John W. MILLER (1852-1892)

MILLER, LONG, THOMPSON, BAILEY, HORNE, CRITCHFIELD

Posted By: Sharon R Becker (email)
Date: 12/17/2008 at 20:38:30

Ringgold Record, 1892

ACCIDENTAL DEATH of J. W. MILLER.

The county was shocked by the accidental death of John W. MILLER of Delphos, on the evening of Wednesday, March 16th. He had driven up to Mt. Ayr, and attended to some business with reference to a public sale on the 24th and started home about 5:30 p. m. Mr. Simeon LONG was with him. When nearing the THOMPSON farm southwest of Mt. Ayr., Mr. MILLER dropped the lines, to mitten a bare hand. Almost instantly the horses darted forward at a fearful rate of speed. He grasped the lines and attempted to check them. This seemed impossible. They were going down hill, going south, and nearing a hog wire fence, and the sudden turn of the road west. If he could control the horses, two choices were before him, either to run into the fence, or attempt to turn the corner. What choice Mr. MILLER made in the fearful emergency, we do not know. At at (sic) all events, the horses kept the road and turned the corner for the west, and the buggy upset, throwing out the occupants. Mr. LONG was not seriously hurt, but Mr. MILLER was thrown full twenty feet, right through the hog wire fence into the field. How he passed through the fence is a mystery. The post toward his feet was borken off. he fell senseless. The team passed on, and attention was arounded at the next house, that of Geo. LONG. Mr. Simeon LONG was stunned, but after a litte, came to himself and took in the situation. He called to his comrade, but received no answer. He made his way to Mr. LONG's and they sent a once for a Doctor, Mr. and Mrs. LONG coming to assist. Mr. MILLER had no doubt received serious internal injury and died in about twenty minutes. Drs. BAILEY and HORNE came, but said nothing could have been done. Mr. MILLER was born in Holmes county, Ohio April 21, 1852, and had nearly reached his fortieth year of age. He came with his father to Ringgold county in 1863, when 11 years old. On September 27th 1877, he married Miss Mary CRITCHFIELD, sister of E. W. CRITCHFIELD. He leaves a wife and four children, two sons and two daughters. He was interested in the Christian church, and Rev. M. A. JACKSON officiated at the funeral, which took place from the residence at Delphos, on Sunday the 20th. The "Q" [CB&Q Railroad] sent draped cars for the occasion. There was a large attendance. At 2 p. m. the remains were brought to Mt. Ayr by train and buried in the south [Rose Hill] cemetery, in the presence of a large assembly. Mr. MILLER was a useful citizen. He bough and shipped horses and kept the horse market full of life. He will be seriously missed. In the mean time, his father J. D. MILLER, his mother, wife, children and friends have much sympathy. The community stands in solemn awe in the presence of the sudden death, and listen to the voice, "Be ye ready."

Card of Thanks.

In the sudden and sore bereavement which came upon us inthe death by accident of our husband and son J. W. MILLER on March 16, 1892, many persons sympathized with and actiely helped us. We cannot see them all in private and thank them personally, therefore we take this means of assuring them that we fully appreciate the sympathy and active kindness shown by all, and especially of the agents of the C. B. & Q. Railroad, on which Mr. MILLER was a large shipper, for the use of three cars draped in mourning, and for their unusual kindness in the sad event.

To one and all we tender our sincere thanks. The thoughful kindness has done us much good, and we most sincerely wish a greater good to all the participants.

MRS. MARY MILLER
J. D. MILLER
M. A. MILLER

Transcription by Sharon R. Becker, 2008