Miller, Irvin

Irvin Miller
May 15, 1868-March 20, 1916


    Irvin Miller, one of the most prominent and highly respected residents of the west side, died suddenly at his home about 11 o'clock last evening before a physician could be summoned.
    Mr. Miller, who has for several years been employed at the Laberteaux grocery store, was around as usual yesterday attending to his customary duties at the store, and in the evening attended the prohibition mass meeting at the tabernacle, which was addressed by Prof. Burton Rockwood in the interest of state wide prohibition.
    Returning to his home at 601 Grant street Mr. Miller prepared to retire for the, but had little more than gone to bed when he was seized with a heart attack.  He was able to arouse the family, but his daughters had scarcely time to answer his call when the end came before a physician could be summoned.
    Mrs. Miller was away from home at the time, being in attendance upon a sick person at the Howe farm, a mile south of Buchanan.  She was notified by telephone of the sad tragedy in her own home and she made the drive to Niles immediately, arriving here in about 30 minutes after being notified of her husband's sudden death.
    The death of Mr. Miller occurring so suddenly gave his wide circle of friends and admirers a great shock when the news became known this morning.  The fact that he had been attending to his daily duties as usual warranted the belief that he was in a fair state of health, although a friend observed yesterday that while walking on the street he had his hand over his heart as if he might have a pain or distress of some kind.
    Mr. Miller's life was devoted to high ideals. He supported every moral issue, and was a recognized pillar of the Grant street Evangelical church of which he had been one of the most active and loyal supporters since the erection of the edifice ten years and more ago.  He attended the district conference regularly as a lay delegate, and last year as a just recognition of his devotion to the church he was sent to San Francisco as one of the accredited Michigan delegates to the national convention of the association.  He was accompanied by Mrs. Miller and they spent several weeks visiting the scenic points of interest on the coast.
    The deceased is survived by his widow and four children.  The latter are the Misses Ilah, Martha and Genevieve, and one son Thomas, all residing at home.
    Mr. Miller was born at Mendon, Michigan, May 15, 1868.  He was married at Mendon to Miss Pearlie Hallam Nov. 10, 1892. One of their five children died in infancy. Besides his immediate family Mrs. Miller is survived by his aged mother, Mrs. Margaret Miller, who resides at Mendon, one brother, J.W. Miller, Mendon, and two sisters, Mrs. Perrin Heimbaugh, of Mendon, and Mrs. Harry Garman of Parkville, Mich.
    The funeral services will be held at the Evangelical church Thursday morning at 10:30, the Rev H.I. Voelker of Portage Prairie officiating. The burial will take place at Silver Brook cemetery, this city.

(Source; Niles Daily Sun, Tuesday, March 21, 1916, page 1, col. 5, microfilm Niles District Library)



    The funeral services for the late Irvin Miller were held this morning from the Evangelical church in which he had been active ever since coming to Niles and had been superintendent of the Sunday School in that church for a number of years.
    Rev Voelker of the evangelical church on Portage Prairie, conducted the service in the presence of a gathering of friends that completely filled the church edifice.  Miss Frances Whetstone, accompanied by Miss Lardner sang, "Asleep in Jesus" and "Peace, Perfect Peace".
    Rev. E.M. Renner, pastor of the Evangelical church; Rev. R.A. Wright of the Methodist church and Rev. Frye, pastor of the Evangelical church in Buchanan, assisted in the services.
    The following acted as pallbearers:  Walter Martin, Dan Nieb, Andrew Madison, H.B. Laberteaux, William Edwards and Fred Scheiback.
    The casket was covered with beautiful floral tributes.
    Interment occurred at Silver Brook cemetery.
    Among those from out of the city who attended the services were Mr. and Mrs. John Miller and son, Ralph, Mr. and Mrs. Harry Garman, Mr. and Mrs. P.H. Heimbaugh, Mrs. Margaret Miller, Mr. and Mrs. Roy Hallum, Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Hallum, all of Mendon, Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Miller, of Hinchman, Mr. and Mrs. Lloyd Miller of Vicksburg.

(Source: Niles Daily Sun, Thursday, March 23, 1916, page 1 col 5, microfilm Niles District Library)