Wesley Miller

Wesley G. Miller (1838–1917) played an important role in the history of central Pennsylvania. Born on October 12, 1838, he grew up in Pennsylvania and later served in the Union Army during the Civil War. After the war, he returned home and became a farmer in Fairview Township, York County, where he lived until his death in 1917.

One of the biggest ways Wesley G. Miller left his mark was through the creation of the town of Enola. In 1887, he sold a piece of his land to the Northern Central Railroad so they could build a small train station. When asked what the new station should be called, Miller chose to name it “Enola” after his four-year-old daughter. Over time, the area around the station grew and became the town we know today as Enola.

Wesley G. Miller is also connected to the Enola Miller House, an important historic building in East Pennsboro Township. The house was built in 1841 by Henry Longsdorf, who was part of Miller’s extended family. It is the oldest building still standing in the township and is known as the birthplace of Enola Miller, the girl the town was named after. In 2021, the Enola Miller House was moved to 51 Miller Street to save it from demolition. Today, it is shown by the Historical Society of East Pennsboro, offering visitors a glimpse into the area’s past.

Thanks to Wesley G. Miller’s choices and leadership, the history and identity of Enola are still celebrated today. His life and legacy continue to have a lasting impact on the community.