J. Henry Miller, of Kennard, the oldest resident of that community for a number of years, died at Blair Memorial Hospital Monday, July 14. He had been in ill health but a short time.

Mr. Miller, an early-day grain elevator operator and farmer, spent almost his entire life in the Kennard area. He was born May 24, 1878 to Mr. and Mrs. Berthel Miller near Orum and he grew to manhood in that vicinity. He was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran faith during his childhood.

He was united in marriage to Katherine Adele Japp, January 15, 1902, and they celebrated their golden wedding anniversary fifty years later in 1952. To this union five children were born. One daughter and his wife have preceded him in death.

He became manager of the Roberts Lumber & Grain elevator at Kennard which he operated for several years. He then moved to Gretna, Nebraska where he continued with the Roberts firm operating the company's elevator. Three years later he returned to the elevator at Kennard.

For a time he farmed east of Kennard but later returned to Kennard and the grain business, working for Elmer Wright who was then the owner of the firm.

Mr. Miller was noted for his strong character and his qualities of being a gentleman, a devoted husband, a considerate father and a friend to all who knew him. He was an exceptionally ardent visitor and he enjoyed telling of the early days of Washington County and the Kennard area. He had an unusual zest for life which he coupled with considerable traveling and a wide interest in world affairs.

He is survived by three sons and a daughter. The sons are Henry Miller, Jr. of Kennard, Howard Miller of Blair and Ned Miller of Sterling, Virginia. Mrs. Bessie Masters of Blair is a daughter of the deceased man.

Note: Per Kennard Cemetery records: Buried Blk 4 Lot 21 Space 4

~~~ Obituary courtesy of the Washington County Genealogical Society. Newspaper clippings on file in the Blair Public Library at Blair, Nebraska.~~~