Papers (1913-1936, undated) including correspondence, notes, certificate, instruction book, a deed, letter during World War I, clippings showing illustrations of World War I.
Charles Melvin Miller was a native of Oriental, North Carolina, who moved to Enfield, N.C., where he worked as an electrician for many years prior to his death on 1 September 1966. Miller also served in the United States Army during World War I.
Correspondence in the collection is of a general nature, but there is one letter (undated) of particular interest. In this letter written during World War I, Miller expresses joy at being in the service and reflects upon life at Kelly Field in San Antonio, Texas. He states that he does not desire to return home until the war is over. In another letter (12 April 1918), Miller is ordered to Brooklyn, New York, in order to obtain instruction in the repair of airplane instruments.
Most of the collection consists of Miller's notes on the various instruments that were found on World War I airplanes. These notes contain information as to the function of such instruments as the compass, banking indicator, altimeter, tachometer, and air speed indicator that he learned to repair.
Miscellaneous items in the collection include Miller's army insurance policy; a deed (11 April 1917) by which P. E. Parris obtained a parcel of land in Pamlico County from E. J. Barnes; an instruction book (undated) of the Van Sicklen Chronometric Tachometer; souvenir pictures depicting life in the U.S. Army in World War I; Miller's certificate of membership to the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite; and two clippings showing illustrations of World War I aviation equipment.
Gift of Mrs. Charles M. Miller
Processed by R. Weaver, January 1971
Encoded by Apex Data Services
Literary rights to specific documents are retained by the authors or their descendants in accordance with U.S. copyright law.