SCARBOROUGH – E. Spencer Miller, who fought to maintain the independence of the Maine Central Railroad during his more than 25 years as its president, died at his home Aug. 12. He was in his late 90s.

Miller, a native of Springfield, Vt., and a graduate of Dartmouth College and Harvard Law School, joined the railroad’s legal staff in 1940 and worked his way up to president in 1952, a post he held until 1978.

Miller successfully resisted attempts by other railroads to merge with Maine Central and create a consolidated system, a move he believed would hurt the state, its industries and the railroad’s employees.

After his retirement, Maine Central became a part of the Guilford Rail System.

Miller was predeceased by his wife, Juanita Fownes, and a son, Edward Miller.

Survivors include a daughter, Ann Emmett of Oldwick, N.J., and a son, Charles Miller of Thetford Center, Vt.

A service will be held Sept. 29 at State Street Congregational Church in Portland.