Miller, Elias R. (1856-1934)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1934 Mar 28 p. 2

Birth date: 1856

text of obituary:

Elias R. Miller

Elias R. Miller, aged 78, died Saturday afternoon, February 24, at 3:40 o’clock at his home at Fentress, Virginia, after a long illness. Mr. Miller was one of the best-known and esteemed members of the Mennonite colony. He was the pioneer settler, 35 years ago and around him grew the colony which now numbers possibly a hundred families, and was among the most successful farmers and merchants of that section of Norfolk County. He took a keen interest in the agricultural conditions of the community, always striving to develop better land, better farm methods, better livestock, better seed and more profitable marketing. To the end of better marketing he conceived the idea of better preparation of the products to be offered.

In addition to being a progressive farmer, he engaged in livestock raising, and despite the fact that this section of the State is held not naturally adapted to this purpose, he made a success of the undertaking. Mr. Miller was a member of the Norfolk County Advisory Agricultural Board and also was engaged in the mercantile business at Fentress. Since retiring from business and farming Mr. Miller had engaged in keeping bees and traveling. He was a charter member of the Mennonite congregation and was active in its organization and founding.

Mr. Miller was a native of Long Green Valley, near Baltimore, and was reared in Union County, Pa. His parents were John O. and Barbara Riehl Miller. He taught school for a number of years in his young manhood in Ohio and Missouri.

Surviving him are his wife, Mrs. Elizabeth Hartzler Miller; four sons, Dwight l., Ernest H., Marvin E. and J. Clarence Miller; one daughter, Mrs. Clayton Bergey, of Fentress; one brother, Jonas Y. Miller, of Hartford, Kan.; three sisters, Mrs. Phillip Hoch, of Hartford, Kan.; Mrs. Fannie Warfel, of Fentress; Mrs. Harry Kahlo, of Los Angeles, and three grandchildren. — Exchange.