Millerstown in Perry County, Pennsylvania — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Millerstown
Leaders in Civic Affairs
— Perry County Bicentennial 1820-2020 —
Photographed By Devry Becker Jones (CC0), February 23, 2024
Millerstown's first postmaster, Thomas Cochran who arrived in 1801, built many of the fine stone houses which still stand. The Millerstown borough was officially created and a town council formed in 1848. The chief burgess was Abraham Addams and council members were John M. Caufman, Christian R. Gilmer and Jacob Emerick. Thomas P. Cochran served as clerk to council. As the decades passed, residents formed a fire department, water authority, electric and telephone comanies.
The impact of Millerstown leadership has extended far beyond the town's borders. James Addams Beaver (1837-1914), born in Millerstown, rose to become a Civil War General and Governor of Pennsylvania and to help establish Pennsylvania State University.
George Beaver (1802-1878), uncle of James Addams Beaver, served in the House of Representatives in 1841. Kirk Haines (1815-1878) served in the State House of Representatives (1855-1856) and then the State Senate, representing Perry County at the 1860 Republican National Convention. Representing the district in the State House of Representatives (1922-1925), J. G. H. Rippman (1866-1942) was largely responsible for building the State Road (Old Rt. 22) along the Juniata River from Amity Hall to Midway. William J. Moore, (1923-2015), who lived most of his life in Millerstown, served in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives (1971-1972) and in the Pennsylvania Senate (1973-1987). There he contributed to the improvement of agriculture and roads, including passage of Act 235 of 1982 funding bridge rebuilding, including the Clarks Ferry Bridge.
Numerous Millerstown residents served as the Perry County Commissioner, including Abraham Addams (1825), George Beaver (1833-1834), Thomas P. Cochran (1843), Joseph Ulsh (1875), E. T. Troutman (1932-1939), Hoyd E. Summy (1952-1963), Lawrence Beaver (1979-1982), William M. Roush (1983-1985) and Brenda Benner (2009- ).
Good railroad and canal access guaranteed a thriving hotel business, and the Martin Hotel register contains signatures of Presidents Chester A. Arthur (1883) and Grover Cleveland (1888).
Erected 2020 by Borough of Millerstown; Historical Society of Perry County.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Communications • Government & Politics • Industry & Commerce. In addition, it is included in the Former U.S. Presidents: #21 Chester A. Arthur, the Former U.S. Presidents: #22 and #24 Grover Cleveland, and the Perry County Heritage Trail in Pennsylvania. series lists. A significant historical year for this entry is 1801.
Location. 40° 33.135′ N, 77° 9.408′ W.
Photographed By Devry Becker Jones (CC0), February 23, 2024
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. The Millerstown Tannery, 1800-1928 (here, next to this marker); Governor James Addams Beaver (here, next to this marker); a different marker also named Millerstown (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); The Founding of Millerstown (about 400 feet away); David Miller (about 500 feet away); Millerstown United Methodist Church (about 700 feet away); Cochran-Anspach House (about 800 feet away); a different marker also named Millerstown (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Millerstown.
Credits. This page was last revised on February 25, 2024. It was originally submitted on February 25, 2024, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 29 times since then. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on February 25, 2024, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.