MILLER, Marshall James: Died 1911

MILLER, HARDY, BAER

Posted By: Volunteer: Sherri
Date: 9/27/2016 at 05:50:23

**Handwritten: St. Line Dem. Thurs. 8 June 1911

DEATH OF A PIONEER
James Miller of Mt. Sterling Called.

CAME TO IOWA IN 1839
His Father One of Best Known Men in the County - Funeral Friday.

Marshall James, son of Samuel J. and Mary A. Miller, was born near Canton, Ohio, Jan. 1, 1835. In the spring of 1839 his parents came west and settled in Van Buren county, Iowa, on what is now known as the Matt White farm west of Mt. Sterling. Nearly all of his life was spent in this neighborhood. In 1852 he made an overland trip to California. In 1855 he made a round about journey home, sailing down the Pacific coast to the isthmus of Panama then on the Atlantic ocean to Quebec, the rest of the way by land. Again in 1862 he made the trip to California, remaining six years. Both of these trips were made when the now prosperous west was known as the great American desert. The great distance was made on foot and horse back. To give an account of his experience would prove an interesting story indeed.

On July 10, 1878, he was married to Etta L. Hardy in Keosauqua. To them were born four children, a little daughter dying in infancy. The living children are Cal J. Miller of Caldwell, Kan., Leo M. Miller of Portland, Ore., and Mrs. Miretta F. Baer of Arkansas City, Kan. Each of these children have a little daughter, who with the parents and grandmother mourn the loss of the deceased.

Uncle Jim, as the most of us knew him, was a typical pioneer, who had outlived the most of his generation. He was the last member of his father's large family and no one in this community knew more of its changed conditions, or was a keener observer of the country's growth than was he.

He took pride in having cast his first vote for John C. Fremont in 1856, belonging to the old school in politics where they never scratched the ticket. Outside of politics he took little interest in any organization, never allying himself with any church or fraternity.

During the past winter he and his wife made a visit to the homes of their children in Kansas. While away he was taken sick and with the sickness came a longing to be in the midst of familiar friends and scenes. He was brought home early in May with the hope that he might recover. For awhile he rallied. At times there was hope, but age, frail body and a complication of diseases were against him. He quietly entered into his long sleep May 31, aged 76 years and 5 months.

Funeral services were held at the M.E. Church at Mt. Sterling, conducted by Rev. W.J. Hamilton, Friday afternoon. Interment was in the Harness cemetry(sp).

Source: Van Buren Co. Genealogical Society Obituary Book G, Page 214, Keosauqua Public Library, Keosauqua, IA