Chapter 6

David was a fine fellow; as honest as the day was long. He had been to me a father and brother, both. Bishop Lillywhite of Beaver said, "David Miller is a wonderful character, honest, and straight, took advantage of nobody and wanted no one to take advantage of him." (When it is said of a man, "He is honest", there is nothing else to say.)

In 1894, another bit of sunshine stole into our home; we called her Ruth. A year later in April we, a party of about fifty men, worked our way up to the head of Green River, known as Roy's Ranch. We were playing the part of "Prospectors", out in search of gold. There was no fortune awaiting us, however, for all we found was colors, a light floating substance that paid us nothing, and we returned in May.

Through the years up until 1898, I did general work, teaming and contracting. In 1989 to 1900, I worked for the City under Mayor John Clark with Samuel Seddon as road supervisor.

I also served the City under Ezra Thompson, Mayor for the following four years. Peter S. Condie was the new road supervisor. He was succeeded by Richard P. Morris and for two more years I stayed with the city, and Samuel Sedded.

It was Spring now of 1906 when I purchased a team of horses from Hyrum Newton and worked that summer for a contractor by the name of Birch, who was laying side walks. In the following season, Fall, I went to work at the Portland Cement Works. For ten years I labored here with Samuel Sneddon, Jr.

At this time I sold my home located at Sixth South and Second West Street and purchased the one I am still enjoying on Washington, 950, (in the Thirtieth Ward.)

At the age of sixty, I retired from all kinds of heavy public work.

My good wife was with me until a Friday morning in March 21, 1924. She had been ailing for about a year but did not get real bad until two months before she passed away. She rests in our beautiful City Cemetery.

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Yes, John Miller, up until now you have worked hard (the outside ma of you). Today, while he is in retirement, that other man (in you) is hard at work.

And when we do not see you in your place at Church, we know that you are ill, or perhaps taking your vacation (out of town). For nothing else has kept you away.

And we have appreciated you, John Miller, I think more than you know, and I speak for everyone in the Thirtieth Ward, because all are your friends; all.

The hours you've spent, the tickets you've sold, the dollars you've given away, every bit of missionary work you have done has been edged with the smile of appreciation. And, perhaps you have known it not. You have been a friend to the poor, the discouraged, the wayward; all the children love you.

You are an honest man, and when it is said of a man; "He is Honest", really there is not much more to say, is there? You and your good wife have reared a fine family of boys and girls, haven't you?" You are proud of them, as you were of their mother, for one day you told me, a long time ago, that there wasn't a finer looking woman in all the valley, and I believe it because children are an advertisement for their parents.

Chapter 1