Miller - Charles . 1901 - Montgomery InGenWeb Project

Charles Kincaid Miller, youngest son of Samuel T. and Harriet Miller, was born on the home farm, near Shannondale, Nov. 5, 1878. His mother died when he was but two months old. His sister, Mrs. John M. T. Hopper, then became a mother to him, and Charley became a full member of the Hopper family, but at all times knew the relationship that existed, but continued to be an obedient and dutiful child. Reared in common with other boys he grew to manhood with a good common school education, and habits of industry, love of home, pleasant and agreeable manners, so that to speak of Charley was to speak of a gentleman in all that the word implies. Kind hearted and generous to a fault, and of a lively disposition, he was loved by all who knew him.

For some years, he, with the Hopper family, have lived near Lebanon, Ind., and when Mr. Hopper rented a farm near Harrodsburg, in Monroe County, Indiana, Charley, although having gained his majority, immediately decided to stay at home and assist those who had cared for him so unselfishly all his years, and on last week the family moved to their new home, the goods and family by railroad and Charley with a team and load of goods with an extra horse hitched to the family carriage tied behind, started overland expecting to reach Harrodsburg Thursday evening, when within a little more than a mile of his destination, alone in a strange country, the roads icy and slippery, he prepared to descend a steep hill by locking the wheels with a chain. He then took his place on the wagon and started. All from now until 8 o’clock Friday morning is conjecture. At that time two boys passing found the wreck and gave the alarm. Soon help came and Charley was found pinioned to the earth with the rim of the heavy wagon bed across his breast, laying on his back unable to move more than a slight motion of the arms. The thermometer registering almost zero, he literally lay there and froze to death. Could a death be more harrowing or sorrowful? Soon Charley was carried among friends. Soon the remainder of his family was with him. Surgeons were called and all was done that could be done but that fearful night has done its work too well and at 2 p.m. on Friday Charles K. Miller passed away, aged 22 years.

Father and brother hastened to the scene but all too late. On Saturday evening it was a sorrowful procession that came to S. M. Miller’s, his oldest brother here in town, where the remains lay until Sunday at 11 a.m., when funeral services were held at the Presbyterian Church, Rev. A. S. Buchanan officiating, after which the body was laid away in the I. O. O. F. Cemetery. -s

Source: Crawfordsville Weekly Journal Friday, 8 February 1901

Charles Kincaid Miller, who met so cruel death in an accident near Harrodsburg, last Friday, was the youngest son of Samuel T. Miller. He was born Nov. 20, 1878, and was slightly more than 22 years of age. Twenty two years ago last month, the mother went forever away, and her last earthly arrangement was made in behalf of the then baby boy. He was reared in the family of his eldest sister, Mrs. Hopper. He was as an own son and real brother in the household, and met his tragic death while willingly performing a duty for the family.

Charlie was quiet in demeanor, but courageous and diligent in the performance of every task. Like the private in the ranks who thinks not of promotion, or of gaining the epaulettes that denote distinction; yet, when the beautiful “taps” is sounded by the bugler, can lie down with a consciousness of having at all hours been found at his post. - s