Waynesburg grad details Miller’s history in new book
WAYNESBURG – Local genealogist and Waynesburg University alumna Candice Buchanan recently published a book, “A Waynesburg College Family: The Legacy of Alfred Brashear & Margaret Kerr (Bell) Miller,” and presented several copies to the school last week.
Buchanan’s work focuses on the two-fold legacy of the couple at Waynesburg University – then known as Waynesburg College – both as leaders within the school and the community, and as parents to their eight children.
“Ms. Buchanan did a superb job of telling the story of the Miller family,” Waynesburg University President Douglas Lee said while accepting the books on behalf of the school Thursday. “Our university and our community are extremely fortunate to have someone with her dedication and ability devoted to such a meaningful project.”
Waynesburg College was one of the first institutions of higher learning in the nation to educate men and women equally.
In her book, Buchanan explores the Millers’ role in the college’s successful implementation of co-education. As a uniquely partnered couple, working together, the Millers set a powerful example for their children, students and colleagues, according to Buchanan.
Buchanan conducted research through documented student testimonies about the Millers in addition to family records and photographs. Throughout the book, she shares the history of A.B. Miller’s experiences at Waynesburg College as a student through his tenure as president, as well as Margaret Miller’s days as a teacher.
“I am a third-generation Waynesburg graduate,” Buchanan said. “I have ancestors who actually studied under Alfred and Margaret and being part of the Waynesburg legacy is how I can connect to that couple.”
Buchanan earned a Bachelor of Arts in history from Waynesburg University and Master of Arts in history from Duquesne University. She is the head of research and production at Genealogists.com, in addition to being a genealogy consultant for Memory Medallion, Inc. She is a certified genealogist by the Board for Certification of Genealogists in Washington, D.C.
The book is available for viewing at the university’s Eberly Library on campus. The book can also be purchased on GreeneConnections.com or Amazon.com.