The Douglas County commissioners voted to honor an early influencer of the community, Philip S. Miller, during their Sept. 29 meeting.

Miller, who named Douglas County as a beneficiary in his trust, started as a butcher in Castle Rock, said Debbie Buboltz in the meeting. Buboltz, whose father worked with Miller, wrote a book about Miller’s contributions to Douglas County titled “Philip Simon Miller: Butcher, Banker and Benefactor: His Life and Legacy in Douglas County, Colorado.”

Miller, born in 1895, is the namesake for the county government building, a Castle Rock library and a park. As a member of the Board of Trustees for the Town of Castle Rock he helped implement a sewer system and an electricity system in the town.

“Some didn’t want a sewer system and electricity so they stopped shopping at (Miller’s) meat market,” Buboltz said. “But he said: ‘We can’t stand still. We have to move forward and make concessions for the greater good.’”

In 1939, the businessman also helped establish The Bank of Douglas County, which made loans to local businesses.

“He did all this for Castle Rock when he was alive and when it was growing,” Buboltz said. “And he’s still doing it today. His money is still helping us today.”

Miller’s trust also listed eight other beneficiaries including the Town of Castle Rock, Douglas County libraries, Douglas County 4-H Council, Douglas County High School and Children’s Hospital of Denver.

The funds can be used for charitable, scientific, literary and educational purposes. So far, Douglas County has distributed nearly $8 million to 80 organizations. 

All three commissioners spoke about the impact that they’ve seen from Miller during their time in Douglas County.

Commissioner Roger Partridge said he hopes to continue sharing the contributions made by Miller with the county’s residents.

“What we, as commissioners wanted to do is make sure the community is very well aware of who he was,” he said. “I’m hoping we can make this an annual event to honor Mr. Miller.”