The Hope pioneer. [volume] (Hope, N.D.) 1882-1964, 1886-09-24
OBITUARY..

Died-Sunday afternoon at 5:2O O'Clock. Of
dysentery, Rev. Oliver P. Miller, aged 56 years.
Rev. Oliver P. Miller was born July 18th,
1881, in Baltimore county, Maryland. When
hve or six years old, his father died. His
mother, after marrying second time, removed
to Pennsylvania, and subsequently to Indiana,
where Mr.. Miller lived till nearly of age. His
mother was very pious woman, of good mind
and strong characteristics He was devoted to
his mother, and since her death, in the earlier
years of his manhood, has cherished her men,
ory. He early gave his heart to the Saviour,
and united with the Disciple Church when only
twelve years old. His education and prepara-
ton for the mininstry were completed at
Hiram college, Ohio, where he was classmate
OF the late President Garfield. He began
preaching in neighboring churches while yet
in college, but his first pastoral charge was at
Ravenna, Ohio. In 1861 lie married Miss
Whitsett, Of Pennsylvania, who lived only a
few months. In 1866 he married Miss Julia
H. Bryan, OF Louisville, Kentucky, who with
their son, William O. Miller, survives him.
From some time previous to this marriage,
until 1876, his home was In Kentucky. Here
he was connected with several educational in
stitutions, among which were Jefferson college,
near Louisville, and seminary at Richmond,
Kentucky. At these places he had charge of
both the institution and the church. He after
ward had charge Of churches at Wheeling,
West Virginia, La Porte, Indiana, and Iowa
City, Iowa. At the latter place his health
failed, and he was compelled to give up all
study and pastoral work. From Iowa City he
removed to Hope in April, 1884, purposng to
engage in farming and missionary labors.
No opportunity offering for missionary work
IN his own denomination, he was called to fill
the pulpit Of the Congregational church Of this
place, which he had done regularly and very ac-
ceptably for the past two winters, the summers
being given to his large farming interests.
He was actively engaged in the management
Of his farm up to Saturday evening, August
2Sth, when he finished threslling his crop Of
wheat On Sabbath morning following lie at
tended church as usual, but during the follow
ing night was taken sick at his residence, one
mile east Of town. The family being at the
time absent at the farm on section seven, north
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son returning about 11:S0 o'clock Monday
morning, found him suffering from severe
congestive chill, and at once summoned the
physician and Mrs. Miller. All was done for
him that medical skill and devoted love could
suggest, but without avail. On Sabbath after
noon, September 10th, at $40 O'Clock, he
quietly and peacefully passed to that rest which
has been prepared for the faithful sons Of God.
1t Is worthy Of note that his death occurred on
the anniversary Of the death of James A. Gar
field, his personal friend and college casslnate.
Mr.. Miller was man of fine intellect, broad
scholarship and superior culture. In his death
tho community suffers severe loss. Through
out his painful illness he evinced the utmost
patience and Christian fortitude; and he re.
tanned his mental faculties with remarkable
clearness to tho end. The stricken family have
the sympathy OF the entire community. The
funeral services occurred at one O. clock Tuesday
afternoon, September 21st, at his home The
remains, which were laid to rest for the pres
ent on little knoll short distance from the
family residence, will be ultimately removed
to Louisville, Kentucky.