September 10

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO...

Isadora Matilda Miller Cushman 1881-1909

I don't have a picture of Dora Miller Cushman. I have a picture of the Miller family. Of the four children standing in front, the girl on the left is Dora's daughter Audrey.

I have a picture of Dora Miller Cushman's husband, Andrew John Cushman:

They were married less than four years when Dora died. She died 22 January 1909 from a combination of tuberculosis and typhoid fever. Shortly before her death she gave birth to a premature baby girl who was named Pauline and was buried on the day before Dora died. Dora and Pauline are buried in Lakeview Cemetery in South Haven, Michigan, with numerous other Miller relatives.

These are copies we have of two newspaper articles about Dora Miller Cushman's death in 1909.

Here is the text from the two articles:

MRS. ANDREW CUSHMAN DIED AT 10 A. M. TODAY

  Dora Miller Cushman died this morning at 10 o’clock at the home of her mother, Mrs. Alice Miller, corner Indiana Ave. and Superior Street after an illness of about seven months, from serious complication of diseases. During that time she had been a great sufferer, and especially so for the past ten days with only now and then a short respite from pain. She was conscious until the end came and passed away happy in knowing that her suffering was over.

  Dora Miller was born in South Haven, Sept. 10, 1881, the youngest daughter of Mr. and Mrs. D. M. Miller. She attended school until within two years of graduation. Afterwards, for four years she was employed as sales-lady in Noble’s candy store and was a general favorite with everyone who met her either in a business or social way.

  In May 1905, Dora was untied in marriage to Mr. Andrew Cushman. with whom soon after, she moved to Berrien Springs where he engaged in the grocery business. A year ago they moved to Kalamazoo, where he entered the employ of the Upjohn Co. This fall Mr. Cushman going on the road as their traveling salesman, Mrs. Cushman came here to live with her mother. Since coming here in October, the tubercular trouble became more pronounced and she has been able to get out but very little. The last time she was down was just before the holidays. 

  Besides the bereaved husband, there is a little daughter, Audra, two years old last Wednesday who will never remember a mother’s care, devotion, and months of agonized watching over a sick bed; a sister, Mrs. Clifford Girard, who has not yet fully recovered from an attack of typhoid fever; a brother, John C. Miller, who resides at Tacoma, Washington. The sympathy of a host of friends go out to them in the loss of one who was gentle and kind and loving, even when suffering almost beyond physical endurance.

  The announcement of the date of the funeral services is pending the answer received from the brother in Tacoma, to whom news of the death was wired before noon. Should he be unable to come, the services will probably take place from the home Sunday.

  The infant born to Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Cushman Wednesday night was buried this morning, just a few hours before the death of the mother.

MRS. CUSHMAN BURIED TODAY

  Funeral services for Mrs. Dora Miller Cushman were held at the residence of Mrs. Alice Miller on Indiana Avenue this afternoon at 2 o'clock. The number of friends who attended was so large that they filled the rooms to overflowing and spread out upon the veranda and lawn. The room where the casket reposed was literally filled with flowers. The casket was hidden in them while quantities of them were spread on tables and upon the floor. Very few funerals have been the occasion of so lavish a display. Mrs. Cushman was laid away in her wedding dress of white.

  Mr. and Mrs. J. W. Carpenter, Mrs. J. L. Avery and Harry Randall sang "Lead Thou Me On" and "Peacefully Sleep." The last piece of music was a phonograph selection which Mrs. Cushman had made special request should be played. It was "Precious Name" beautifully rendered by a male quartet. The association made this selection especially touching. Rev. A. E. Nagler spoke briefly from John 41:1-2, "Ye believe in God, believe also in me. I go to prepare a place for you."

  The pall bearers were the uncles of the deceased, Chas. Ford and Geo. Adams of Hartford, Charles Thomas of Bangor and two cousins, Clarence and Roy Thomas also of Bangor, and C. L. Cushman, a brother-in-law of Kalamazoo.

  Relatives present from out of town were Mr. and Mrs. Geo. Adams, Mr. and Mrs. Charles Thomas, Mr. and Mrs. Clarence Thomas, Roy Thomas and sister, Miss [Effie] Thomas, John Miller and Homer Miller, all of Bangor, Chas. Ford of Hartford, C. L. Cushman [Andrew's brother] and Mr. and Mrs. Lister [Andrew's sister] of Kalamazoo, and Mr. and Mrs. Cushman, father of the bereaved husband, from Breedsville. Burial occurred in Lake View Cemetery, nearly a dozen carriages following the remains to the grave.