April 11

Josiah Gregory Miller died 11 April 1917

Josiah G. Miller was a half-brother of Dallas Miftlin 'Dale' Miller.

Dale Miller married Alice Ford, sister of my great-grandmother Nancy Ford Thomas.

PHOTO: Dale and Alice Ford Miller

Bangor Advance April 13, 1917

J. G. MILLER, PROMINENT FARMER AND MERCHANT DIED APRIL 11

  Josiah G. Miller, one of the oldest settlers of Bangor, one who has been actively identified with the interests of the village, township and county for many years, passed away at his home at 10:30 o'clock Wednesday forenoon, April 11, 1917, at the age of 84 years, two months and nine days, after a week's illness. Although the weight of years had been bearing him down for some time he had been in good health until a few weeks ago, when he unnecessarily exposed himself to the cold winds while supervising the tearing down of the old building occupied by James Yates. From that time on he declined until the end. 

  The passing of this man removes from the village one of its most conspicuous characters, known by every resident, far and near. He was one of a family of seven children born to John and Frances (Woodruff) Miller, both natives of New York, who emigrated to Michigan in 1831. He was born in Monroe County Feb. 2, 1833. After spending seven summers of his early life on the Wabash and Miami canal, he came to Van Buren County in 1858 with a team and wagon which he had purchased from his first savings and traded them for 40 acre of land. He then returned to Monroe County where he worked for some time, purchased a horse and buggy and drove to Bangor, which was his home until his death.   He saw the village grow from a mere hamlet up to its present proportions— he saw the mighty forest that covered this country give away to the hand of the pioneer and broad fields of waving grain, orchards and vineyards take the place of the sturdy trees. For many years after coming to this township he followed his trade of carpenter and many buildings still standing were works of his hand. In 1870 he built the building on Monroe Street now occupied by The Advance, which he first leased to Davis & Coffelt, who operated a hardware store and tin shop in it. 

  In 1872 he moved from the farm to the village and bought out the hardware store, in which business, together with farming, he remained until his death, although the firm name was changed years ago to J. G. Miller & Sons. In 1880, the hardware business having outgrown its quarters, he erected the Miller block and moved the store there. 

  Mr. Miller was united in marriage to Miss Eveline Watkins Sept. 25. 1861, and they began married life on the farm two miles west of Bangor. To this union were born three children — Ida, Omer and John— the former passing away in 1872 at the age of 10 years. The sons, together with their mother, survive their father and have always been identified with him in the farming and hardware business. 

  Mr. Miller was the last surviving charter member of Coffinbury lodge No. 204 F. & A. M., organized in Bangor 50 years ago last January. He was one of the most influential men in the village, a born leader, a splendid neighbor and a stanch democrat. 

  The funeral services for Mr. Miller will be held at his late residence this (Friday) afternoon at 2:30 o'clock conducted by his brother Masons, Malta Commandry No. 8 K. T., of Benton Harbor, of which he was a member, will attend in a body. Rev. J. F. Williams, pastor of the Christian church, will deliver the address and the interment will be in Arlington Hill.

FROM: History of Berrien and Van Buren Counties, Michigan

  Parents of Josiah G. Miller --- John and Fannie Miller were among the pioneers of the state of Michigan, having settled here before it was admitted as a State. They were natives of New York, were married there, and made a permanent settlement in Monroe Co., Mich., in 1861. Their children were as follows: L. B., born in New York; J. G., Cynthia S., L. C., John F., Fannie, and Sophia J., born in Michigan. The children are all living but two, Cynthia S. and Sopbia J., L. B. John F., and Fannie are still residents of Monroe County; L. C. has made his home in Bangor.

  J. G. Miller was born in 1833, and was reared surrounded by the impediments and difficulties usually attending the settlement of a new country. Losing his mother when only thirteen years of age, necessity compelled him to depend upon his own efforts for a livelihood, and he began his career under adverse circumstances. Realizing the advantages even of a limited education, he made a manly effort to secure one, and engaged for two winters in sawing wood, this affording him the opportunity of attending school. He afterwards worked two years, receiving as compensation three dollars per month, which enabled him to clothe himself and also to render assistance to his sisters. The following ycar his salary

was doubled, and he then passed seven summers as an employee on the Wabash and Miami Canal, where he made his first one hundred dollars. 

  Finding employment during a portion only of the last three years, he invested his money in a thrashing machine and a horse, Esquire Thomas McManus, of Monroe County, becoming his indorser, as Mr. Miller was compelled to incur some indebtedness. In this business he remained until 1856, when he leased an uncle's farm. 

  Cynthia and Lovisa superintended the internal arrangements of the household, Cynthia teaching a portion of the time, and here several members of the family were able to attend school. In 1858 he arrived with a team and wagon in Bangor, which he exchanged for forty acres of land. He immediately returned, securing a situation in a brickyard. In the fall he purchased a horse and buggy and drove to Bangor, where he purchased the farm now owned by him, and of which a view appears in this work, giving in payment

one hundred dollars, his first purchase of forty acres, and his horse and buggy. In 1860 he followed his trade, that of carpenter and joiner, and worked in a sawmill as an employee of J. H. Nyman. In the spring of 1861 he returned to his trade, working at it until Sept. 25, 1861, when he united in marriage with Miss Eveline Watkins. They began their married life with a farm paid for and thirty dollars in cash.

  Thomas Watkins, the father of Mrs. Miller, was born near Pittsburgh, Pa., in 1802. He married there, and moved to Mount Vernon, Ohio, where John and William were born. He lost his first wife in Mount Vernon, and afterwards married Miss Katie Spaughn. Mrs. Miller was born at Mount Vernon, Ohio, in 1836. James and Levi were also born there. Katie, Mrs. Miller's mother, died in Hancock Co., Ohio, to which place they removed in 1857. Mr. Watkins then married Melvina Litrick. The names of his last children are Henry, Martin, Francis, Martha Jane, Charles, and Jackson, who, with the exception of one who died in Ohio, are still living. 

  After Mr. and Mrs. Miller's marriage they passed eleven years on the farm, where three children were born, viz., Ida, July 10, 1862, died in 1872; Omar, Sept. 6, 1865; John J., Dec. 26, 1869.

  Mr. Miller having achieved success in farming, and having acquired the necessary means, engaged in business in the village of Bangor in 1872, having built a store in 1871. He commenced with a partner, whose interest he purchased in February, 1875. The village had been continually increasing in population, and 2the surrounding country been rapidly developed. Mr. Miller recognized the importance of having a public ball. The Opera House, of which a view is given, is the result. It is a building forty-four by ninetyfour feet, with a seating capacity of five hundred. The hail is on the second floor, and Mr.

Miller occupies a portion of the first floor as a hardware store, renting the remainder. 

  Mr. Miller's career was begun as a poor boy. By energy and perseverance, united with economy and good business qualifications, he has secured a competency, and is now living in the enjoyment of the comforts and luxuries wealth affords. The records show him to be one of the heaviest tax-payers in his school district and township. Politically, he is a Democrat.