Isaac William Miller (1852-1929)

Isaac William Miller was born in Buchanan county, Iowa, September 23, 1852, and died July 18, 1929, at the age of 76 years, 9 months and 25 days at his home seven miles east of Momence.

He was the youngest of six children born to Robert and Lily Miller, all but one having passed away several years ago.

He was married December 15, 1874, to Margaret Buche, who survives to mourn his loss. Theirs was a beautiful, harmonious wedded life with an unusually strong bond of love and understanding enduring through their joys and sorrows of 54 years, They had celebrated their golden wedding four years ago last winter.

To this union seven children were born, one daughter and six sons. Their only daughter and one son died in 1882 at the ages of seven and five years. Five sons survive: Harry of Momence; Daniel of Blue Island; Eldon of Lowell; George, of Steger; and Loren of Momence.

In early life the deceased united with the Christian church at Saunemin, Ill., later transferring his membership to the church at Sherburnville.

A year ago the deceased fell ill and on October 1 was obliged to give up his work. From that time on he grew worse, suffering intensely, his death being caused by an internal cancer. In spite of physical handicaps which would have discouraged many stronger and younger men, he met life courageously.

He was a kind and loving and devoted husband and father, a true friend and a dependable neighbor. His demeanor was quiet and unassuming and he was beloved and respected by all who were fortunate enough to come to know him intimately.

The deceased was a member of the M.W. of A. for several years.

Besides his wife and five sons he leaves to mourn his departure, 13 grand children, three great grand children and one sister, Mrs. Clarinda Cleary of Saunemin, Ill., and a host of nieces and nephews.

The deceased was janitor of the Oakland school at the time he took sick and was well known to the people at Belshaw where he lived.

Funeral services were held from the Christian church at Sherburnville at 2 o'clock Sunday, July 21, J.E. Poer, pastor of the Christian Church at Lowell, officiating. The Modern Woodmen attended in body and took charge of the services at the grave. The body was interred in the Sherburnville cemetery.