James B. Whisker's book "Arms Makers of Pennsylvania" lists two John Millers -
Miller, John (1739 - 1810). 1761-89, gunsmith and blacksmith, Lancaster. Was paid to repair public arms of Lancaster Co., on 8/18/1777 and on 11/22/1777.
Miller, John. Gunsmith, alley below James St and Frederick St., Lancaster Boro (1863-64).
Whisker's "Gunsmiths of Lancaster County" has an extensive listing for a John Miller, Jr (1739-1810), residing in Lancaster County/Lancaster City (excerpts):
John Miller, Jr. (1739-1810), gunsmith & blacksmith. From 1761 through 1810 John Miller was a gunsmith and blacksmith in Lancaster County.
On 14 Dec 1763, John Miller, gunsmith, was noted in the coroner's inquest into the death of the Conestoga Indians in Lancaster County at the hand of the Paxton Boys. The tax list of 1769 showed three John Millers (a laborer, a smith, and a man with no trade). In 1770 there were three John Millers (a gunsmith, a tavern keeper, and a smith). In 1771 only John Miller, Jr a gunsmith. In 1772 & 1773 John Miller, gunsmith, lived with George Ross (signer of the Declaration of Independence). In 1789 there is a John Miller, "gonner, late sheriff". In 1790 & 1791 there was a John Miller, gunsmith. Miller was paid by the Lancaster Committee of Safety between 18 August 1777 and 25 November 1777. He was noted as a gunsmith in McCord's Ledger and Daybook.
The will of John Miller, gunsmith of Lancaster city, was proved on 5 September 1810. he owned four negro slaves, two of which were left to his wife Margaret. He owned one house on King St and another on Queen St, plus other lots and pasture lands. His children were named: Anna Maria, wife of Philip Shaeffer; George; Susanna, wife of Philip Eberman; Elizabeth Weidler; Catherine, wife of Henry Hibshman. His brother-in-law Peter Gonter (gunsmith?) was his executor.
