Miller, Jonathan A. (1869-1961)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1961 Jan 26 p. 2;

Birth date: 1869 Aug 16

text of obituary:"

FREEMAN PIONEER DIES AT AGE 91

Freeman, S. D. — Jonathan A. Miller, one of the few remaining pioneers to come to this area from Russia in 1874, died Jan. 12 at the Freeman Community Hospital at the age of 91.

Funeral services were conducted at the Salem-Zion Mennonite Church near here, of which he had been a member since 1886. He helped to build the first church in the Mennonite settlement here, was active in church work and was one of the founders of Freeman Junior College.

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Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1961 Feb 2 p. 8

text of obituary:

JONATHAN A. MILLER

Jonathan A. Miller, son of Jacob and Marie Schrag Miller, was born August 16, 1869 in Balinske County, Russia. In 1874, at the age of five years he with his parents, brothers and sisters migrated to America, settling in the East Freeman community in Turner County, S. D. here he lived the rest of his life, with the exception of the few years when he lived in Freeman.

Father's opportunity for education was limited. However, he learned to use English was well as the German language. Many of father's boyhood days were spent herding cattle. As a youngster he attended the singing gatherings as much as possible. Many were the trials of pioneer life that he experienced together with his parents. Numerous times he made trips to Yankton by ox team to bring home the family supplies.

Upon confession of his faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, he was baptized on July 18, 1886 by Rev. Christian Kaufman, and became a member of the Salem-Zion Mennonite Church of which he remained a faithful member until death.

In his boyhood days father was often called upon to take Rev. Christian Kaufman by horse and buggy to visit the sick in the settlement. These visits made a deep impression on him, and he often related these experiences to his children. He was active in church and helped to build the first church in the new settlement, where he also held numerous offices. he was instrumental in the founding of Freeman Jr. College.

On April 26, 1894 father was married to Anna Graber with whom he share life's joys and sorrows for 23 years, eight months, and 27 days. To this union ten children were born; one died in infancy. On Dec. 30, 1918 mother passed away, leaving father with nine children, the youngest a little over two years old. On Feb. 8, 1920 he was married to Anna Schrag, who did everything possible to make life enjoyable for him during the almost 41 years they were permitted to live together.

Father was a hard worker, dependable, prompt, and of cheerful disposition. His hospitality, friendliness and sense of humor won him many friends.

His health was exceptionally good throughout his life with the exception of one operation, and the last few years when he had diabetes. He often mentioned that he was enjoying his older years. On Sunday, Jan. 8, father had a good dinner with mother, and shortly afterward collapsed. The doctor was called and diagnosed it as a light stroke. He did not improve, and was taken to the Freeman Community Hospital on Wednesday morning. He passed into the beyond at 4:30 the following morning, Jan. 12, 1961.

He leaves to mourn his death his beloved wife, Anna; nine children, Mrs. Albert Waltner, Mrs. Lewis Waltner, Mrs. Edw. R. Waltner and Carl of Marion, Christ. and Levi of Freeman, Mrs. Selden Lacey of rural Sioux Falls, Mrs. Ernest Hiebert of Mountain Lake, Minn., and Walter of Mitchell; all the sons-in-law and daughters-in-law; 21 grandchildren; seven brothers-in-law, nine sisters-in-law; one sister, Mrs. Julius Miller of Freeman; and a host of relatives and friends.

Funeral services were conducted Jan. 15 at the Salem-Zion Mennonite Church by Rev. Olin Krehbiel. Burial was made at the church cemetery. — The Family.