I would like to thank Dennis Miller
for sending this biography and photos of Isaac T. Miller. dsmill@altelco.net |