Glenn Miller

Birth Name: Alton Glenn Miller

Date of Birth: March 1, 1904

Place of Birth: Clarinda, Page, Iowa, United States

Date of Death: December 15, 1944

Place of Death: over the English Channel

Ethnicity: English, German, Irish, smaller amount of Scottish

Glenn Miller was an American big band trombonist, arranger, composer, and bandleader in the Swing era. He was the best-selling recording artist from 1939 to 1942, leading one of the best-known big bands. His recordings include “In the Mood” and “Moonlight Serenade,” among other well-known songs.

Glenn was the son of Mattie Lou and Lewis Elmer Miller. He was raised partly in western Nebraska, and in Grant City, Missouri and Fort Morgan, Colorado. He was married to Helen Burger, until his death.

Glenn’s paternal grandfather was Robert Franklin/Albert Miller (the son of Samuel Miller and Jane Galer). Robert was born in Granville, Ohio. Samuel was the son of Isabella Sawhill, who was an Irish immigrant. Jane was the daughter of Andrew Galer, Jr., who was of German descent, and of Ruth Allen.

Glenn’s paternal grandmother was Sarah Jane Sanderson (the daughter of James Elliot Sanderson and Zeruah Ann Higley). Sarah was born in Zanesville, Ohio. James was the son of William Raymond Sanderson and Elizabeth Robinson, who were from Connecticut. Zeruah was the daughter of Brewster Higley V and Achsah Evarts.

Glenn’s maternal grandfather was Jonathan D. Cavender (the son of Bardine Cavender and Nancy Davidson). Jonathan was born in Indiana. Bardine was the son of Charles Samuel Cavender, who was Irish, and of Deborah Davis. Nancy was the daughter of Robert Davidson, who was of Scottish descent, and of Abigail Nin.

Glenn’s maternal grandmother was Pauline Bruner (the daughter of John Thomas Bruner and Nancy Susan Young). Pauline was born Hawesville, Kentucky, and was of German descent. John was the son George Peter and Anna Maria Bruner. Nancy was the daughter of Martin Young and Margaret Conder.

Sources: Genealogies of Glenn Miller – https://www.familysearch.org
https://www.geni.com