 |
| Robert William "Bob" Miller |
At the age of 23, Robert married Dora Ann Callis on 10 January 1903. That ceremony also included the marriage of Dora’s twin sister, Cora Ann to Charles Elmore Nichols.
Robert and Dora Ann (Mimi), had 10 children, all born in
Arkansas. Elisha True Miller, James Herbert Miller and John Hershel Miller who
were twins, Cora Margaret Miller, Dick Clifford Miller, Donald Robert Miller,
Violet Maxine Miller, Winnie Ruth Miller, Robert William Miller and Jesse
Kennedy Miller. They also raised their niece, Blanche Ping, daughter of
Margaret Elizabeth Miller and Otis Warren Ping. Blanche’s mother had died
shortly after her birth and her father died 2 years later.
In August of 1924, Robert Miller and John Miller families
moved nearby to Crescent City, Del Norte County in Northern California and a year later, Robert and
Dora settled in Ojai, Ventura County, California.
Memories of his father by Robert William Miller Jr.: "Dad nearly always had a pipe in his mouth. He had three convenience stores/gas stations and one of them now has a pizza parlor in it."
Memories of his father by Robert William Miller Jr.: "Dad nearly always had a pipe in his mouth. He had three convenience stores/gas stations and one of them now has a pizza parlor in it."
Robert passed away on 30 January 1933 in Ojai at the age of
53 of heart failure and is buried in the Ivy Lawn Cemetery, Ventura County,
California.
From the booklet, Robert William Miller, Dora Ann Callis and their descendants; compiled in June 1980 by Margot Mason Stockstill: "The Millers came to America in the mid 1700's from Aberdeen, Scotland where they had married into the families of Gordon and Elliot. In America our line of Millers married with the Art, Kennedy and Ping families before our Robert William married Cora Ann Callis.
Robert William Miller was a hardworking man. He worked in a vinegar plant in Rogers, Ark. and later managed a plant in Centerton, Ark. For a while he and a neighbor, Mr. Perry, drilled water wells. He bought a half interest in the Centerton Hardware Store which he operated until the family moved to California.
While in Crescent City, Ca. he was a carpenter and he ran a fruit ranch while the family lived in Suisun. In Ojai he leased an apricot ranch and then later owned a little store with a service station at the foot of Dennison Grade.
Robert died in Ojai while he was working for the county during the Depression. He had "a good head for math" as my mother says, and a beautiful bass voice."
______________________________________________
RECORDS
Robert William Miller
1880 - Willow Hill, Jasper, IL
1900 - Dickson, Benton, AR
1910 - Garland, Benton, AR
1920 - Garland, Benton, AR
1930 - Ojai, Ventura, CA
James Miller 39 IL OH OH Farmer
Mary 37 IN KY KY
Alwilda Higgins 18 IL KY IN Step-daughter
Minnie Higgins 16 IL KY IN Step-daughter
Nancy Higgins 12 IL KY IN Step-daughter
Albert Miller 7 IL IL IN
Alphon 3 IL IL IN
Robert 7/12 IL IL IN
--------------------
James Miller moved his family to Arkansas around 1884, prior to birth of son John.
--------------------
22 June 1900 census of Dickson, Benton County, AR, found the Miller family living in dwelling #177. James and Mary said that they had been married 29 years and 8 of their 12 children were still living:
James D. Miller 12/1839 60 IL OH IL Farmer
Mary E. 3/1884 56 IN KY KY
Alphon 1/1877 23 IL IL IN Farm laborer
Robert W. 11/1879 20 IL IL IN Farm laborer
John 9/1884 15 AR IL IN Farm laborer
Maggie 10/1896 13 AR IL IN
--------------------
"Arkansas, County Marriages, 1837-1957," R W Miller, 1903
name:R W Miller
Event:Marriage
Event date:11 Jan 1903
Event place:, Benton, Arkansas, United States
Age:23
Estimated birth year:1880
Residence:Hiwassee, Benton, Arkansas
Spouse:Dora Callis
Spouse's age:19
Spouse's estimated birth year:1884
Spouse's residence:Calis, Benton, Arkansas
Marriage license date:10 Jan 1903
Page:294
Film number:1034662
Digital folder number:004401667
Image number:00542
Source Citation: "Arkansas, County Marriages, 1837-1957," index and images, FamilySearch, R W Miller and Dora Callis, 1903.
--------------------
18 April 1910 census of Garland, Benton county, AR, found the Miller family living in dwelling #32. Robert and Dora said that they had been married 7 years and 4 of their 5 children were still living:
Robert W. Miller 30 IL IL IL Farmer
Dora N. 26 AR AR TN
Herbert J. 5 AR IL AR
Hershell J. 5 AR IL AR
Maggie C. 2 AR IL AR
Unnamed son 0/12 AR IL AR
--------------------
In his WWI Draft Registration Card dated 12 Sept 1918, Robert William Miller said that he was born 1 Nov 1879. He was living with his wife, Dora Miller, in Centerton, Benton County, AR, where he was a self-employed merchant.
"United States, World War One Draft Registration Cards, 1917-1918," Robert William Miller
Name:Robert William Miller
Event:Draft Registration
Registration date year range:1917-1918
Event place:Benton County, Arkansas, United States
Gender:Male
Birth date:01 Nov 1879
Birthplace:, , United States
Country of citizenship:United States
Nara publication title:World War I Selective Service System Draft Registration Cards
Nara publication number:M1509
Film number:1522737
Digital folder number:005150418
Image number:01444
Source Citation: "United States, World War One Draft Registration Cards, 1917-1918," index and images, FamilySearch, accessed 15 Aug 2012), Robert William Miller, .
--------------------
23 Jan 1920 census of Garland, Benton County, AR, found the Miller family living in dwelling #50 on Fourth Street:
R. W. Miller 40 IL IL IN Salesman - H.W.D.
Dora 36 AR AR TN
Hurbert 14 AR IL AR Twin
Herschell 14 AR IL AR Twin
Maggie 12 AR IL AR
Dick 9 AR IL AR
Donald 7 AR IL AR
Maxine 3 AR IL AR
Ruth 1 6/12 AR IL AR
Blanche Pitts 13 IL IL AR Niece
J. D. Miller 80 IL OH IL Father, Widowed
--------------------
Mildred Miller said that the John Miller and Robert Miller families all went to California together, leaving from Southwest City, MO, and traveling through Oklahoma, Kansas and eventually Oregon. They finally arrived in California in August of 1924. She said that Louoma's mother was a Callis, as was Robert Miller's wife.
--------------------
26 April 1930 census of District 19, Ojai, Ventura County, CA, found the Miller family living in dwelling #344. Robert and Dora said that they were first married at ages 23 and 19 respectively. Living nearby were Dora's father, John H. Callis (76) and brothers Claude (40) and George (45) and their families:
Robert W. Miller 50 IL IL IN Operator - Service station
Dora 46 AR AR TN
Herbert 26 AR IL AR Rancher - Fruit ranch
Dick 20 AR IL AR Rancher - Fruit ranch
Donald 18 AR Il AR Gardener - Private home
Maxine 14 AR Il AR
Ruth 12 AR IL AR
R. W. 9 AR IL AR
J. K. 5 AR IL AR
--------------------
Obituary - Robert W. Miller, a resident of Centerton for many years, died at his home in Ojai, Calif., January 30, 1933 of heart failure. He was 53 years of age. Burial was made at the Ivy Lane cemetery at Ventura. Mr. Miller was associated with Joe Rakes in the former Centerton Hardware Co. for several years. Besides his widow Dora C. Miller, he is survived by six sons, Richard, Donald, Robert W., Jr., and J. K. Miller of Ojai, California, Hershell Miller of Maryland, and Hubert Miller of Arkansas. Also by three daughters Mrs. Margaret Catterlin and Ruth and Maxine Miller of the home. He also raised a niece, Mrs. Blanche P. MacDonald whom he dearly loved. (Benton County Record & Democrat, Sun 2/23/1933)
--------------------
ROBERT MILLER - Obituaries and Funeral Program
Masonic funeral services for Robert W. Miller who died suddenly Monday noon of heart failure were held from the Reardon chapel in Ventura Wednesday afternoon with W. T. Frederick, worshipful master, and Berkeley Brandt, acting chaplain in charge. Mr. Miller was the past master of a lodge in Arkansas and had been prominent in the order in the South. The pall bearers were Lloyd T. Poplin, Frank H. De Line, M.L. McDonald, Keo Crowder and Elmer Friend of Ojai and W.H. Elam of Ventura. Masonic ceremonies also accompanied interment at Ivy Lawn.
Mr. Miller who was but 51 years of age, had been a respected resident of the Valley for many years. He had been working Monday morning although he had complained a little of a tightness in his chest, and after luncheon suddenly dropped dead.
Besides his widow Mr. Miller leaves his nine children most of them grown or nearly so: Mrs. Margaret Catterlin, Richard, Donald, Maxine, Ruth, Robert Jr., and Jessie, all of Ojai; and the twins Herbert of Texas and Hershel of Detroit.
Crossing The Bar
Sunset and evening star,
And one clear call for me!
And may there be no moaning of the Bar
When I put out to sea.
For tho' from out our bourne of Time and Place
The flood may bear me far,
I hope to see my Pilot face to face
When I have crossed the bar.
~Tennyson
--------------------
FUNERAL CONDUCTED FOR ROBERT MILLER
OJAI, Feb. 1. --Funeral services were conducted this afternoon for Robert Miller, prominent Mason, who dropped dead Monday of heart disease. Masons were in charge at Reardon chapel, Ventura, and burial in Ivy Lawn Cemetery. W.T. Frederick and Berkeley Brandt, Master and Chaplain, represented Ojai lodge. Pallbearers included Lloyd Poplin, Frank Deline, M.L. McDonald, Leo Crowder and Elmer Friend of Ojai, and W.H. Elom of Ventura.
--------------------
According to a booklet entitled "Robert William Miller, Dora Ann Callis and their decendents" by Margot Mason Stockstill - June 1980:
"The Miller's came to America in the mid 1700's from Aberdeen, Scotland where they had married into the families of Gordon and Elliot. In America the Miller's married with the Art, Kennedy & Ping families before the marriage of Robert William. The Callises were aristocrats in England and among the first settlers in Virginia, according to family tradition. They married into the Bannister, Ford and Duncan families before Mimi linked up with the Millers."
--------------------
ROBERT WILLIAM MILLER
By Maxine Miller Mason
b. 1 Nov. 1879 Willow Hill, Ill.
d. 30 Jan. 1933 Ojai, Ca.
The Millers came to America in the mid 1700's from Aberdeen, Scotland where they had married into the families of Gordon and Elliot. In America, our line of Millers married with the Art, Kennedy and Ping families before our Robert William married Dora Ann Callis.
Robert William Miller was a hard working man. He worked in a vinegar plant in Rogers, Ark. and later managed a plant in Centerton, Ark. For a while he and a neighbor, Mr. Perry, drilled water wells. He bought a half interest in the Centerton Hardware Store which he operated until the family moved to California. While in Crescent City, Ca. he was a carpenter and he ran a fruit ranch while the family lived in Suisun. In Ojai he leased an apricot ranch and then later owned a little store with a service station at the foot of Dennison Grade.
Robert died in Ojai while he was working for the county during the Depression. He had "a good head for math" as my mother says, and a beautiful bass voice.
--------------------
THE TRIP TO CALIFORNIA (as remembered by Maxine Miller Mason and written by Margot Mason Stockstill)
On August 1, 1924, the family left Benton County, Arkansas, and headed for a ranch near Crescent City in Northern California that Robert's uncle and namesake, Robert William Miller, had given him. Mimi had only been out of Benton County once and then only a few miles into Oklahoma.
There were 24 people and a collie named Socrates in the moving party packed into a new Maxwell, a Ford, a Buick and a Ford Truck. They were: Mimi and Robert, Herbert and Hershel, Blanche, Margaret, Don, Dick, Maxine, Ruth, Bill, JK (just 7 weeks old), Uncle John Miller (Robert's brother) and his wife Aunt Dove and their 5 girls, Mimi's brother Uncle Claude Callis, Aunt Arthula and their son Louis, Mimi's father John Hamilton Callis, who was 64 years old, and Cora Nichols, Mimi's twin.
The first stop was Grove, Oklahoma, at Mimi's brother Uncle Clark's home. Aunt Cora only went that far. Uncle Clark had a big going away party for the family. Each night while traveling they stayed in campgrounds. The women would wash clothes and the men would work on the cars and truck.
In Colorado there was an inspection stop for boll weevils so the family had to empty all their boxes. the Rocky Mountains were too big for Robert so his sons Herbert and Hershel drove. The family drove down through Oregon and reached Crescent City on Don's birthday, August 30th. The trip had taken 30 days. When they first saw the Pacific Ocean Mimi said,"I think we've come too far."
On their new ranch they lived in tents. The children had fun playing in the river but Socrates, the collie, got ahold of a dead salmon and died. They wouldn't let Grandad (John Hamilton) Callis play his fiddle for fear it would attract bears and Indians.
In September it was time for school so the family moved into town. Uncle John Miller took his family to Smith River. That winter Uncle John's youngest girl died, their house and car burned, but they stayed on in Smith River. There was a hurricane which ruined part of Crescent City. Mimi was sick all winter because the damp weather caused her to have rheumatism. Uncle Claude and Aunt Arthula left Crescent City and moved to Ojai, writing back about the warm and beautiful valley.
As soon as school was out in 1925 the Millers headed south, stopped in Suisun and leased a ranch with apricots and peaches. Mimi always said that that was one of the happiest years of her life. Robert took Hershel and Margaret to Ojai and liked it so well they decided to move down in the Fall of 1926.
SOURCES
Refer to www.millerinfo.net/genealogy, Memories of Robert William Miller Jr., Miller Family Reunion booklet compiled by Margot Mason Stockstill, family records and research.
Find A Grave Memorial
From the booklet, Robert William Miller, Dora Ann Callis and their descendants; compiled in June 1980 by Margot Mason Stockstill: "The Millers came to America in the mid 1700's from Aberdeen, Scotland where they had married into the families of Gordon and Elliot. In America our line of Millers married with the Art, Kennedy and Ping families before our Robert William married Cora Ann Callis.
Robert William Miller was a hardworking man. He worked in a vinegar plant in Rogers, Ark. and later managed a plant in Centerton, Ark. For a while he and a neighbor, Mr. Perry, drilled water wells. He bought a half interest in the Centerton Hardware Store which he operated until the family moved to California.
While in Crescent City, Ca. he was a carpenter and he ran a fruit ranch while the family lived in Suisun. In Ojai he leased an apricot ranch and then later owned a little store with a service station at the foot of Dennison Grade.
Robert died in Ojai while he was working for the county during the Depression. He had "a good head for math" as my mother says, and a beautiful bass voice."
______________________________________________
RECORDS
Robert William Miller
1880 - Willow Hill, Jasper, IL
1900 - Dickson, Benton, AR
1910 - Garland, Benton, AR
1920 - Garland, Benton, AR
1930 - Ojai, Ventura, CA
--------------------
14 June 1880 census of Willow Hill, Jasper County, IL, found the Miller family living in dwelling #215. Also in the household were Mary's three daughter from her first marriage:James Miller 39 IL OH OH Farmer
Mary 37 IN KY KY
Alwilda Higgins 18 IL KY IN Step-daughter
Minnie Higgins 16 IL KY IN Step-daughter
Nancy Higgins 12 IL KY IN Step-daughter
Albert Miller 7 IL IL IN
Alphon 3 IL IL IN
Robert 7/12 IL IL IN
--------------------
James Miller moved his family to Arkansas around 1884, prior to birth of son John.
--------------------
22 June 1900 census of Dickson, Benton County, AR, found the Miller family living in dwelling #177. James and Mary said that they had been married 29 years and 8 of their 12 children were still living:
James D. Miller 12/1839 60 IL OH IL Farmer
Mary E. 3/1884 56 IN KY KY
Alphon 1/1877 23 IL IL IN Farm laborer
Robert W. 11/1879 20 IL IL IN Farm laborer
John 9/1884 15 AR IL IN Farm laborer
Maggie 10/1896 13 AR IL IN
--------------------
"Arkansas, County Marriages, 1837-1957," R W Miller, 1903
name:R W Miller
Event:Marriage
Event date:11 Jan 1903
Event place:, Benton, Arkansas, United States
Age:23
Estimated birth year:1880
Residence:Hiwassee, Benton, Arkansas
Spouse:Dora Callis
Spouse's age:19
Spouse's estimated birth year:1884
Spouse's residence:Calis, Benton, Arkansas
Marriage license date:10 Jan 1903
Page:294
Film number:1034662
Digital folder number:004401667
Image number:00542
Source Citation: "Arkansas, County Marriages, 1837-1957," index and images, FamilySearch, R W Miller and Dora Callis, 1903.
--------------------
18 April 1910 census of Garland, Benton county, AR, found the Miller family living in dwelling #32. Robert and Dora said that they had been married 7 years and 4 of their 5 children were still living:
Robert W. Miller 30 IL IL IL Farmer
Dora N. 26 AR AR TN
Herbert J. 5 AR IL AR
Hershell J. 5 AR IL AR
Maggie C. 2 AR IL AR
Unnamed son 0/12 AR IL AR
--------------------
In his WWI Draft Registration Card dated 12 Sept 1918, Robert William Miller said that he was born 1 Nov 1879. He was living with his wife, Dora Miller, in Centerton, Benton County, AR, where he was a self-employed merchant.
"United States, World War One Draft Registration Cards, 1917-1918," Robert William Miller
Name:Robert William Miller
Event:Draft Registration
Registration date year range:1917-1918
Event place:Benton County, Arkansas, United States
Gender:Male
Birth date:01 Nov 1879
Birthplace:, , United States
Country of citizenship:United States
Nara publication title:World War I Selective Service System Draft Registration Cards
Nara publication number:M1509
Film number:1522737
Digital folder number:005150418
Image number:01444
Source Citation: "United States, World War One Draft Registration Cards, 1917-1918," index and images, FamilySearch, accessed 15 Aug 2012), Robert William Miller, .
--------------------
23 Jan 1920 census of Garland, Benton County, AR, found the Miller family living in dwelling #50 on Fourth Street:
R. W. Miller 40 IL IL IN Salesman - H.W.D.
Dora 36 AR AR TN
Hurbert 14 AR IL AR Twin
Herschell 14 AR IL AR Twin
Maggie 12 AR IL AR
Dick 9 AR IL AR
Donald 7 AR IL AR
Maxine 3 AR IL AR
Ruth 1 6/12 AR IL AR
Blanche Pitts 13 IL IL AR Niece
J. D. Miller 80 IL OH IL Father, Widowed
--------------------
Mildred Miller said that the John Miller and Robert Miller families all went to California together, leaving from Southwest City, MO, and traveling through Oklahoma, Kansas and eventually Oregon. They finally arrived in California in August of 1924. She said that Louoma's mother was a Callis, as was Robert Miller's wife.
--------------------
26 April 1930 census of District 19, Ojai, Ventura County, CA, found the Miller family living in dwelling #344. Robert and Dora said that they were first married at ages 23 and 19 respectively. Living nearby were Dora's father, John H. Callis (76) and brothers Claude (40) and George (45) and their families:
Robert W. Miller 50 IL IL IN Operator - Service station
Dora 46 AR AR TN
Herbert 26 AR IL AR Rancher - Fruit ranch
Dick 20 AR IL AR Rancher - Fruit ranch
Donald 18 AR Il AR Gardener - Private home
Maxine 14 AR Il AR
Ruth 12 AR IL AR
R. W. 9 AR IL AR
J. K. 5 AR IL AR
--------------------
Obituary - Robert W. Miller, a resident of Centerton for many years, died at his home in Ojai, Calif., January 30, 1933 of heart failure. He was 53 years of age. Burial was made at the Ivy Lane cemetery at Ventura. Mr. Miller was associated with Joe Rakes in the former Centerton Hardware Co. for several years. Besides his widow Dora C. Miller, he is survived by six sons, Richard, Donald, Robert W., Jr., and J. K. Miller of Ojai, California, Hershell Miller of Maryland, and Hubert Miller of Arkansas. Also by three daughters Mrs. Margaret Catterlin and Ruth and Maxine Miller of the home. He also raised a niece, Mrs. Blanche P. MacDonald whom he dearly loved. (Benton County Record & Democrat, Sun 2/23/1933)
--------------------
ROBERT MILLER - Obituaries and Funeral Program
Masonic funeral services for Robert W. Miller who died suddenly Monday noon of heart failure were held from the Reardon chapel in Ventura Wednesday afternoon with W. T. Frederick, worshipful master, and Berkeley Brandt, acting chaplain in charge. Mr. Miller was the past master of a lodge in Arkansas and had been prominent in the order in the South. The pall bearers were Lloyd T. Poplin, Frank H. De Line, M.L. McDonald, Keo Crowder and Elmer Friend of Ojai and W.H. Elam of Ventura. Masonic ceremonies also accompanied interment at Ivy Lawn.
Mr. Miller who was but 51 years of age, had been a respected resident of the Valley for many years. He had been working Monday morning although he had complained a little of a tightness in his chest, and after luncheon suddenly dropped dead.
Besides his widow Mr. Miller leaves his nine children most of them grown or nearly so: Mrs. Margaret Catterlin, Richard, Donald, Maxine, Ruth, Robert Jr., and Jessie, all of Ojai; and the twins Herbert of Texas and Hershel of Detroit.
Crossing The Bar
Sunset and evening star,
And one clear call for me!
And may there be no moaning of the Bar
When I put out to sea.
For tho' from out our bourne of Time and Place
The flood may bear me far,
I hope to see my Pilot face to face
When I have crossed the bar.
~Tennyson
--------------------
FUNERAL CONDUCTED FOR ROBERT MILLER
OJAI, Feb. 1. --Funeral services were conducted this afternoon for Robert Miller, prominent Mason, who dropped dead Monday of heart disease. Masons were in charge at Reardon chapel, Ventura, and burial in Ivy Lawn Cemetery. W.T. Frederick and Berkeley Brandt, Master and Chaplain, represented Ojai lodge. Pallbearers included Lloyd Poplin, Frank Deline, M.L. McDonald, Leo Crowder and Elmer Friend of Ojai, and W.H. Elom of Ventura.
--------------------
According to a booklet entitled "Robert William Miller, Dora Ann Callis and their decendents" by Margot Mason Stockstill - June 1980:
"The Miller's came to America in the mid 1700's from Aberdeen, Scotland where they had married into the families of Gordon and Elliot. In America the Miller's married with the Art, Kennedy & Ping families before the marriage of Robert William. The Callises were aristocrats in England and among the first settlers in Virginia, according to family tradition. They married into the Bannister, Ford and Duncan families before Mimi linked up with the Millers."
--------------------
ROBERT WILLIAM MILLER
By Maxine Miller Mason
b. 1 Nov. 1879 Willow Hill, Ill.
d. 30 Jan. 1933 Ojai, Ca.
The Millers came to America in the mid 1700's from Aberdeen, Scotland where they had married into the families of Gordon and Elliot. In America, our line of Millers married with the Art, Kennedy and Ping families before our Robert William married Dora Ann Callis.
Robert William Miller was a hard working man. He worked in a vinegar plant in Rogers, Ark. and later managed a plant in Centerton, Ark. For a while he and a neighbor, Mr. Perry, drilled water wells. He bought a half interest in the Centerton Hardware Store which he operated until the family moved to California. While in Crescent City, Ca. he was a carpenter and he ran a fruit ranch while the family lived in Suisun. In Ojai he leased an apricot ranch and then later owned a little store with a service station at the foot of Dennison Grade.
Robert died in Ojai while he was working for the county during the Depression. He had "a good head for math" as my mother says, and a beautiful bass voice.
--------------------
THE TRIP TO CALIFORNIA (as remembered by Maxine Miller Mason and written by Margot Mason Stockstill)
On August 1, 1924, the family left Benton County, Arkansas, and headed for a ranch near Crescent City in Northern California that Robert's uncle and namesake, Robert William Miller, had given him. Mimi had only been out of Benton County once and then only a few miles into Oklahoma.
There were 24 people and a collie named Socrates in the moving party packed into a new Maxwell, a Ford, a Buick and a Ford Truck. They were: Mimi and Robert, Herbert and Hershel, Blanche, Margaret, Don, Dick, Maxine, Ruth, Bill, JK (just 7 weeks old), Uncle John Miller (Robert's brother) and his wife Aunt Dove and their 5 girls, Mimi's brother Uncle Claude Callis, Aunt Arthula and their son Louis, Mimi's father John Hamilton Callis, who was 64 years old, and Cora Nichols, Mimi's twin.
The first stop was Grove, Oklahoma, at Mimi's brother Uncle Clark's home. Aunt Cora only went that far. Uncle Clark had a big going away party for the family. Each night while traveling they stayed in campgrounds. The women would wash clothes and the men would work on the cars and truck.
In Colorado there was an inspection stop for boll weevils so the family had to empty all their boxes. the Rocky Mountains were too big for Robert so his sons Herbert and Hershel drove. The family drove down through Oregon and reached Crescent City on Don's birthday, August 30th. The trip had taken 30 days. When they first saw the Pacific Ocean Mimi said,"I think we've come too far."
On their new ranch they lived in tents. The children had fun playing in the river but Socrates, the collie, got ahold of a dead salmon and died. They wouldn't let Grandad (John Hamilton) Callis play his fiddle for fear it would attract bears and Indians.
In September it was time for school so the family moved into town. Uncle John Miller took his family to Smith River. That winter Uncle John's youngest girl died, their house and car burned, but they stayed on in Smith River. There was a hurricane which ruined part of Crescent City. Mimi was sick all winter because the damp weather caused her to have rheumatism. Uncle Claude and Aunt Arthula left Crescent City and moved to Ojai, writing back about the warm and beautiful valley.
As soon as school was out in 1925 the Millers headed south, stopped in Suisun and leased a ranch with apricots and peaches. Mimi always said that that was one of the happiest years of her life. Robert took Hershel and Margaret to Ojai and liked it so well they decided to move down in the Fall of 1926.
SOURCES
Refer to www.millerinfo.net/genealogy, Memories of Robert William Miller Jr., Miller Family Reunion booklet compiled by Margot Mason Stockstill, family records and research.
Find A Grave Memorial
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