Miller - Minnie Florence - Montgomery InGenWeb Project

Minnie Florence Miller was born on the 16th day of July, 1875, died at the home of her parents in New Richmond, Ind., May 2nd, 1895.

Less than a score of years has she been permitted to dwell among us, yet there has been crowded into these few brief years more noble work and more lasting achievement than many of us could accomplish in a life of mature years. She came forth as a bud of promise, and has withered as a flower plucked from the parent stem by the relentless hand of death. Yet while it has been hewn down, its fragrance has permeated our homes and society, and will remain with us so long as we have appreciation for that which is good and pure and true. Some may wonder by what means she was enabled to do so much in a public way.

She did not defer until tomorrow performing a duty which could as well be done today. At the age of 12 years, realizing her duty to God, she pledged her allegiance to his cause by uniting with the church. We need not say that she has been faithful—her life is an open record before you. Through its clean, bright pages from the cradle to the grave, no blot appears to mar its beauty. It has been printed in characters that will remain legible and more enduring than any marble shaft which human hands can erect to mark her last resting place. What talents God had given her she multiplied in his name. Her success came of unceasing effort coupled with complete consecration to the cause of Christ. Her work was all performed modestly, unassumingly, unselfishly. When she prayed it was for all of God’s people. No imaginary lines obstructed her vision. How many times have we been thrilled by the simple earnestness and sublime confidence she manifested when in words of thankfulness she expressed her gratitude to Almighty God, or in humble entreaty implored a blessing upon all mankind. In her social intercourse the many beautiful traits of character and disposition were so clearly manifested and so unselfishly bestowed as to touch the coldest heart, to revive the most depressed, and to heap the cup of joyful.

Several times during her sickness have we visited her, when medical advice directed her not to talk, but she never failed to inquire about the interests of the church, Sunday school and temperance organization. Verily “Where our treasure is, there will our heart be also and out of the fullness of the heart the mouth speaketh.” Through all her long illness not a word of impatience escaped her pain and suffering and deprivation of social privileges were met with a perfect resignation. They were overcome with the pleasant anticipation of what work she would perform when she should be restored to health, for she never lost hope of regaining her strength. One of her fondest hopes was to reorganize and revive the lodge of Juvenile Templars, over which she had for more than a year been the efficient superintendent. Her love and management of children was indeed remarkable. Her patience with them knew no bounds. What greater tribute of respect could be paid to her memory than the assembling of these little ones on this mournful occasion? Their presence tells us that she had a deep hold upon their affections of innocence is possibly a glimpse of the heavenly. Let us strive to perpetuate the principles she was inculcating into the minds of our children; let us keep sacred the lessons she has taught them. Where could we find a more perfect embodiment of all these virtues in one poor mortal’s life? May her life ever be an encouragement and inspiration to us. May all the Christian virtues which God has directed we should practice, be so clearly exemplified in our daily walk that when we too come down to the mystic river of death we may not fear its cold waters, but depart in the full assurance of meeting with our dear sister now gone on before.

The funeral services were conducted by her pastor at the M. E. Church in New Richmond at 1 o’clock Friday, May 4, 1895, and the body laid to rest in Oak Hill Cemetery at Crawfordsville.