Ray Miller: his story... unfinished

Some of you know my grandfather William Ray Miller, others may not. This is his story as told by him. Its not finished, and it may never be... but its an interesting story, that I wanted to share.

These are his words, unedited that I'm transcribing from his writing on a legal pad he started some years ago:

Father: William L. Miller
Mother: Jemima Troyer

I was born in Portage Co. Ohio in 1917 Aug 29. Lived there with my parents for about 3yrs. Then moved to Holmes Co. Ohio, went to school at a county school "Buena Vista" (one room) for 8 yrs. My Mother died when I was 4 yrs old. Father married the second time to Barbara J. Kandel (Weaver).

Went to Berlin high school 2yrs walked to school about 5 miles. (not legible) Worked for a neighbor's farmfor $.05 per hour. After I quit school, worked for a farmer that could not drive so I did all of the driving for him. When I worked there, I also helped out for a farmer that had a cane press. That is where I had my finger cut off, 16yrs old. When I was eighteen I worked in a shop in Orrville Ohio. I also worked for an Amish farmer who had a dairy farm. Bottled milk and delivered it to Millersburg and Berlin. Bought a new Ford Van in 1940 to deliver the milk.

When I was in my teens I sold (not legible) jacks. Was drafted and went to a C.P.S camp 2-5-42. While there I met Dorothea and married Oct. 27 1943. Lived there till I was discharged on Jan 26-46, then we moved to Ohio. First we lived in an apartment in Millersburg. Then we bought an old house in Benton. Built a 2 story garage in 1948 and lived in the station on the site. We lived up stairs in 4 small rooms...

This is where the story stops on the paper... I know many of you can fill in most of the rest of the story. I can tell you that I'm happy to have been a part of this story. My grandfather has filled a grand role in my life. That is something that I am truly thankful for.

thanks for reading my post today,
-matt-