The Death of Elmer Miller

The following article appeared in Harrisburg's The Patriot on December 19, 1914.

After nearly a year's illness, Elmer E. Miller, aged 53 years, of 1108 Plum street, died suddenly shortly before noon yesterday. Death was due to Bright's disease from which he has suffered for several years. He is the father of Eugene E. Miller, for four years the greatest quarterback in American college ranks.

Mr . Miller's death came suddenly after he had been laughing and talking with his wife.

Mr. Miller was born in Center Square, Cumberland county, in 1861. He attended the Cumberland Valley Institute and later worked for several years in his home town. In 1886, he was married to Susan Ann Ellinger, at Bowmansdale. He came to this city in 1903 and has since worked as a wire splicer for the Harrisburg Light, Heat and Power Company.

One son, Eugene, is employed at Bawlff, Alberta, Canada, and will be unable to arrive home in time for his father's funeral. No funeral arrangements will be made until some communication is received from him.

Surviving Mr. Miller are the following sisters: Mrs. John B. Mohler, Mechanicsburg; Mrs. Ida Hair, York; Mrs. Albert Swartz, Mechanicsburg; Mrs. Grant Westhaver, Mechanicsburg; Mrs. Miller and seven children: Mrs. David C. Byers, Greencastle; Eugene E., Canada; Mrs. Lena J. Dunlap, Mary E., Charlotte G., Harry Grove, and Zella C., all of this city.

Although Mr. Miller never participated in athletics his son won country-wide fame. He was an all-around athlete and one of the cleanest players in any game. He was a star athlete while at Central High and later when he entered State College made the varsity in his freshman year. He played all four years and missed only one game in that time. He was captain in his senior year and was the choice of many for All-American honors.

Mrs. Lena Dunlap was a member of the Central High Girls' basketball team. In her junior year she acted as captain and in her senior year was manager.

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NOTES:

-Center Square, referred to as Elmer's place of birth, was near the intersection of Gettysburg Road and Lisburn Road. The 1872 map of Upper Allen Township shows that George H. Miller owned the house on the southwestern corner of this intersection.

-Mrs. John B. Mohler was Elmer's sister, Matilda.

-Mrs. Albert Swartz was Elmer's sister, Sarah Hellen.

-Mrs. Grant Westhaver was not Elmer's sister. She was his neice, Naomi, the daughter of Elmer's deceased sister, Susanetta.

-Mrs. David C. Byers was Elmer's daughter, Laura.