An American Family History

John Wilson Miller was born on October 28, 1842. He was born in Queen's County, Ireland. His parents were Thomas Miller and Hester Wilson. He immigrated to Canada about 1847 when he was about five years old.

He married Victoria Zellena Dwinnell in 1867 when he was 25. Their life together and children are described in detail in the section on John and Victoria Miller and in a poem he wrote in honor of his 25th wedding anniversery.

At the time of the 1871 Ontario Census, he was a ship's carpenter. From 1892 to 1893 he was a rancher and from 1895 to 1904 he was shipbuilder/carpenter for Spreckles Brothers. John was a Mason.  He took out his naturalization papers in June, 1895.

In 1897 he wrote in his daughter Hester's autograph book.

He died on February 28, 1905 at age 62. A letter from his daughter-in-law, Nellie Long  said that he died of a ruptured appendix. "He was taken sick on a Saturday, and was taken to the hospital.  Instead of operating then they put it off until Sunday and it proved too late;  the appendix ruptured."

He is buried in lot 20, section I.O.O.F, block 47 in the Mount  Hope Cemetery, 3850 Imperial Avenue, San Diego in the Odd Fellows Plot. The Reverend J. E. Hoick of the First Lutheran church officiated at the service. He is buried with Genevieve Jones who was his wife, Victoria's, sister and his daughter Hester Johnson.

Miller Family Plot
Photo taken 1915

Death of John W. Miller
San Diego Union, March 1, 1905

John W. Miller, an old resident of this city died yesterday morning at his home, No. 1633 India Street. The deceased was 62 years of age and for many years had been in the employ of the Spreckles Bros. Commerical company. He is survived by his widow, two sons and two daughters.  Funeral services will be held this morning at ? o'clock from Bradley & Woolman's parlors, Rev. J. E. Hoick officiating.

MILLER--Died in this city [San Diego] Feb. 28 [1905], John Wilson Miller, ship carpenter, a native of Ireland, aged 62 years. Friends are respectfully invited to attend the services from Bradley and Woolman's parlors, cor. Seventh and C, at 9 a.m. Wednesday, March 1st. The Rev. Mr. Hoick will officiate. Interment at Mt. Hope cemetery.