The Miami Union

January 25, 1912 

MILLER, MELVILLE W. - Melville W. Miller, the well known grain dealer of Piqua, died Monday noon at his home on West Ash street after only a week's illness of pneumonia.  Mr. Miller attended a meeting of the city council on Monday evening but complained at that time of not feeling well.  Tuesday evening he became worse and although everything was done to relieve his suffering, it was of no avail and he died Monday noon.  No man in Piqua had more friends than Melville Miller, and no death in Piqua in recent years has caused more sorrow than that of Mr. Miller.  In the grain business, he came in contact with many farmers and he had their respect and confidence.  Today scores of farmers expressed their sorrow in the death of Mr. Miller.  He was a quiet disposition, yet every where he went he made friends.  He was a self-made man and had a bright future before him.  Possessing keen business abilities and being of a social disposition, he was a factor in any kind of a gathering.  He was elected councilman of the third ward last November and on January first took his seat as a member of that body.  Had he lived he would have proved to have been a valuable member.  He was at the time of his president of the Ohio Grain Dealers' association, showing that he was held in high esteem by the grain dealers of Ohio.  He was an active member of the Piqua Club and Cosmopolitan Club; and earnest worker in the church, being a member of the official board of Green Street Methodist church.  He was a member of the Odd Fellows, Maccabees and Masons.  In the Masonic order he was especially prominent, being Past Master of Warren lodge and High Priest of the Piqua Chapter.  He was born at Carey, Ohio, on February 22, 1868, being the son of Reverend and Mrs. Miller.  He learned the grain business early in life and came to Piqua about 1890.  For a time he was in partnership with his brother-in-law, Geo. Harvey, conducting the Champion Feed mills.  In recent years he has been a partner of Daniel Spencer in the grain business, the firm being Spencer and Miller.  About six months ago, the firm was reorganized and incorporated, Lester R. Spencer becoming a member of the firm.  The firm name was then changed to the Spencer-Miller company.  Mr. Miller was secretary and treasurer of the company.  In the death of Melville Miller, his family feels their loss the greatest, for he was devoted to them and was most considerate and kind in his home.  Piqua loses one of its most substantial and popular citizens, the Piqua and Cosmopolitan clubs a valued member, the lodges one devoted to the cause, the Ohio Grain Dealers' association a worthy president, the farmers a true friend, the church an earnest worker, the city a valuable official and his associates in business a worthy associate.  His place in life will be difficult to fill.  No higher tribute can be paid him than to say he was a lovable and manly man.  In 1892 he was united in marriage to Miss May Bates of Piqua.  They have two children, Donald D. and Melville S.  He leaves besides these dear ones, one brother Reverend John W. Miller of Anna, two sisters, Mrs. Eva Harvey of Piqua and Mrs. W. Niswonger of Logansport, Indiana, and a host of friends.  The funeral was held Thursday afternoon at 2 o'clock in the Greene Street Methodist Episcopal church, Reverend Cherington officiating.  The funeral was conducted by Warren Lodge of Masons.  Interment in Forest Hill cemetery.       W. S. G.

typed as is: confusing - says died Monday noon yet explains what he did on Monday night & Tuesday

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