Evening journal., 1902-06-11
DEATH BREAKS TRIO
OF AGED FARMERS
Joseph Miller Had Almost Reached
Century Mark When He Died
After Long Illness

Joseph Miller. who died on Thurs
day night of last week, was one of the
Oldest men in Delaware. He was SO
years and 10 months old, having been
born in Christiana hundred on Au-
gust 25, 1905. When a small child he
moved with his parents to Brandywine
hundred. where he lived until January
OF 1901. at which time he moved into
Wilmington with his wife and fam
lily. to spend his last days.
When a young man Mr.. Miller start
ed life as q carpenter, but after serv-I
ing several years apprenticeship at
that trade. was offered a position as
boss carpenter by the DuPonts, but
having bought a farm and being a.
married man. declined.
His first wife did not live long,
Robinson, by whom he had two chill
dren. At the time of taking this farm
it was a desolate spot, and of it Mr..
Miller once said: There was hardly
room enough to keep a horse and COW. ="
But by his untiring energy he made
of it a beautiful farm.
His first wife did not live long.
dying a short time after the birth of
her second child. Mr.. Miller then took
Sarah Garland for his wife. from whose
mother he purchased the farm. Eight
children blessed this union. He also
outlived his second wife.
Rebecca Turner. who survives Mr..
Miller. was his third wife, he having
married her over forty-eight years
ago, on November II, 1853. Mrs. Mil
Ter is twenty-seven years younger
than her husband. being 60 years old.
Out of twelve children two are now
nving, Miss Maria Miller and Mrs.
Hunter. wife of the Rev. I. B. Hun
ter.
Mr.. Miller attributed his longevity
to his strict temperance, having never
used tobacco nor liquor in his life.
Although Mr.. Miller had never suf-
fered a stroke of paralysis, he lost the
use OF his lower limbs about four years
ago. and had to be wheeled around for
year before his death.
Mr.. Talley was born on November Is,
1913. on the farm he now lives on.
The old log cabin in which he first saw
the light, was torn down and Mr.. Tai
ley's father built a stone house in its
stead. and Mr.. Talley remembers
wheeling some of the stone used in its
construction.
Mr.. Talley, notwithstanding his So
years, was found by a reporter for the
Evening Journal strOlling along the B.
& o. railroad. which runs a few feet
from his front door. He said: Il have
Fand raised here. Joseph Miller, who
lived across the railroad about a mile
was my great friend and l his. We
have lived in this neighborhOod fol
the past sixty years. and always kept
in touch with each other. George Mil
Ter. who lives down the tracks about Z
mile. is a younger brother, and he, too
is an old friend of mine"
Mr. Talley was married once. Hi.
wife. Sarah Stidham, who bore hin
five children. all married and living
died about fifteen years ago.
George Miller, Joseph's brother, WHIT
was born on November IL, 1911, anS
who is in his 91st year, is a remark
able man for his age He is able Il
walk around his farm, and has a clea,
memory. Mr.. Miller said he had lived
within a short distance of his brothe
anu Mr.. Talley most all his life. AM
that some pleasant incidents marked
the friendship of the trio. George Mil
Ter was married in 1884. his home be
Z ing blessed with nine children. five o
whom are living. there being but on
unmarried.