Miner was born on January 16, 1911, in Scranton, Pennsylvania and grew up in Binghamton, New York.

From 1942 to 1943, during World War II, Miner served in the Office of Strategic Services.

[1] After this, Miner served in the United States Navy, where he attained the rank of lieutenant.

[1] Miner was appointed by President John F. Kennedy to the position of United States Ambassador to Trinidad and Tobago on October 23, 1962.

Miner was appointed by President Lyndon B. Johnson to the position of United States Ambassador to Sierra Leone on November 7, 1967.

The presentation of his credentials occurred on December 7, 1967, and again on June 7, 1971, after Sierra Leone became a republic.