Return to the Land

Gravestone marking the burial site of Dr. L. J. Miller and Martha Lois Bird Miller Located in the small Miller family cemetery on the hill above the Miller home place on Kimberling

Dr. Lorenzo John, Martha Lois, and their family attended Salem Methodist Church on Kimberling. J.M. Ashworth became the Methodist minister to Dr. Miller and his wife in their later years. Mr. Ashworth wrote the following obituary on the occasion of Martha Lois’ death in 1904: MARTHA LOIS BIRD Martha L. Miller, wife of Dr. L.J. Miller was born on Aug. 23, 1829 and died on Mar. 24, 1904 aged 74 years 7 mo and 1 day. Her husband and 2 lovely daughters died several years before. Leaving seven to mourn the loss of a good Christian mother. She was a good neighbor and truly I esteemed her a mother in Israel, as she was one of the oldest members of my home church, and from my earliest recollection she was an example for all. She united with the Baptists early in life in Floyd Co. Va. and was baptized by Elder Owen Sumner. She afterwards moved with others to Bland Co and united with Mt. Zion Church my father being pastor and remained a member of till her death. She lived to see all her children married and doing well. I pray God to so guide her children as they all may meet their mother on the evergreen shore where parting is unknown. Her maiden name was Martha L. Bird. She leaves a host of relatives in Virginia and West Virginia. By: J.M. Ashworth

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