Grandpa Miller was the original head of the Miller/Seward home in Auburn. His impact on his family was felt long after his death in 1851. Because Fanny was the youngest Seward child to be born, she was quite young when her grandpa passed. However, she mentioned him a few times in her diary in a very positive light. Whether this opinion of him was based on her 7-year-old memories or her family member’s stories is unclear. In his younger years, Judge Miller was a large force in the community. He helped to establish and fund some of the first businesses and churches in the village of Auburn. He also helped to lay the plans for Auburn Prison. He was a lawyer and a judge and hired Seward to be a junior partner at his law firm. His wife passed away very young, and he raised his daughters and their children well for many decades. Miller established Fort Hill Cemetery and was the first person buried in the now historic site. Fanny thought of her grandpa in a very respectable light, as did everyone else in her family.
“after comparing him [Augustus] to my grandfather Miller told her about the latter. He [Seward] spoke of him as the greatest man he ever saw–I wish I could remember his description of him–his sense, his judgement & his remarkable diffidence told some of his characteristics–his never making a speech, etc. Then he said a good deal about Augustus–his excellent judgement–and the retirement in which he always kept himself.” Oct 13, 1863
Judge Elijah Miller
Aunt Lazette, or “Aunty,” as Fanny refers to her, was Frances Miller’s older sister. She fell into an abusive marriage and moved out of the Miller home before Frances married. Miller then became more protective over his youngest daughter when Frances was ready to marry Seward. Lazette remained in Auburn and was extremely active in the Seward family’s lives. She and Frances were best friends and wrote to each other constantly. Lazette had the same morals and political beliefs as Frances. Fanny alluded to this when she documents her aunt’s meeting with Lincoln. Lazette was also active with women’s rights and charged with the care of Harriet Tubman’s niece in the early 1860s. Fanny loved her Aunty and mentioned her consistently throughout her diary and letters. Aunty would read to her out loud, especially when she wasn’t feeling well. She also had a dog named Trip that Fanny’s pets would play and exchange Christmas gifts with. Lazette outlived her sister Frances and niece Fanny, passing away in 1875.
Lazette Miller Warden