Biographical Notes
Ewing Harry Miller was born on May 2, 1890, in Terre Haute, Indiana. After graduating from Wiley High School in Terre Haute in 1908, he attended the University of Pennsylvania. He graduated with high honors in 1913, with a degree in architecture.
In August 1917, Miller joined the United States Army and reported to training camp at Fort Benjamin Harrison in Indiana. He completed training camp on November 27, 1917, and was assigned to the 356th Infantry. Training camp included trench warfare lessons, gun maintenance, and a company dance. After a brief break, he reported to Camp Funston, Kansas, on December 15, 1917. Miller remained at Camp Funston until his reassignment as 1st Lieutenant, Aviation Section, Signal Reserve Corps in the 481st Aero Construction Squadron on February 5, 1918. Along with the reassignment, Miller was ordered to Camp Morrison in Morrison, Virginia. Camp Morrison was largely used as an embarkation location for Europe by the U.S. Army. By March 4th, Miller had set sail for Europe. As a member of the 481st Aero Construction Squadron, Miller's duties primarily related to construction and engineering. He would leave the squadron to receive training as an aerial observer in September 1918. After his departure, Miller entered a constant state of change and uncertainty. His letters indicate that he rarely (if ever) was utilized as an aerial observer. Primarily based in La Havre, France, while in Europe, he also traveled to other parts of France and Belgium. Cities and towns include Arras, Amiens, Poitiers, St. Maixent-l’Ecole, and Paris. Following several requests for leave, Miller left Europe in July 1919. He was honorably discharged from the Army on August 8, 1919.
Following his service, Miller joined his brother, Warren, and McMillan "Mac" Houston Johnson, Jr., and established the Johnson, Miller, and Miller architectural firm in Terre Haute. He married Esther Alice Graves in 1920. Between the years from his discharge to his death, Miller was active in the Terre Haute community as a member of the Chamber of Commerce; Rotary Club; Terre Haute Lodge No. 86, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks (B.P.O.E.); and the Ft. Harrison Post, American Legion. Ewing Harry Miller died from appendicitis surgery complications on July 3, 1923. His son, Ewing H. Miller II, was born three months after his death. Also a graduate of the University of Pennsylvania and an architect, his son served in World War II.