OBIT: Ansel B. MILLER, 1946, Springs, Somerset County, PA

File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by: Meyersdale Library.
Transcribed and proofread by: Richard Boyer.

Copyright 2007.  All rights reserved.
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ANSEL B. MILLER

  Ansel B. Miller of Springs, Pennsylvania, son of the late Simon S. and Lydia 
(Beachy) Miller, died in the Hazel McGilvery Hospital in Meyersdale on February 
26, 1946, after a lingering illness.  During his last year he was not in good 
health.  His condition finally becoming so serious that, late in November, he 
entered Presbyterian Hospital, Pittsburgh, for observation and treatment.  His 
case was pronounced hopeless, and in January he was removed to the hospital in 
Meyersdale, where he had every care until he died.
  Ansel Miller was born near Springs on June 8, 1888, and at the time of his 
death was aged 57 years, 8 months and 18 days.  He was a member of the Springs 
Mennonite Church.  He was unmarried and lived all his life on the home farm of 
his father.
  A painter by trade, he also did work along horticultural lines, such as 
planting trees and shrubs, pruning and grafting.  Though quiet, unobtrusive, 
almost shy in disposition, Ansel had certain talents and hobbies that gave him a 
unique and useful place in his community.  He was interested in photography, and 
was often called upon to take group pictures, or to make lantern slides of local 
photographs for use at school programs.
  He was a great nature lover, birds being his specialty.  In fact, he was an 
authority on birds and their habits, as well as on wild flowers and plant life.  
He made bird feeders for his friends, and he played a large part in the planting 
of the shrubbery on the school ground.  He was also very original, and had 
marked literary ability.  Under the name of "The Bird Crank", he regularly 
contributed articles on bird life to the little Somerset publication known as 
"The Mountaineer".
  Some years ago he wrote a very interesting history of Springs for a community 
program.  This history is still prized by local citizens.  He was always 
obliging, generous with his talents, and ready to do a favor for anyone that 
asked it.  Because of these qualities, and the gifts that seemed peculiar to him 
alone, he will be sadly missed by his friends and the entire community.
  Ansel is survived by his mother and the following brothers and sisters: Allen, 
of Meyersdale; Effie (Mrs. Mark Bender), Salisbury; Anna (Mrs. Olsen Bender), 
Springs; Claude, Johnstown, Pa.; and Ernest, Lancaster, Pa.
  Funeral services were conducted in the Springs Mennonite Church on Thursday 
morning, February 28, with Rev. Roy Otto in charge, assisted by Rev. Roy 
Kinsinger.  Interment in the Springs cemetery, under the direction of William 
Winterberg, Grantsville mortician.

Meyersdale Republican, March 7, 1946