Yuma County, Colorado
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Yuma County Pioneer Photographs:

Joe and Rebecca Miller  , Wray


In 1880 Seward County, Nebraska, Joseph A. Miller is 39, Rebecca 35, James 13, John 12, Lilly 11, William 9, Asa 7, Archie 4, and Laura 1.

October 27, 1900 " On Saturday morning, Oct., 20th, word was rapidly passed from mouth to mouth that Bertha Miller, daughter of Jos. and Rebecca Miller of Vernon, was dead. Very few knew that she had been sick and the news came like a shock to every one. Bertha seemed to be as well as usual on Tuesday and attended school that day.
On Wednesday morning she complained of not feeling well and remained at home. She continued to become worse until the end came at 2 o'clock on Saturday morning.
Bertha was a lovely girl of 13 and all who knew her held her in high esteem. Funeral services were conducted in the Vernon church at 11 o'clock on Sunday morning by the pastor. The house was filled to over-flowing with relatives and friends. The burial was at Glendale. Ihe bereaved family has the heartfelt sympathy of the entire community in this time of sorrow."


1911 "Uncle Joe Miller Answers to Last Roll Call
SUCCUMBS TO LONG ILLNESS
Was a Noble Soldier, Husband, Father and Citizen
Born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, August 2, 1840, moved from there to Elk county, the same state, in 1847 and from there to Caledonia, Pennsylvania, in 1851, thence to Lynn county, Iowa, in 1866, thence to Seward county, Nebraska, in 1870 and to Yuma county, Colorado, 1889.
Enlisted in Co. C, 172nd Pennsylvania Volunteer infantry, early in 1861 and when his first enlistment was up, re-enlisted in the same company. In 1864 was veteraned into Co. F, 211 Pennsylvania infantry where he served to the close of the war. Was both sergeant and corporal. Was in a number of the leading great battles of the war and carried the scars of battle to his grave.
Was married to Rebecca Emma Whitenack July 2, 1865, and to this union were born ten children, five girls and five boys, eight of whom are still living, viz: John Miller, of Denver; Will Miller, of Victor; Jas. Miller, of Boulder; Asa Miller, of Vernon; Arch Miller, of Wray; Mrs. Altig, of Boulder; Mrs. Laura McEvers, of Fort Lupton; and Mrs. Lettie Pickle, of Hadrian, Kansas.
Gertie died at Vernon May 1, 189?, and Bertha at the same place October 20, 1900.
The above very feebly expresses in cold type the outline of the life of one of Yuma county's best and most beloved citizens, Joseph Augustus Miller, who departed this life at their home in West Wray last Saturday morning after an illness lasting over the greater part of three years. In fact, he had never been really well since the service but a little over three years ago, he suffered a paralytic stroke since which time he has been gradualy failing until two weeks ago he took to his bed to calmly sink into the last long sleep for which his clean and pure life had fitted him. Not only ready to go but willing to go, notwithstanding how longingly the loved ones would have had him remain yet a little while. Words are but very feeble instruments with which to give full weight to the feelings of a community when a noble life has closed its last chapter and finis is written at the end of the page.
Uncle Joe, as he was known far and wide in Yuma county, was one of those sturdy, everyday, upright, honest Christian characters who made his Christian life shine the more by deed than words. Truly did he exemplify the Scriptures in not permitting his right hand to know what the left doeth when it was concerning matters of uplift and benefit for his fellow man and nothing but the Book of Life contains a complete record of the good deeds he has left behind.
Aside from the knowledge of a clean life and Christian example left to the family he has left an inheritance to the community in the way of noble deeds cheerfully performed and one of the cleanest, noblest and pure-minded families it has ever been the writer's privilege to come in contact with. But words fail us.
The funeral was to have been held Sunday at the Presbyterian church at Vernon which he helped to build and in which ho took great interest when well but, owing to the severe storm, it was held in the Presbyterian church at Wray Monday forenoon, conducted by Rev. Kaufman, the pastor, Fred H. Beecher Post G. A. R. first holding the ceremonies so dear to the soldier's heart.
Burial was made at Glendale by the side of the two daughters according to his request.
All the children, the faithful wife and two sons-in-law were privileged to be present at the funeral and the most of them before he died. They were Mr. and Mrs. Robert Altig, of Boulder; Mr. and Mrs. McEvers, of Fort Lupton; Mrs. Charles Pickle, of Kansas; Will Miller of Victor, James Miller of Boulder, John Miller of Denver, Mr. and Mrs. Asa Mlllor of Vernon, and Mr. and Mrs. Arch Miller of Wray.
To the wife who has shared in his joys and sorrows for all these years, who has been more than companion and counsellor; and to the splendid sons and daughters, the Rattler extends sincere sympathy.

February 1928 "Mrs. Etha Hollingsworth of Milford. Neb., sister of Mrs. Rebecca Miller of this city, passed away Tuesday noon at her home in Milford at the age of 70 years. Mrs. Miller was called to Milford last Sunday on account of the serious illness of her sister. Mrs. Miller is 13 years the senior of Mrs. Hollingsworth."


May 1931 "Mrs. Rebecca Miller, aged mother of Arch and Asa Miller, was taken to the Wray hospital Saturday where she will be cared for for a few days, at least. Mrs. Miller, who is 86 years old, sustained injuries from a fall a few days ago, and while no bones were broken, she has nevertheless been quite uncomfortable. Mrs. Miller's many friends hope that she will be well enough to leave the hospital in a short time."

1931 "Another of the fine pioneer mothers that made possible the building of a civilization in the early west has been called to her reward. Mrs. Rebecca Miller, a resident of this county for more than forty years, died at the home of her son, Arch J. Miller, in Wray last Saturday, following an illness of a few weeks. She would have been 86 years old Thursday of this week.
Funeral services were held from the Presbyterian church in Wray Tuesday afternoon of this week with Rev. F. P. Morrison in charge. The remains were laid to rest in the family plot at Glendale cemetery near Vernon.
Rebecca E. Whitenack was born in Brookville, Ind., June 4th, 1845. In 1851 she moved with her parents to Linn County, Iowa, where the family resided until 1864 at which time they moved to Benezette, Pa. Here she was united in marriage to Joseph Miller July 2nd, 1865. The following year she and her husband moved to Linn County, Iowa and again in 1871 to Seward Co., Nebraska. In 1889 they came to Yuma County, formerly Arapahoe Co., Colorado where most of her remaining years were spent.
Ten children were born into the Miller home; James A.; John A.; Lillie M. Altig all of Boulder, Colo. William M. and Mrs. Laura T. McEvers of California; Mrs. Lettie M. Pickle of Fort Morgan, Colo., Asa J. Miller of Vernon, and Arch J. Miller of Wray.
Two daughters, Gertrude and Bertha preceeded their father and mother in death. On December 31, 1910, Mr. Miller passed away.
Following the death of her husband, Mrs. Miller spent her time visiting in the homes of her children. These were happy, carefree years. Being blessed with unusual health and cheerful disposition she got more out of life than is usually the privilege of one of her advanced years. A member of the Presbyterian Church since young girlhood, her splendid Christian character had developed from a life of loyal service. She was a faithful wife, a true friend and an ideal mother.
She passed away Saturday afternoon. May 30th, 1931, at 3:15 at the home of her son Arch in Wray, Colorado, the place she had called home for more than twenty years.
Besides her eight children she leaves to mourn her departure, a sister, Mrs. Clara Highlin of Los Angeles, Calif., sixteen grand children and nine great grandchildren, also a host of relatives and friends. "

ASA
February 1905 "Asa Miller of Vernon was in the city Monday, he coming over with his brother, John, who took the afternoon train for Boulder. John Miller has been visiting at Vernon since about Thankdgiving. He will soon leave Boulder for Denver where he expects to make his home."

May 1931 "Mrs. Rebecca Miller, aged mother of Arch and Asa Miller, was taken to the Wray hospital Saturday where she will be cared for for a few days, at least. Mrs. Miller, who is 86 years old, sustained injuries from a fall a few days ago, and while no bones were broken, she has nevertheless been quite uncomfortable. Mrs. Miller's many friends hope that she will be well enough to leave the hospital in a short time."

1912 " W. H. Whitenack of Bee, Neb., who was here a short time ago visiting his nephew Arch Miller and family, took a trip up into the mountains at Denver and Boulder, returning here Saturday. He left Sunday on No. 10 for his home."

October 1933 "A very unusual thing occurred at Fort Lupton last Friday. The funeral service of Mr. McEvers, brother in law of Arch and Asa Miller, was held at the Methodist church at that date and just at the close of the services the building was discovered to be on fire. As the funeral procession left the church, the fire department came upon the scene and quickly put out the fire. It is presumed that the fire was started by defective wiring of a pipe organ that was used in the service. There was no fire in the furnace of the church during the service so the building must have caught fire ns a result of faulty electric wires, it is said. Mr. and Mrs. Arch Miller, and Mr. and Mrs. Asa Miller attended the funeral service at the church."

"James Miller passed away at Boulder, Colorado on Sunday, December 10th, 1944. The deceased is a brother of Arch and Asa Miller of Wray. Mr. and Mrs. Arch Miller and Mr. Asa Miller went to Boulder this morning to attend funeral services for Mr. James Miller, which will be held in that city today."

January 1946 "Mr. and Mrs. Arch Miller, Mr. Willis Miller, and Mr. and Mrs. Asa Miller drove to Boulder Monday to attend the funeral service of Mr. Bob Altig, brother-in-law of Arch and Asa, and uncle of Willis. The services were held at 2 p. m. Monday afternoon. Mr. and Mrs. Orton Weaver and Mr. and Mrs. Harry Altig and son and daughter-in-law of Vernon also attended the services. The Miller party returned to Wray via Denver on Tuesday."

November 1947 "Mrs. Lillie Altig of Boulder, a sister of Asa Miller, died Saturday in Boulder. The lady, who is a former resident of near Vernon, had been an invalid since suffering a stroke a year and a half ago. Funeral services were held Wednesday afternoon and Mr. Miller went to Boulder by bus on Tuesday."

June 1949 "Funeral services were held in Denver Saturday morning at ten thirty for Frank Riley of Edgewater, a brother-in-law of Mr. and Mrs. Asa Miller of Wray. The deceased, 78, on July 13, is survived by his wife, a sister of Mrs. Miller, two sons and two daughters. The family homesteaded northwest of Vernon and later lived at Holly before going to Edgewater. Mr. and Mrs. Idler, who had spent the past ten days in Fort Collins and Boulder to be near the Rileys, returned home Sunday evening."

October 31, 1957 "A graveside burial service, conducted by the Rev. Willis Wisehart, was held at Glendale cemetery at Vernon Monday for William Miller, who died at San Marino, Calif. He was 85 years old. Funeral services had previously been held at San Marino. Mr. Miller, who is a brother of Asa Miller of Eckley, lived as a youth in the Vernon community. He had spent the greater part of his life in California.
Survivors include his wife, Mrs. Christina Miller; his brother, Asa Miller, and two sisters, Mrs. Lettie Pickle of Denver and Mrs. Laura McEvers of San Marino, Calif."


JAMES

James A. Miller BIRTH 13 Aug 1866 Iowa, DEATH 10 Dec 1944 Colorado, BURIAL Green Mountain Cemetery Boulder, Boulder County, Colorado, PLOT MEMORIAL ID 11110210.

JOHN

"John A. Miller of Boulder, a brother of Asa Miller of Ft. Collins, celebrated his 84th birthday on October 10, 1951, uniquely, if painfully. Mr. Miller fell while riding his bicycle and had to go to the hospital with bruises. He is now out of the hospital and was not seriously hurt. Riding his bicycle wasn't any birthday stunt. He rides his bicycle regularly as his favorite means of transportation."

"Graveside services for John A. Miller were held at Glendale cemetery Wednesday afternoon, May 15, 1957 at 3:00 p. m., with Rev. W. S. Ickler of the First Presbyterian church of Wray officiating. Mr. Miller was a brother of Asa Miller of Eckley. He died May 11, 1957, of a heart attack in Boulder, Colo. At the time of his death he was 89 years, seven months and one day of age.
John A. Miller was born at Blairstown, Oowa, on October 10, 1867, to Joseph A. and Rebecca Miller. In 1870 the family moved to the sandhills country of Nebraska where they homesteaded. In the fall of 1888 John came to Wray for health reasons. After his health improved he took up a homestead on the Arickaree river south of Wray. He first went to Boulder in 1895 and had lived there, off and on, since that time.
Funeral services were held Wednesday morning at Boulder.
He is survived by two brothers, Asa Miller of Eckley, and William M. Miller of Crompton, Calif.; two sisters, Mrs. Laura McEvers of San Monica, Calif., and Mrs. Lettie Pickle of Denver, and several nieces and nephews. Mrs. Oral Walbum of Wray is a sister-in-law." John A. Miller BIRTH 10 Oct 1867 Iowa, DEATH 1957 Colorado, BURIAL Glendale Cemetery Vernon, Yuma County, Colorado, MEMORIAL ID 79942646

LILLIE

Lillie May Miller Altig BIRTH Oct 1869 Iowa, DEATH 15 Nov 1947 BURIAL Green Mountain Cemetery Boulder, Boulder County, Colorado, PLOT MEMORIAL ID 11100133.

WILLIAM

William Michael Miller BIRTH 4 Mar 1872 Seward County, Nebraska, DEATH 24 Oct 1957 Lynwood, Los Angeles County, California, BURIAL Glendale Cemetery Vernon, Yuma County, Colorado, MEMORIAL ID 79942866.

LAURA

Laura Miller McEvers BIRTH 20 Nov 1878 DEATH 21 Oct 1963 BURIAL Forest Lawn Memorial Park Glendale, Los Angeles County, California, PLOT Ascension, Map E34, Lot 973, Space 4 MEMORIAL ID 85464161 .

GERTRUDE

Gertrude M. 'Gertie' Miller BIRTH 29 Oct 1881 DEATH 5 May 1896 Vernon, Yuma County, Colorado, BURIAL Glendale Cemetery Vernon, Yuma County, Colorado, MEMORIAL ID 79942572.

BEN

Benjamin Miller cash-claimed a quarter in section 22, 2S 44W in 1895.

April 1933 "Ben Miller, 52, proprietor of the Colorado Fruit & Vegetable Market here for the past two years, was fatally wounded about nine o'clock Saturday night when he resisted attempts of an unidentified stickup to rob him. The robber was described by Miller as being a tall, dark complexioned man 22 years of age and wearing a small moustache. He wore a checkered suit and gray hat. Altho robbery was the motive for the attack the gunman fled before obtaining any money. Discovery of the shooting was made by A. McCarty and Bert Copland who were passing the store a short time afterwards and heard Miller groaning. He was found lying just inside the doorway where he had fallen when the bullet struck him. Aid was summoned and the victim removed to the Kit Carson hospital where he died at 10:15 Sunday morning. Because of the nature of the wound removal of the bullet was not attempted. An autopsy held at Cheyenne Wells Sunday night. It was found that the bullet, a .32 caliber automatic slug, had struck Miller in the stomach and ranged downward, lodging in his hip. A coroner's inquest was held at Cheyenne Wells last night and a verdict of "death caused by person or persons unknown" was returned by the jury. Officers, who were summoned immediately after the shooting, are bending every effort toward an early solution of the case. Miller is survived by a widow and four daughters who reside in Denver anri a son. a brother and two sisters in Chicago. Illinois. His family was notified and one of his daughters was at his side when he died.
-Kit Carson Herald.
BEN PARKER

July 1904 Wray " Ben Parker came down from Ft. Morgan this week and has begun painting and papering Mr. H. H. Coston's house."

August 1907 "Ben Parker chaperoned a party of chicken hunters to the Wray country this week. We have not yet heard authentic reports of their doings while there, but our sympathies are with the prairie chickens, for the bunch are seconded only by Captain Hardy when it comes to making marks on the bullseye. And, too, Ben knows the haunts of the chickens as well as he does the stunts of the sash tool. While Ben is frisking around among the cacti and sagebrush, Mrs. Parker and the children are enjoying a visit with relatives in Wray.
Fort Morgan Herald.

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