Randolph County, Indiana
The News - GazetteBy Cynthia Aukerman
June 2007
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Millers to celebrate 100th
reunion aniversary
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News-Gazette reporter
On Saturday, July 14, the Miller family will celebrate the 100th anniversary of the first time their kinfolk gathered at a reunion near Lickskillet, four miles west of Winchester. The Miller have not held a full-fledged reunion since 1964, so this 100th anniversary of their first gathering is pretty important.
This special anniversary reunion will be held at the home of Donald and Linda Cavanaugh, 3662 W. 200N. rural Winchester. The are was known as Mul back in the days when it had its own post office. The Miller's had a relative named Mull, who must have given his name to the area.
The Cavanaughs live within eyesight of an ancestral home, the site of the first Miller reunion back in 1907. So the 2007 reunion will be held in the family's old stomping grounds.
Cavanaugh and her sisters, Lois Brown and Lila Oliver, are helping their cousin, Dennis Miller, of Allendale, Mich., organize the centennial reunion.
The organizers are expecting at least 100 people to attend. Because many of them are from out-of-town, the local people will be providing the food for the others. Cavanaugh said, "This is excellent timing with the opening of the new motel."
One food item is watermelon, a Miller reunion tradition the current crop of Miller relatives wants to continue. Past newspaper accounts of long-ago Miller reunions always mention watermelon.
Cavanaugh said Dennis Miller has gone all-out collecting family history and photos to share with his relatives. He's even talking about creating a huge backdrop of mountain scenery in honor of the Miller family's roots in West Virginia.
The Millers were among the many West Virginia residents who migrated to Ohio and Indiana after the Civil War. Beginning about 1880, the descendants of John T. and Susannah (Hedrick) Miller began to migrate to Randolph County from their ancestral home in Upper Tract, Pendleton, County, W. Va. According to Cavanaugh, Susannah was a preacher and was half-Seneca Indian.
Apparently the first families to make this journey were: Solomon and Elizabeth (Miller) Carrier and David and Malinda (Miller Mowery. Then came Job Miller's children, John W. and Mary J. Miller. About 1883, Isaac T. Miller's son, Johnson T. Miller, came to Randolph County. In April 1910, after the death of his wife, Elizabeth in Pendleton County, John W. and Mary J. (Miller) Shaver went back to West Virginia and brought her father, Job Miller, to live with them in Randolph County.
Contributed anonymously
A Randolph County Area NewspaperWilliam H. Miller, 74, was found dead in a chair at his home in Ridgeville Tuesday morning. Mr. Miller lived alone and it was believed he passed away sometime Monday afternoon. He was a member of the Nazarene church. Survivors include one sister, Virginia Simmons of Muncie, and several nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be conducted at 2 p.m. Thursday at the Middleton mortuary in Ridgeville with Rev. James Harmining in charge. Burial will be in the Union cemetery at DeSoto. Friends may call at the funeral home at any time.
Feb. 2, 1949
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William Miller Found Dead
At Ridgeville Home
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Contributed by Gina Richardson
A Randolph County Area NewspaperBrief funeral services were conducted at the Thornburg mortuary in Farmland at 10 o'clock this morning for Monia Ann Miller, infant daughter of Mr. And Mrs. Edwin A. Miller of Winchester route one, who died at the Randolph County hospital at 8 o'clock Tuesday night. Rev. Francis Brown officiated and burial was in the Woodlawn cemetery.
October 16, 1946
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Funeral Services Held For
Infant Monia Ann Miller
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Besides the parents, she is survived by a half brother, John B. Steed, at home; and grandparents, Mr. and Mrs.Wallace Shank and Mr. And Mrs. William R. Miller, both of Farmland.
Contributed by Gina Richardson
The Winchester JournalJob Miller, son of John and Susan (Hedrick) Miller, was born in Pendleton county, West Virginia, October 22, 1830, departed this life at the home of his son, John W. Miller, near Mull, Indiana, Saturday evening, August 5, 1916, age 85 years, 9 months and 13 days.
August 31, 1916
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He was the fourth child of a family of eleven children, four sisters and six brothers, all of which with his father and mother preceded him in death.
The mother, four sisters and one brother dying of paralysis. His last brother, Isaac Miller, was killed in July 1915. Thus by his death comes the last one of his large family to answer the Master's call.
All of his younger years were spent in the state of his birth where he grew to manhood and where on October 25, 1855, he was married to Elizabeth Harper; to this union were born two children, one son, John W. and one daughter, Mrs. Mary Jane Shaver, both of Mull, Indiana.
His companion being claimed by death March 31 1910, he afterward had a sale and selling his home in his native state he came to Indiana spend the remainder of his declining years with his children, arriving here April 23, 1910. He has since lived with the son and daughter previously named. Despite his advanced age he has always been able to walk and go from each of their homes to the other when the time came to make the change which was generally every four weeks. But on July 25, he suffered a light stroke of paralysis and since that time he gradually grew weaker until death relieved him of all the cares and sorrows of this life.
Grandpa as he was generally called by all, will be missed, not only in the homes where he made his home but by friends and neighbors who have mingled with him in the last six years of his stay among us and especially will he sadly be missed by the children of the entire community who seemed to love him and enjoy his company.
When about the age of twenty-one years he united with the United Brethren church in West Virginia, and has since that time been a member of that denomination never moving his membership from his home church and for which reason he desired Brother Abraham Rust to conduct his funeral but saying: " Should he refuse, I being his Uncle" then he wanted Rev. Gray.
And while some time ago, before infirmities of age had so fastened upon him, and he was engaged in conversation with his daughter on the subject of death she asked him if he should be called to go, if he'd be ready, he answered: "Yes, I'm ready to go at any time," Then may we hope today that death came to Grandpa Miller not as a grim reaper but as a sweet administering angel providing rest and peace from all life's worries and heartaches forever.
Of the immediate family who are left to mourn for the departed one besides the son and daughter are a daughter-in-law, five grandchildren, seven great grandchildren, and nieces and nephews and many friends and neighbors who sorrow with those who love him best.
Funeral conducted by Rev. N.W. Gray assisted by Rev. Nannie Martin at Maxville church Monday August 7, 1916, after which the remains were laid to rest in the beautiful Woodlawn cemetery.
Contributed by Dennis Miller
The Muncie Morning StarHenry Miller, a former resident of this county, dropped dead at his home near Skidmore, Mo., Saturday evening, according to word received here by W. T. Miller, residing south of the city and who is a second cousin. He will be remembered by the older generation of the county as he left this vicinity thirty-six years ago.
Monday, March 20, 1916
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FORMER RESIDENT IS DEAD
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Winchester, Ind., March 20-
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Contributed by Gina Richardson
The Winchester JournalIsaac Miller, aged seventy-six, a confederate soldier and well known Randolph county resident, was struck and instantly killed by the west bound Big Four passenger train No. 419 at 1:40 o'clock Sunday afternoon, at a crossing three miles west of the city.
Thursday,July 22, 1915
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ISAAC MILLER KILLED BY TRAIN
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Big Four Passenger Runs Down Aged Man Sunday
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West of City - Horribly Mangled
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His body was mangled beyond recognition. It was taken to the Frank and Pursley undertaking parlors and prepared for burial.
The train was running at an estimated rate of fifty miles an hour when it struck Miller. It ran a distance of three hundred yards before being brought to a stop and Miller's mangled body was dragged an estimated distance of two hundred yards. The train was delayed twenty minutes.
Miller left home a quarter of a mile away from where the accident occurred shortly after eating his noon day meal. It is said he was in a despondent mood during the morning hours, although it is understood that he made no threats on his life. In leaving his home he followed a short path through the fields to the railroad tracks. he was accompanied by the family dog - a pet, which had remained at his side for years.
Upon reaching the railroad tracks, Miller sat down on the rails. He was seated on the south rail and was facing the south, when the train approached. The dog was at his side and he was petting it. A warning, it is said, was sounded by the train and just before the engine reached him, Miller turned his face and looked towards it. Miller then fell back across the tracks. Miller's body was severed at his hips and was horribly mangled. The dog was also killed. Its feet were found lying beside a portion of the man's body.
He is survived by a widow, Margaret Miller, five sons, three daughters. The funeral services were held Tuesday morning at the Maxville church with interment at Woodlawn cemetery nearby.
Contributed by Dennis Miller
A Randolph County Area NewspaperIsaac Miller, lacking 4 days of being 76 years of age, was killed by the fast West bound Big Four passenger train West of the city Sunday afternoon.
1915
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Coroner Evans was called and has returned a verdict of accidental death.
The engineer of the train testified that when he saw Miller sitting on the South rail with his feet on the outside, he whistled; Miller looked up at the fast approaching train and laid or fell over into the space between the rails.
The engineer believes it was suicide, but the Coroner concluded that possibly, Mr. Miller attempted to raise but failed in the effort. The body was frightfully mangled as was the body of his pet dog which was with him at the time of the tragedy.
The mangled remains were brought to the undertaking parlor of Frank & Pursley in their ambulance and dressed.
Funeral services were held yesterday by Rev. Harvey Thornburg and interment at Maxville.
A widow, five sons and three daughters survive. The deceased came several years ago from Virginia where he served in the Confederate army and settled a short distance North of the Big Four on the road known as the Goodrich pike where he has continuously made his home an it was near this home that he met death.
Contributed by Dennis Miller
A Randolph County Area NewspaperIsaac T. Miller was born July 22, 1839 in Pendleton county, West Virginia; moved to this county thirty one years ago; departed this life July 18, 1915, aged 75 years 11 months and 26 days. He was married to Amelia Cowger 27th of July 1862; to this union was born one son, Johnson Miller. The mother departed this life June 24, 1863. He was married to Fidella Roadcap January 29, 1865; to this union were born five sons three daughters. Charles E. having departed this life November 23, 1893; the children who survive him are William H., Stephen P., Martha S., James H., Rebecca L., Mary E., Robert L.
1915
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Obituary.
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Isaac T. Miller
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Father Miller was a kind husband and was always ready to lend a helping hand in sickness. He has said he was ready to die when the Lord called him. Text: John the 14th 1 to 15.
Funeral services were held at Maxville Tuesday morning at 11 o'clock, July 27, 1915 conducted by Rev. N.H. Thornburg, assisted by Rev. Abraham Rust. Interment at that place.
The connection return their sincere thanks to those who responded so nobly---neighbors and friends in the loss of our dear father.
Contributed by Dennis Miller
A Randolph County Area NewspaperMILLER, Nancy, wf/o Samuel, born Feb. 2, 1826 the d/o David and Catherine Troupe, in Montgomery Co. OH, near Germanbown. She d. Oct. 28, 1894 in Winch. IN, ae 68y 8m 28d. She had 7 children, 2 are dec'd. Samuel d. Feb. 2, 1881.They were mem. of the M.E. Church. She had T.B. Prob. bur. Fountain Pk.
1894
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Contributed by Sandra Mumah
A Randolph County Area NewspaperMILLER, Infant, d/o Rinaldo Miller from Alexander, who d. of Cholera. Inf. was sent here for burial in the Fountain Pk. Cem.
1894
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-Paper of Aug. 29, 1894
Contributed by Sandra Mumah
A Randolph County Area NewspaperMILLER, Mrs. William, (Prob.Sarah) of 5 mi. North of Winchester bur. Thursday at Bear Creek Cem.
August 8, 1894
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Contributed by Sandra Mumah
A Randolph County Area NewspaperMILLER, Galena Lea & Percival E., age 10 mo. d/o Johnson and Rebecca, d. July 15,1894. The gr-parents were Isaac T. & Millie S. (Couger) Miller and John and Martha E. (Trumbo) Shaefer. A bro. of Galena Lea, Percival E. b. Apr. 7, 1888-d. July 18, 1888, they were bur. at the Maxville Cem.
1894
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Contributed by Sandra Mumah
A Randolph County Area NewspaperMILLER, Catherine Eliz. (Maurer) (or another rec. lists Myers), b. Germany Apr. 28, 1808. Died in Winch. July 23, 1894 ae 86y 2m 25d. A mem. of the Lutheran church. She had 9 children, Peter, Jacob, Philip, Louisa, Mary, Lewis, Wm. & Oliver. Bur. Maxville Cem.
1894
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(Death rec. Lists Francis Miller s/o Peter S. & Cath, Myres ae 56 d. in Farmland, b Pa. d. Aug. 25, 1890).
Contributed by Sandra Mumah
A Randolph County Area NewspaperMILLER, Charles E., b. W.Va. June 2, 1871-d. of Smallpox, Nov. 23, 1893 ae 22y 5m 21d. Bur. Winters Cem. 5 mi. N. of Red Key in Jay Co. lnd. Surv. are the father, mother, bro. and sis. Memorial serv. at N. White River Church, Sept.1894.
1893
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Contributed by Sandra Mumah
A Randolph County Area NewspaperMILLER, Robert E., d. Aug. 16, 1893 ae 22mo. of Cholera Infantum, the s/o Chas. and Minnie (Evans) (both b. in Ohio).The gr-parents were Samuel & Nancy (Troupe) Miller and J.J. and Mary E. (Spangler) Evans. Bur. Fountain Pk. Cem.
1893
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Contributed by Sandra Mumah
A Randolph County Area NewspaperMILLER, Flora Baker, d/o Henry and Leah Banty (Banta?) Baker both b. in Pa. She was b. Sept.16, 1837 in Pa-d. May 19,1893 ae 55y 8m 3d. On Jan. 21,1869 she m. Frederick Miller. He d. a little more than 3 yrs ago. They were mem. of the Free Will Baptist Church. They had 2 children, 1 d. in infancy. Surv. are the dt, 2 gr-children, father, 4 bros., and 4 step-sons. Fun. and bur. at Saratoga. Serv. in charge of A.M. Addington and Rev. J.A. Whetsel.
1893
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Contributed by Sandra Mumah
A Randolph County Area NewspaperMILLER, Samuel, of Greensfork twp. d. last week (Apr.1893) nearly 50 yrs of age. He was the s/o Samuel and Nancy (Troupe) Miller. On Aug. 22, 1865 he rn. Rebecca Mann. Bur. at the Bartonia Cem. Serv. by Rev. N.T. Butts.
1893
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Contributed by Sandra Mumah
A Randolph County Area NewspaperMILLER, Martha R., d/o Jacob and Anna Mary b. Sept. 23, 1858-died Mar. 17, 1893 ae 24y 5m 24d. She was a mem. of the Shiloh Church. Surv. father, mother and brother. Bur. Maxville Cem. Serv. by Rev. A.M. Addington.
1893
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Contributed by Sandra Mumah
A Randolph County Area NewspaperMILLER, Curtis C., b. Warren Co. OH Sept. 23, 1848 s/o Allen and Eliza A. (Baker) Miller (both b. Ohio). Died in Winch. Apr. 11, 1892. At 17yrs. He enlisted in __ Reg. Ind. Vol. Inf. Jan. 30,1865. On Nov. 2, 1878 he m.Tracy. A. (Shirk). He d. of Acute Gastritis. Prob. bur. at the Fountain Pk. Cem. Surv. wf. and 3 dts.
1892
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Contributed by Sandra Mumah
A Randolph County Area NewspaperMILLER, Margaret M., widow/o Benjamin who resided at Snow Hill, d. at Carlos City Monday Aug. 1, 1891 ae 23yrs. She was the d/o Martin V. and Sarah J. (Ullom) Mull, b. in Ohio. She had an obstruction of the Bowels. Bur. Liberty Cem. near Lynn.
1891
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Contributed by Sandra Mumah
A Randolph County Area NewspaperMILLER, E. Porter, b. Preble Co. OH June 9, 1847 d/o John and Margaret J. Porter, d. Oct. 23, 1891 ae 44y 4m 14d. On June 6, 1861 she m. John Miller, they had 4 children. Bur. at the Union Chapel Cem. Surv. are the husband and children, mother, 2 bros., a step son, James Porter.
1891
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Note: The death rec. lists her as Martha Miller, 44, Wash. twp. b. Ireland-d. Oct. 23, 1891 of Cancer of the eft (left?) Mamary.
Contributed by Sandra Mumah
A Randolph County Area NewspaperMILLER, Margaret, Mrs., w/o Henry d/o Hugh & Sarah Rust b. 5/10/1833 Married 1/31/1850. Bur New Dayton Cem..
not dated
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Contributed by Sandra Mumah
A Randolph County Area NewspaperMILLER, Dr. James W., b. Preble Co. OH Mar. 12, 1837, m. Ann Charman Apr. 21, 1864, they had 2 children: Darwin B. and Millie A., she died and he m. 2nd Apr. 1, 1871 Mariah Bants (Banta?). They had no children. He d. at the res. in West Baltimore, Nov. 2, 1887.
1887
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Contributed by Sandra Mumah
A Randolph County Area NewspaperMILLER, Mrs. Frances, d. Dec. 1886 ae 33yrs. On Oct. 24.1880 she m. Mortimer Miller. She was the d/o Thomas Karnes. She had Typhoid Fever. Bur. Fountain Pk. Cem.
1886
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Contributed by Sandra Mumah
A Randolph County Area NewspaperMILLER, little d/o Marion d. 4/27/1884 Bur Fountain Pk Cem..
1884
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Contributed by Sandra Mumah
A Randolph County Area NewspaperMILLER, Martha Jane (Elliott), w/o Daniel H. d 12/2/1883 ae 38y. Married 11/5/1868. Bur at Deerfield (prob Raitenour).
1883
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Contributed by Sandra Mumah
A Randolph County Area NewspaperMILLER, Daniel B., Judge d. 3/2.1/1881 84y Early settler in Ward twp. Married Dorothy Craves 5/4/1826 2nd m. Sarah Croile 5/18/1873. Bur Old Prospect Cem.
1881
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Contributed by Sandra Mumah
A Randolph County Area NewspaperMILLER, Mary Matilda d/o James & Mary Pursley b 4/27/1846 d 12/21/1879 ae 33y 6m 21d. Married Lewis Miller 9/20/1866. Bur Maxville Cem.
1879
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Contributed by Sandra Mumah