OBIT: John A. MILLER, 1932, Summit Mills, Somerset County, PA File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by: Meyersdale Library. Transcribed and proofread by: Richard Boyer. Copyright. All rights reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm http://www.usgwarchives.net/pa/somerset/ ________________________________________________ JOHN A. MILLER Elder John A. Miller died at his home at Summit Mills, Monday afternoon, July 18th, at the age of 91 years, 3 months and 9 days. Death came after several months illness from a complication of diseases. He was the son of the late John P. and Anna Beachy Miller, and was born at Cove, Garrett County, Md. He was one of the oldest and most esteemed citizens of this section. Mr. Miller was a retired farmer and preacher. He received his education in the public schools and normal schools. Thirteen years of his life he spent in the teaching profession, holding positions in Maryland, Pennsylvania and Iowa. Early in life he joined the Church of the Brethren. In 1865 he was drafted for military service, but being a firm believer in the doctrine of peace, as taught by Christ, he paid $1400 (all his earnings to that time) to secure exemption from military duty. In 1870 he was elected to the ministry. Although the clergy of his church at that time served without pay, he gave himself to study and diligent service, riding horseback as much as 24 miles a Sunday to fill two pulpits. He farmed to support his family. At the time of the division of the church, he cast his lot with the "Progressives," the newly organized Brethren Church. He was instrumental in the organization of the Summit Mills Brethren Church, and became its first elder. In 1887 he retired from his agricultural pursuits, and devoted most of his time to the church and the Sunday School, of which he was superintendent for 35 years. He spared neither time nor money to make the work succeed. He was 78 years old before he resigned from this work, insisting that a younger man should take his place. Elder Miller was a loyal supporter of all church projects. Meyersdale Republican, July 21, 1932