MILLER, William 1818-1899

MILLER, SEWARD, DYKEMAN, HANEY, GILMAN

Posted By: Marilyn O'Connor (email)
Date: 8/20/2011 at 10:56:46

Death of William Miller

William Miller was born in Wayne County, Pennsylvania, July 6, 1818, and died in Osage, Iowa, January 14, 1899. He was thus in his 81st year. He not only grew to manhood in that eastern country, but he had become an elderly man before he decided to find a home in this goodly land of Iowa.

In November of 1843 he was united in marriage to Emily Dykeman. The fruit of this union were three children all of whom survive him: Samuel H. of Forsythe, N.Y., Mrs Mary J. Haney, of Edmond, Oklahoma, and Mrs. Alice O. Gilman of Chamberlain, S.D.

When the Civil War broke out, Mr. Miller was one of the first to respond to his country's call. He was not then a mere beardless youth, a mere stripling, as were thousands of those who entered the army, but he was a mature man of 43, one of the elderly men who served his country. He was a member of the 58 Pennsylvania and served for about two years in the vicinity of Fortress Monroe. In February of 1864 he was discharged for disability. Later, however, he was in the government employ for some time. In 1867 he came to Iowa and for two years engaged in farming. In November 1859 his wife died. For two years he was in the mercantile business in Osage. He then removed to Orchard and engaged in the grain business for more than 20 years. He retired from active business in 1892. On Dec. 29, 1873, he was united in marriage to Mrs. Sarah J. Seward who survives him. In November 1895 they came to Osage to live.

More than 20 years ago Mr. Miller united with the Congregational church at Orchard and lived a consistent Christian life. He was a man of strict integrity and considerate of the poor. He was so active that no one excepting his intimate friends realized that he had attained so great an age. At the age of 78 he took a trip to Buffalo and other points of interest in the east. For a year he has been quite feeble and it was with effort that he ever took a trip down town. For some weeks he has been waiting for the summons. He told his pastor that he was ready and anxious to go. The summons came on Saturday evening.

The funeral service was held on Monday afternoon under the direction of Rev. W. W. Gist. The G.A.R. post and the W.R.C. turned out in full force.

The casket was covered with the American flag and appropriate music was furnished by Mrs. Crosby, Mrs. Samson, E. J. Scofield and Hubert Cutler.

Mitchell County Press
January 18, 1899