Adella Collier was the daughter of New Mexico businessman and public official Frederick Muller. Muller was born January 26, 1863 in Wurtemberg, Germany, the son of George and Katarina Muller. He emigrated to the United States in 1878 and four years later enlisted in the U.S. Army. After participating in campaigns against the Apache in both Arizona and New Mexico, Muller was honorably discharged in 1887. In that same year he moved to Santa Fe and established a grocery business. A Republican, Muller served two terms as a member of the city board of education and was elected Santa Fe County Treasurer in 1896, 1898, and 1900. He was also active in the New Mexico National Guard and served as a Rough Rider in the Spanish-American War until he was mustered out in 1898. In 1899, he was appointed Receiver of the United States Land Office at Santa Fe and served in that capacity until 1911. With the creation of the State Land Office in 1912 Muller served under Commissioner of Public Lands Robert P. Ervien and succeeded him following Erviens death in 1918. During the 1920s Muller engaged in the land and insurance business and in 1931 and 1934 was commissioned a United States Commissioner in Santa Fe. Muller died on September 16, 1934.
Muller married Adella Miller, the daughter of Edward and Wilhelmina Miller in 1892. Edward Miller was active in the New Mexico Territorial Militia and owned the Edward Miller Fruit Ranch in Tesuque, New Mexico. Frederick and Adella Muller had six children: Frederick Jr., Alfred, Theodore, William, Elsie May, and Adella (the donor of this collection).
From the guide to the Adella Collier Collection, 1836-1974 (bulk 1836-1930), (New Mexico State Records Center and Archives)
