MILLER, Mary: Died 1922

MILLER, WHITE, STEVENS

Posted By: Volunteer: Sherri
Date: 10/24/2016 at 10:19:57

Aunt Polly Miller.

Aunt Polly Miller, who has been living alone for several years at her home on Texas street, Bonaparte, was found Wednesday evening by her neighbors lying in an unconscious state on the floor at her home.

She regained consciousness and knew her relatives and friends, but the end came on Saturday morning, Jan. 21,, her age being eighty-eight years.

Mary White was born in Deonegal, Fayette County, Pa., June 8, 1833, and died in Bonaparte, Iowa, Jan. 21, 1922, aged 88 years, 7 months and 13 days. She was a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Samuel White, old time residents of Harrisburg Twp. Her father was a Deacon in the Baptist church, and donated the land for the White cemetery where the deceased was buried in the family burying ground.

She grew to womanhood in her home in Pennsylvania where, on November 8, 1853, she was united in marriage to Chauncey Miller. Shortly afterward they came to Iowa, where they made their home for themselves in Harrisburg Twp. There they resided until the death of the husband and father, in the autumn of 1901, when she removed to Bonaparte where she established another home, to which she so joyfully welcomed the children who had grown to maturity with homes of their own and who all lived near enough to see her often.

Nine children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Miller, of whom the living are: Mrs. Mary J. Stevens, Joseph E., Norman W., and George O. Five have preceded the mother in death, viz., Maggie, Datus and Robert H., two besides dying in infancy.

Mrs. Miller early began living for her Master and was one of the pioneer members of the Baptist Church here, having become a member when it was just an organization in a country schoolhouse, and later transferring her membership to the church here. For a number of years she has been unable to attend services, owing to failing health due to her age, but she was always interest in all things pertaining to the affairs of it.

"Aunt Polly" as she was familiarly and lovingly called by all, was one of those to whom the Bible was her constant guide and beacon light, she was she was one whose interests embraced all the acquaintances, and whose going is not to a place unknown, but to a dwelling place with the Savior she loved and constantly talked about.

Her last illness was of short duration, she becoming quite suddenly stricken only a few days before her death. Her departure leaves a place unfilled, a memory of a long, useful, busy life, and an influence of a simple, trusting faith that is an inspiration to all who are left.

Funeral services were held at the Baptist church Sunday afternoon, with Rev. J.S. Coppoc in charge. Interment was in White cemetery.

Source: Van Buren Co. Genealogical Society Obituary Book H, Page 4, Keosauqua Public Library, Keosauqua, IA