David Miller 1852-1902

MILLER, SWEENY

Posted By: Merllene Andre Bendixen (email)
Date: 4/21/2011 at 23:44:13

Meets Horrible Death
David Miller is Crushed to Death While Working in a Cistern
Wednesday morning while David Miller was working in a cistern at the residence of M. M. Knapp the cement wall on one side suddenly gave way and fell, together with a quantity of earth, covering him to a depth of about six inches and before he was rescued life was extinct. A gash was found on the back of his head and it is believe that he was knocked insensible by a block of cement. It seems that he and Fred Bolter had just finished the cistern, the wall being built of concrete and Mr. Miller was taking down the frame work that had been used to support the concrete until it hardens. Mr. Bolter had been on the outside taking the lumber as it was handed to him but had gone to his home for a saw. He was gone about fifteen minutes and when he returned he found the cistern caved in. Realizing that Mr. Miller must be underneath the wreckage he grabbed a shovel and soon found that his worst fears were realized. In about half standing position with his back bent over until his head almost touched his feet he found him lifeless. In the meantime medical assistance was called and as soon as the body was taken out everything known to the science was done to restore him to life but to no avail. The body was taken to the undertakers and prepared for burial and in the evening taken to the desolate home. Funeral services are to be held from the Presbyterian church Friday afternoon under the auspices of the Masonic lodge assisted by the Woodmen.

The death of Mr. Miller is deplorable. He was a man greatly beloved by all who knew him for his exemplary habits, devotion to his family and faithfulness to his duty. He was true to his friends and if he had an enemy they are unknown in Estherville. He was a highly respected member of North Star lodge No. 447, A.F. and A.M. of the Eastern Star lodge and of the Modern Woodmen of America.

He was only in the prime of life, being but forty-eight years of age. A wife, daughter and son are left to mourn the untimely death of a devoted husband and indulgent father. (Emmet County Republican, Estherville, IA, April 17, 1902)

Funeral Tomorrow
The funeral of David Miller will be held tomorrow afternoon at two o’clock in the Presbyterian church. The services will be conducted by the Masonic order, Rev. W. E. McLeod preaching the sermon. The Modern Woodmen will also attend in a body and the members of the two orders follow the body of the deceased brother to its last resting place in Oak Hill Cemetery. ((Evening Tribune, Estherville, IA, April 17, 1902)

Mr. and Mrs. W. S. Sweeny of West Bend, arrived this morning from West Bend to attend the funeral of David Miller. The former are parents and the latter a sister of Mrs. Miller. (Evening Tribune, Estherville, IA, April 17, 1902)

Was Buried Alive
David Miller Meets Death by the Caving in of a Cistern
A Most Horrible Death
Was There Fully Ten Minutes Before the Body was Found – A Most Shocking Accident
(From Wednesday’s Daily)
David Miller is dead. Such was the report that was circulated at ten o’clock this morning. Buried alive in a cistern was the next horrible report that reached the ears of the citizens of this community. Upon investigation it was found to be true. The poor unfortunate man had met his death while engaged in digging a cistern at the M. M. Knapp home on south 8th street. He was employed by Fred Bolter, who is engaged in the cement business, and was at work putting in a one hundred barrel cistern for M. M. Knapp. They had worked there together for several days. The hole had been dug and a frames set and the sides grouted. It had stood the usual time and Mr. Miller was engaged in taking out the board frame while Mr. Bolter came down town on some business. To do this work he was obliged to get into the hole and remove the bottom braces first. This he began just as Mr. Bolter started down town and a few minutes afterwards, Mrs. Randall, mother of Mrs. Knapp, who happened to be going by, stopped and conversed with him several minutes. Mr. Bolter returned in about twenty minutes and a horrible sight met his eyes. Buried under a foot of dirt and cement with a piece of his overalls blouse protruding through was the body of David Miller, bent almost double, his head lying near his feet. Help was immediately summoned and work of removing the body begun. The work was rapid but too late. David Miller was dead. Doctors worked over him for several minutes but to no avail. The body was at once removed to Atwood undertaking rooms and his family notified. It was a severe blow to the wife and family as Mrs. Miller had been there and talked with her husband not thirty minutes before. She was at her work at home when something told her that she must see her husband. She tried to forget it as he would be home at noon but she could not. Something kept saying to her, “Go and see your husband.” She did so, but had no errand of any kind. It was a presentiment and nothing more. She had scarcely returned home when the horrible news was conveyed to her.

David Miller was one of Estherville’s best citizens and if he had an enemy it is not known to the writer. He was formerly employed in the bridge supply department of the B.G.R. & N. Ry. Co., which position he held with credit to himself and to the satisfaction of his employers. He was a hardworking man, although somewhat disabled for manual labor he was compelled to do this work to support his family. For several months, some time ago, he was confined to his bed with hip trouble but as soon as he could get out he was at work again while yet compelled to use a cane. He was one of the most industrious citizens of Estherville and will be greatly missed by his associates. To his family and other relatives The Tribune extends its heartfelt sympathy and every citizen in Estherville joins us in the message.

Deceased was about forty-eight years of age and a member of the Masonic and Woodmen orders, carrying a $2,000 insurance policy in the latter. (Estherville Democrat, Estherville, IA, April 18, 1902)

Quite an accident occurred in the David Miller funeral procession Friday afternoon at the east end of the west bridge, but luckily no one was hurt. The pole in one of the double-seated rigs broke, freeing the team from the vehicle, but Liveryman Bergstrum had good control of the horses and they were soon stopped. The ladies in the buggy were thoroughly frightened. (Evening Tribune, Estherville, IA, April 21, 1902)