Historical House

Godfrey Sperry Miller House

The Godfrey Miller House, built around 1785 by Daniel Sowers on a lot granted by Lord Fairfax in 1753, has stood at the center of the historic old town Winchester walking mall for over two hundred years.

In 1812, it was purchased by John Miller and remained in the Miller family for the next 126 years. John Miller, born in Winchester on March 22, 1775, was the son of Godfrey Miller and Anna Maria Kurtz. He married Margaretta Sperry on April 14, 1803 and they had five children the youngest of whom was Godfrey Sperry Miller for whom the home was named by his daughter Margaretta Sperry Miller.

John Miller was a mayor of Winchester, and other members of the resident family were prominent area physicians, pharmacists, merchants, and bankers. The home also served as a hospital for Union and Confederate soldiers during the Civil War.

Items on Display

Among the treasures on display in this circa 1785 home are:

  • The transcript of Margaretta Sperry Miller’s Diary from March 23, 1863 to September 19, 1863;
  • Three birth and baptismal Frakturs for Godfrey Miller Family printed by the Henkel Press of New Market, Virginia; and
  • The Chevron Batten door called a “sheathing door” (Indian arrow proof) with diagonal layered construction. Both door and hinges pre-date the home.
  • Two 12 over 12 windows with original glass.