About Us

Dr. Dennis Miller was born in 1866 in Minden, Louisiana. In 1875, he and his family traveled west by covered wagon to settle in Plano. Dr. Miller later shared with his family that he walked much of the journey. He attended the Plano Institute, one of the earliest schools in the area, where he began a lifelong commitment to learning and service.

After graduating, Dr. Miller pursued his medical education at the Baltimore School of Medicine, earning his degree in 1890. (The institution later became associated with what is now the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine.) While completing his studies, he also taught school to help pay for tuition and was certified as a first-grade teacher in 1887 and 1888.

Dr. Miller began practicing medicine in Lebanon, Texas, near present-day Frisco, but within a month relocated to Murphy, where he established both his home and medical practice. He married Rebecca Olinger, and they had two daughters. After Rebecca’s passing, he married Ruth Rossiter, and together they had five daughters.

Dedicated to serving his community, Dr. Miller made house calls by foot, horseback, buggy, bicycle—and eventually by automobile, possibly owning the first car in Murphy. He faithfully cared for the medical needs of the community until his retirement in 1935.

Remembered as a gentle and compassionate man with sky-blue eyes, Dr. Miller was also a writer of poetry inspired by nature, his family, and his faith. His life of service, perseverance, and dedication to others reflects the values our school continues to uphold today.