Nelson Miller

Nelson Miller (1755-1840) was the third child of Benjamin Miller and Hope Cole of Warren. In 1775, he enlisted as a drummer in Sion Martindale‘s company in the Army of Observation. He served during the Siege of Boston. His obituary claims he was present at the Battle of Bunker Hill, although, in fact, no Rhode Island troops were present for that battle. He later enlisted in Loring Peck‘s Company of Christopher Lippitt’s Regiment. He served in this unit during the New York Campaign of 1776. He married a woman named Sarah in Warren. He continued serving as a drummer for most of the war (including in Archibald Crary’s State Regiment), and also briefly served on a privateer ship. Nelson and Sarah had several children: Sarah, John, Nelson, Allen, Patience, Rebekah, Betsey, Mary, Mary, Hope, and James. After the war, they moved to Bristol, where they spent the rest of their lives. Nelson worked as a blacksmith. From 1830-1831, he was an official surveyor of wood for the town. In 1832, he applied for a pension, receiving $108 per year. He was part of Independence Day celebrations in Bristol in 1833 and Providence in 1839. Sarah died in 1838, aged 85. The Miller house (built circa 1808) still stands in Bristol.