John Miller

Info. donated by Barbara Peterson 8 Feb., 2010:

Roots Story and Obituary :

John and his family were part of a second group to migrate to Ohio. The entire party consisted of 52 persons including John's brothers, Jacob C. and Charles, and his widowed mother, Margaretha (Serfass) Miller. The trip, in covered wagons, took 23 days in 1843.

John was a farmer, owned two farms of 80 and 175 acres, and was one of the first to build a frame house in Norton Township.

In 1880 John Miller, age 77 born in PA, was living in Loyal Oak, Summit Co., Ohio, with his wife, Susannah Miller age 81 born in PA, and one daughter, Elizabeth Miller, age 56 born in PA, and still single. (1880 census, National Archives Film T9-1069, Page 328B)

John died at the home of his daughter, Mrs. John F. Seiberling (Catharine L. Miller), at 512 E. Market St., Akron, Ohio.

"Akron Beacon Republican"

Uncle John Miller Dies at His Daughter's Home in This City, Extreme Age Cause of Death

Mr. John Miller, a pioneer of Summit Co. and one of the oldest residents, died at 2 p.m. Friday at the home of his daughter, Mrs. John F. Seiberling, at 512 East Market St. He was 93 years old. In all his long life he had never been ill. Death resulted from a gradual wasting of organs of life. Time had done its work and it alone closed a well spent life.

Mr. Miller until five years ago was well and strong and up to that time managed the farm on which he settled upon coming to Ohio in 1843. But he commenced to feel the weight of years and grew feeble. He went to the home of his daughter, Mrs. Jesse Bechtel, near Loyal Oak where he remained until Mrs. Bechtel's health failed when he was brought to Akron, one year ago. He took to his bed about three weeks since and slowly sank to his last long rest.

He grew up to young manhood in the Northampton Penn area being born 15 Nov 1802. Married Susan Bauer. In 1843 with his wife and eight small children he emigrated to Ohio. In the party in which himself and family were members of six other familes. The entire party comprising 52 persons. The trip was made, of course, in wagons. It occupied 23 days. As was customary in those early days, stops were made at little settlements where the women were provided shelter in the homes of settlers. The men always slept in the wagons outside. In the party were two other brothers of Mr. Miller, Jacob C. and Charles. All but two of these emigrating families settled in Norton Township, others near Gilford, Medina Co. The oldest member of the party was Mr. Miller's mother, who died in 1869 at 92.

John settled on 177 acres and the farm was after his name sake. Under his hands it was productuve and was a pleasant home. Mr. Miller's hospitality was boundless. He was well known and popular among all classes. For years he had been familiarly called by those who knew him well, "Uncle John". His memory will live long for deeds of kindness and examples of excellence are not soon forgotten. He was one of the original members of the Lutheran Church at Loyal Oaks.