OBIT: Gideon D. MILLER, 1941, Elk Lick Township, Somerset County, PA

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

Copyright 2009.  All rights reserved.
http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm
http://www.usgwarchives.net/pa/somerset/
________________________________________________

GIDEON D. MILLER

Exemplary Citizen, Minister of the Gospel, Well-Known Inventor and Manufacturer, 
Enters Upon His Final Sleep

By P. L. Livengood

  Gideon D. Miller, of Elk Lick Township, long a resident and manufacturer at 
what is known as Upper Springs, finished his earthly career at his home there, 
Sunday, April 6, 1941, at the age of 78 years, 6 months and 15 days.  He was a 
son of Daniel J. and Lucretia (Fuller) Miller, and was born on the farm now 
known as the Amos Yoder farm, near Springs.
  On the 29th of last month he had a heart attack and a light paralytic stroke, 
and his condition at once became critical, and still more so when he became 
unconscious, Thursday night, April 3rd, and so remained until his gentle spirit 
took its flight.
  His health began to fail several years ago, and in January, 1939, he underwent 
an operation in major surgery, on account of prostate trouble, from which he 
recovered sufficiently to be up and about, and look after his business affairs 
for a year and a half, spending a portion of time on most of the days in the 
machine shop which he established near his home, and in which he worked for many 
years.
  Mr. Miller is survived by his three sons, Dwight L., Myron G. and Aaron G., 
all residents of Springs, and by eight grandchildren, also by the following 
brothers and sisters: William D. of Salem, Ohio; Ulysses D. of Meyersdale; 
Melinda, wife of F. W. Bender; and Anna L., both of Springs; Edward D. of 
Inwood, W.Va.; Clarence D. of Elizabeth, Pa.; Minnie, wife of Fred Lohr, of 
Lancaster, Pa., and Cora, wife of Charles Shoemaker, of Scottdale, Pa.  He was 
preceded in death by his wife, Katy Otto Miller, Nov. 5, 1940, also by one 
brother and two sisters, namely, Milton D. Miller, Lydia, wife of J. H. Bender, 
and Sally, wife of D. H. Bender.  His father died in 1920, and his mother in 
1927.
  Mr. and Mrs. Miller were united in marriage Feb. 15, 1891.  He was ordained as 
a minister of the Mennonite Church, Nov. 13, 1891, and served his church in that 
capacity until no longer physically able to do so a little more than two years 
ago.  He was a resident of Springs, Pa., ever since his marriage.
  Soon after reaching the age of 21 years, Mr. Miller engaged in the well-
drilling business in partnership with William S. Miller, of Meyersdale.  The 
firm drilled many wells in Somerset County, Pa., and Garrett County, Md.  A few 
years later he operated a sawmill in his home vicinity, in partnership with John 
W. Folk, late of Grantsville, Md.  In 1894 he built the Miller Machine Works at 
Springs for general repairing, and the building of various kinds of machinery 
and other things for which there was a demand, including a few traction engines 
of his own invention.
  In 1902 he became superintendent of the Improved Traction Engine Company, 
later known as the Twentieth Century Manufacturing Company, at Boynton, Pa., and 
was in charge of the mechanical part of that business for nearly 20 years.
  In 1917, Mr. Miller, in partnership with his sons Dwight and Myron, took 
charge of the Miller Machine Works at Springs, and added much to its equipment 
as time went on, manufacturing such things as special side-pocket evaporating 
equipment for use in maple sugar production, high-pressure steam boilers, under-
mounted steam traction engines, uger type coal cutting machines and other things 
of the senior partner's own invention.  Aaron, his youngest son, was also taken 
into the firm some years ago.
  Mr. Miller's home in Springs, built nearly 50 years ago, and the machine shop 
were both built of lumber he sawed himself, and did most of the building with 
his own hands.  He was also the first person in his home community to add modern 
improvements to his home, such as a steam heating plant, running water and 
bathroom equipment.  He was a good plumber, without instruction from anyone 
else, and a born mechanical genius.
  The writer never knew a man of more kindly and helpful impulses, and on 
account of his extreme good nature, his fellowmen profited more in a financial 
way than he did himself, and it has been truly said that success in life means 
more than financial wealth.  Elk Lick Township never had a more useful citizen, 
or one who led a cleaner life morally than Gideon D. Miller.  His death has 
brought sadness into the hearts of many who knew him and were benefited and 
helped by him. 
  The writer has mentioned many things in this obituary, not because Mr. Miller 
ever craved notoriety or praise, but because it shows what a country boy can do 
without wealth to back him, if he wishes to become a useful man.  Mr. Miller was 
all of that, also a kind and loving son, husband and father.
  Funeral services were held in the Springs Mennonite Church at 2:30 p.m., 
Wednesday, April 9th, in charge of Rev. S. G. Shetler of Johnstown, Pa., 
assisted by Rev. Roy Otto of Springs.  The pallbearers were ministers of his 
church who had done religious work with him.
  Mr. Miller's mortal remains were laid to rest in the Springs Cemetery, under 
the direction of Mortician William Winterberg of Grantsville, Md.  A large 
concourse of sorrowing relatives and friends attended the funeral and burial.

Meyersdale Republican, April 10, 1941