GEORGE MARTIN MILLER AND EMILY LAVINA WILLIAMS ~~~ Pioneers of the Month ~ March 2025

 

George M. Miller: bottom right

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Letter written by Mina Miller and found in Mable J Palmer's genealogy papers

Contributed By

My name is Mina Miller. I was the 5th child in a family of nine. 4 boys 5 girls. My memory goes back when I was about 6 and started to school. My teacher was Ely Day. The children would stand round a table and teacher taught us letter's and figures - such as- a-b-c-d. 1-2-3-4-etc. Later add then multiply and divide. We lived7 blocks from school house. In winter and deep snow my Father would get out horses hitch them to the wagon and take us all to the school house. Of course all neighbor children were usually ready to climb up in the wagon.

From year to year school houses were built and more school teachers came.

Our home was a large house. 8 rooms, kitchen 16 by 24 feet. 5 rooms on first floor. 4 bedrooms on the 2nd floor( we call it upstairs)In those days on the 1st floor was a bedroom for guests.

There were 4 fireplaces in the house--No heating stoves at this time. There were no grates in those days. We had rocks and used pine logs. Logs were laid on the rocks. Our cook stove was large - 6 lid stove and large oven. Cedar wood was used in cook stoves. Our Mother and Father always wanted us to bring our friends home, and not walk the streets. As we all grew older, many evenings our home would be crowded with young folks. Ages in different rooms.

Father was very strict. All friends whom were up to 16 years should leave at 9 pm. Later because of our age, at 11 pm it was time to all go home, or keep very quiet as no one could sleep if it was noisy after 10 pm.

We were all compelled to go to school. We were never compelled to go to church.

Mother was the kindest and most understanding mother of all our friends in those days. Young people between age 10 to 14 would put on "Plays" or "theaters". We had a very large living room. All the youngsters in that part of town would come to see the theaters. Boards from the outside would make seats. Often children 8 to 12 would come. There was no charge.

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Death Summons Martin Miller Martin George Miller, who had iIved in American Fork for the past three years, died here April 9, following a lingering illness. The love and respect which the members of this and surrounding communities have for Mr. Miller and his family was shown by the large attendance of friends and the beautiful floral offerings at the services held in the Second ward chapel Tuesday afternoon. Bishop Joseph H. Storrs conducted the services. The opening song, When First the Glorious Light of Truth", was sung by the mixed chorus of the Second ward. Ludwig Larson of the Highland ward offered the opening prayer. Katie Parker, granddaughter of George Miller, read a sketch of his life which had been written by Bishop Andrew FJeld of Lehi. Bishop Andrew Fjeld of Lehi and Bishop Cornwall of Salt Lake City were the speakers. The mixed chorus sang "My Father," and Bishop Storrs gave a few closing remarks. The closing song, "Christians Goodnight," was sung by Mrs. Clifford E. Young. Bishop Jerling of Highland offered the benediction. The grave in the Lehi cemetery was dedicated by President Virgil Peterson of the Lehi stake. Mr. Miller is survived by his widow and the following sons and daughters: Mrs. Mary L. Gordon, Lloyd and Miss Myra Miller, American Fork; Mrs. Fern Kirk, Orem; Mrs. Jessie Jackson and Mrs. Ruby White, Salt Lake City; Mrs. Maud Greenland, Highland; Mrs. Delia Hatch, Woods Cross; also four brothers and sisters, Alma and Frank Miller, Mrs. Lottie Parker and Mrs. Elma Parker, Canada, and 26 grandchildren.