James "Blackie" L Miller

J.L.

Friends and the community in general were shocked Sunday to learn of the death of James L. "Blackie" Miller, a resident of the northern part of this county for the past twenty years. Miller was stricken suddenly early Sunday morning and passed away forty minutes later before a doctor could be summoned.

Early this year the deceased had suffered from pneumonia, and his condition was in a generally weakened condition. Later he had infection spread in his right hand from a small wound and was unable to work for many weeks, Only a few days ago Miller had been in Lusk and spoke of his feeling much improved health and of his desire to start working again, Saturday evening he attended a dance in that community to act as floor manger for a neighbor and it was while he was at the community dance that he suffered a sudden sinking spell. Friends rushed him to the family home and every aid was possible for loving hands to give was administered in those few short minutes before he passed away.

James L. Miller was the son of Charles and Belle Golden Miller. He was born August 26, 1891 near Dayton, Wyoming and spent his early life in that community. For several years he followed the work in Wyoming oil fields and in 1919 he located at Mule Creek in northern Niobrara county where he was employed by the Ohio Oil company and later by Tom Smith. The deceased was 48 years and nine months old at the time of his death.

He was married November 22, 1920 to the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. E.O. Morris of that community, who with eight children are left to mourn his passing. The children are Dorothy, Paul, Fern, Charles, May, Betty, Billie and Harry. A step-daughter, Mrs. Eleanor Green of Cody and three grandchildren are also left to mourn his passing. Two children preceded their father in death.

Funeral services were held Tuesday afternoon at 2:30 o'clock, May 28th at the Peet Mortuary in Lusk with Rev. P.H. Evans officiating, Burial was made in the Lusk cemetery.

Pall bearers were Clarence Patten, Jas. Roberts, Wm. D. Miller, Clair S. Rice, Fred B. Campbell, O.P. Harnagel. A mixed quartet, composed of Mrs. H.J. Templeton, Mrs. A.B. DeCastro, J.M. Hungate and Ford B. Kuns sang "Going Down the Valley," and "The Old Rugged Cross." Mrs. C.E. Marvin was accompanist.

"Blackie" Miller as he was known throughout the county, was a kind and thoughtful husband and father. Even though faced with adverse conditions that would have lead many to dismay he continually looked on the brighter side of life. During the past several months he had suffered from sickness and injuries which kept him from his work. His eldest son was injured and it was necessary to amputate the youth's right leg, yet the father kept up his courage and fortitude and looked forward to better times the family had a right to enjoy.

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