July 22

 MEMORIAL...

John Cleveland Miller 1884-1936

Photo: John Cleveland Miller and his wife Giulielma. 

I have another photo that is unidentified, but I think might be John and Giulielma, but I'm not sure. What do you think?

The Miller and Ford families are connected with the Thomas family in several ways, and play a large role in the family history. Remember these children from a recent post?

Photo: Stephen, Alice, Nancy Ford

Nancy Ford married my great-grandfather Charles Thomas. Her sister Kate Ford married George Adams, and they lived with Aunt Effie (Thomas) Wieland. Alice Ford married Dale Miller. Alice and Dale had five children: Audie, Carrie, Harriet, Dora, and John.

Photos: Alice Ford Miller, Dallas Miftlin "Dale" Miller

John Miller married Giulielma Hoxie. They had three children: Jerry, Preston, and Allan.

Photo: Jerry, Allan, Preston Miller

Giulielma died in childbirth when Allan was born. Aunt Effie and Uncle Harry Wieland took him in and raised him. (Preston and Jerry were several years older than Allan, so John was able to care for them at home after Giulie's death.)

John Cleveland Miller died in a fire 22 July 1936. Here is his obituary from the local newspaper that describes the circumstances of his death:

JOHN CLEVELAND MILLER

PLUMBING SHOP DESTROYED HERE BY NIGHT BLAZE

Local man succumbs to smoke, flames as shop is consumed. Rescue unsuccessful.

 

John C. Miller, 52, local plumber, died in the flames which destroyed his apartment and place of business at 34 Center Street early this morning. Miller’s body was taken from the flaming building by two firemen shortly after the department had answered the call at 4:15 o’clock.

John C. Miller was born in South Haven, September 29, 1884. He was the son[of Mrs. Alice Miller, Indiana Avenue. Surviving, besides his mother, are three sons, Preston of Grand Rapids, Girard of Muskegon, and Allan of South Haven. A sister, Mrs. Clifford Girard of South Haven, also survives, as well as a number of other relatives.

 

He was in the plumbing and heating business in South Haven for a number of years and was active in various lodges and organizations. His affiliations included the Masons, the Elks, and the Knights of Pythias.

 

Funeral services will be held Friday afternoon at two o’clock from Calvin’s funeral home with the Rev. Franklin C. Smith, pastor of the Church of the Epiphany, in charge. Burial will be in Lakeview cemetery.