Annotated Table of Contents By David I. Miller

Jonas B. Miller Materials in Collection of David I. Miller This index is meant to serve the purpose of organizing and giving access to the materials of my grandfather, Jonas B. Miller (1870-1952). These materials represent a period of nearly a century and a half, beginning with the tally of votes at the time or ordination of Benedict Miller in 1809 and extending to 1951, the year before Jonas B. Miller’s death. Most of these materials came into my custody when given to me by my mother a few years before her death. In the process of receiving the JBM materials from her, some items were missed and later were found in the disposition of my mother’s estate and then added to the items which I had already received. My father, Ivan J. Miller, had received this collection from his father, Jonas B. Miller, who had received various items from his father, Joel J. Miller. It is unknown how some of the earlier documents came into Joel J. Miller’s possession, whether from his grandfather, Benedict Miller and his father, Joel B. Miller, or through the succession of bishops from Benedict to Jonas Beachy to Joel Beachy to Joel J. Miller. These documents survived storage in attics and other places. After receiving them at Grantsville, Maryland, I took them to my home in London, Ohio, for processing with the destiny of the archives of the Casselman River Area Amish and Mennonite Historians (a.k.a. The Casselman Historians,) which is back-home for the materials and for me. Placement in the archives provides for the materials to be preserved and accessible for a larger circle of researchers. The files and the outline of this table of contents follow a chronological sequence. The first section consists of pre-1891 items and is followed by five-year periods (1819-1895, 1896-1900, etc.) and a section named “Post 1950.” Two additional sections follow: “Undated” and “Notebooks and Collected Groupings.” Within each time period, the materials are placed into the following categories:

Church Administration – includes documents such as ceremonial forms, positions on issues, lists of members, schedules of church services, and projects (viz., Childrens’ Home.) Letters to/from Church Leaders Personal letters Historical Items Farm and Business Other

In addition to this index serving as a printed reference, it is intended to serve as an electronic reference through use of a search function with a word processor. Care has been exercised to include names and subjects as found in the documents. It is hoped that the method employed will be useful to future researchers.

Annotated Table of Contents

By David I. Miller Jonas B. Miller Materials in Collection of David I. Miller

1. [file folder] – Pre-1891 – Church Administraton

Items in this file folder:

Votes for ordination and lot – Benedict Miller – with explanation by J. B. Miller of this being the original tally sheet of 1809.

German catechism printed in 1815 - origin and ownership unknown – only a small remnant in this collection.

Report of Amish Ministers’ Meetings in the 1820s and 1830s – Issues of shunning, marriage of close relatives and, more extensively, baptizing Mennonites who already were baptized and who apply for membership in the Amish church. Includes forms for baptism, reinstatement of excommunicated members (Moses Peachey), communion, and weddings. Meetings recorded by Abner Yoder, Sr., and Hannes Yoder. The entire document of 32 pages is written in the hand-writing of Abner Yoder, Jr., with the exception of the last four lines of the last page which consist of Scripture references for use in communion services. Names included in the document as signatures of ministerial actions are (anglicized here): Yost Yoder, Christian Zook, Jacob Zook, John Yoder, Samuel King, Solomon Beiler, Christian Nissly, Christian Miller, Jacob Eosch, Emanuel Farmwald, Abraham Miller. The document in its entirety appears in Mennonite Quarterly Review, April 1959 as translated by Harvey J. Miller. Reference is made to it by Paton Yoder in MRQ, January 1999. Included in this file are the original copy of 1858 (see page 19 of Harvey Miller’s transcription), Harvey Miller’s transcription and translation prepared as a paper for class work at Eastern Mennonite College in 1958, and correspondence between Paton Yoder and David I. Miller concerning Harvey’s work. The years in which the subject Amish ministerial meetings were held: 1826-1831.

Certification of church membership (church letter) of Jacob Schwartzentruber and wife Barbara , Schwartzentruber and step-sons of Jacob Guengerich and Daniel Guengerich, signed by Daniel Schlabach of Nieder Biszheim, Germany, April 10, 1833

Copy of statement of March 18, 1837, regarding church government in the three Somerset County churches; signed by 13 ministers. Copied by Joel Beachy April 2, 1882. Notes by Ivan J. Miller attached. This copy is noted as written March 18, 1837. Thus this is an original of that date. A translation is printed in the Mennonite Quarterly Review, April 1934.

Letter from Frederick Swartzendruber to Samuel J. Beachy with Article on Caring for the Poor. Notes that the church should have deacons if needed, but that in this new land, those who are healthy and diligent can care for their own. Notes the kind of wages received by hired people in the old Land (Germany). The letter and

document seem to come from previous discussions about the need for deacons.Frederick Swarzendruber (1825-1895) and Samuel J. Beachy (1825-1919) both grew up in the Grantsville, Maryland area. They were born the same year and were married to sisters. Frederick and his wife moved to Kalona, Iowa, in 1851 when Frederick was 26 years of age. He served as a bishop in the Amish Mennonite Church in Iowa in the Sharon district which at some point became Old Order Amish. Frederick was born in Germany.

List of church service locations in homes, 1877. Original list with interpretation by David I. Miller attached.

List of names with tally of votes. Note inscribed in the hand of J. B. Miller: “The within vote no doubt was on the meeting house question.” December 18, 1880

Obituary/funeral information. likely written by or given to Joel J. Miller as bishop – Joel Yoder, small son of Moses D. Yoder, died December 26, 1887

Ceremonies/forms – marriage ceremony on one side of the paper and form for reinstating fallen church members on the other side of the sheet. Copied by Joel Beachy on February 9, 1888.

Ceremony/ form – likely the paper from which Bishop Joel Beachy made a copy in 1888. This paper does not bear a date but shows much wear. The paper measures about 5 inches in width and 8 inches in height. As found among the materials of J. B. Miller, it was pasted on an 8 ½ X 11" sheet for preservation. The original paper was folded three times vertically (four panels) and twice horizontally (three panels.) The edges are frayed. It may be guessed that Joel Beachy carried this paper in his pocket on occasions of its usage and then made a new copy in 1888. As a point of identification, this paper, at the top, bears the typewritten words (with misspelling) “Gott istydie liabe.”

Ceremony/ form – marriage ceremony. The paper on which this ceremony is written shows signs of use. The sheet has dimensions of approximately 7 3/4 X `10 3/4 inches. It has multiple folds to become pocket-size, measuring a neat 2 1/8 X 3 5/8 inches. The worn condition of the paper hints that it was frequently carried at weddings in the pocket of the presiding bishop. This paper seems to be a descendant of the paper copied by Bishop Joel Beachy in 1888 and is placed with it in this file. .

Letter from Lewis Beitzel to Bishop Joel J. Miller stating intentions to marry “next Sunday” and would be seeing Joel then. January 8, 1889

Membership certificate (church letter) of Daniel S. Beachy and Matilda D. Beachy, signed by Joel Beachy, Joel J. Miller, Moses D. Yoder, Jacob S. Miller, and C. S. Beachy. April 16, 1889

Obituary/funeral information. likely written by or given to Joel J. Miller as bishop – Silas Orendorf, age 11, April 17, 1890

Paper with information on ordinations (Benedict Miller, Joel J. Miller, Jonas B. Miller) and marriages (Benedict Miller and Catherine Beachy, Bendict Miller and Catharine Keim, Joel B. Miller and Catharine Brenneman, Joel B. Miller and Elizabeth Yoder. Dates range from 1803 to 1897.

Ceremony/form for conducting a communion service. The penman is not indicated. It bears the date of May 26, 1889

Membership certificate (church letter) of Elizabeth Hershberger issued by the ministers of the Amish Mennonite Church on the Maryland side of the Mason Dixon Line. April 20, 1890

Report by Jacob S. Miller on money received to paint church house, June 1890.

2. [file folder] –Pre-1891 – Letters to/from Church Leaders

Items in this file folder:

Letters of 1867 and 1868 to Daniel Beachy. Include reference to method of excommunication. Transcription only.

Letter from Benedict Beachy to Daniel Beachy, bishop in Preston County, West Virginia, 1871, concerning rebaptisms and correspondence to Daniel Beachy from Joel Beachy et. al, regarding excommunication of John Schlabach and Sem Gnagey and their wives and statements to the excommunicants. Transcriptions by Catherine J. Miller. Translations by David I. Miller, December 2006. 1871

Letter from Jacob H. Wurz, Assiniboia, Canada, to Joel J. Beachy and Joel J. Miller, requesting financial aid due to crop failure caused by hail. April 20, 1890

Letter from Daniel Beachy to Joel Beachy and Joel J. Miller, September 26, 1890 – reference to Dan Yoder and ministry.

Letter to Daniel Beachy from David A. Troyer of Holmes County, Ohio, expressing concern about trends in the church, November 19, 1890.

Letter to Christian Miller from Sem Miller of Charm, Ohio, November, 1890 – Expresses concern about a number of issues, especially church houses (vs. meeting in homes.)

Undated letter from Jacob Schwartzendruber to Christian Guengerich with admonition related to apparent backsliding and encouragement to prayer and godly books (not the newspaper on Sunday.) A transcribed typed copy in German. Translation by David I. Miller

Correspondence of 1867 between Joel Beachy and Samuel and Elizabeth Beachy concerning a money transaction. Transcription only, by Catherine J. Miller. On same sheet as Sept. 26, 1990 letter

3. [file folder] – Pre-1891 – Personal Letters

From Daniel J. Tice of Middlefield, Ohio, to “Friend Daniel – along with personal notes,

asks that his church letter be given to Joel J. Miller, December 31, 1884. Letter of 1886 (or 1896) from D. J. Miller, Wellman, Iowa – Likely Daniel J. Miller, son

of Jacob B., son of Benedict – Refers to Mennonites trying to get a foothold; comments to J. B.about hunting squirrels instead of bears.

Letter of 1887 from C. J. Miller - Refers to son Alvin and planning mill work, thus identifiable as Christian, son of Joel B. Miller.

Letter of June 21, 1889, to J. B. Miller from Samuel J. Miller – with penmanship and comments on quality of some kinds of ink.

Letter of September 7, 1889, to Joel J. Miller from Daniel S. Beachy, Arthur, Illinois – news and comments.

4. [file folder] – Pre-1891 – Historical Items

Undated note concerning H. S. Bender article on 1837 Discipline Data Referring to Miller Family, copied by J. B. Miller on November 3, 1913; taken from

land records and deeds. Canadian Military Exemption Laws Listing of deeds of Miller land holdings, by J. B. Miller – Date of listing not given. Agreement between leaders of the Evangelical Lutheran and Evangelical Reformed

Churches of Milford Township, Somerset County, Pennsylvania, for the construction of a church house for mutual use. The document was given to Jonas B. Miller for translation in 1930. An English translation was not found among the J. B. Miller papers. Translated by David I. Miller, November 2007. Document dated 1811.

List of step-uncles of Joel J. Miller, including these names: Solomon Yoder, Moses Yoder, John R. Yoder, Daniel Yoder. In a separate section, the following names are listed: Solomon Stoltzfus and Sam Petersheim. Joel’s father, Joel B. Miller, as a widower, had married Elizabeth Yoder. Date on other side of sheet with other material: February 14, 1883.

Paper without heading - on Venice Mills 8 ½ 11 folded stock – with genealogical information (1) listing the children and spouses of Benedict Miller, (2) stating the death of Mary Brenneman, wife of Daniel Brenneman, (3) giving a statement by Bishop Joel Beachy on exemption from military service in the Revolutionary War, and (4) stating that a church service was held by Jacob Bender of Canada on Monday evening, October 13, 1890. States: “Informed by Emanuel Hershberger from Iowa, Oct 10th, 1890

Family Register of Jonathan Miller (1789-1867) and his wife Magdalena Kaufman (1785-1862). Had moved to Ohio in about 1819. Printed with embellished border in German. Not translated. Bears the date of 1891

Death information of Katherine Livengood, a widow, who died in Holmes County, Ohio, in 1889. She was born in Berks County, Pennsylvania, January 23, 1799. The funeral was conducted by Abraham S. Yoder and Christian D. Troyer. October 20, 1889

5. [file folder] – Pre-1891 – Farm and business

Article of Agreement between Christian Schwartzendruber and Jacob Kintzinger, May 1815. Original in German script, transcribed and translated. May 1815

Agreement of January 2, 1818 between Peter Beachy II and Benedict Miller, regarding sale of farm by Peter to Benedict. See The Historian, July 2005. January 2, 1818

Letter of 1834 from Benedict Miller to his brothers-in-law pleading postponement of payment of a debt. See The Historian, July 2005.

Letter of 1848 from Isaac and Elizabeth Oesch to Joel B. Miller – refers to estate of Jacob Miller – German script – stationary folded into envelope.

Letter of 1852 from Henry Miller, Executor, to Joel B. Miller, explaining complications in settling the estate of his father, Jacob Miller. Original in German script on sheet folded into envelope; transcription by Catherine J. Miller typed.

Deed of land conveyed by George and Anna Charles to Joel Miller, part of Cornucopia along the Sterner Hill Road. March 4, 1868

Letter to Daniel and Elizabeth Beachy from parents – refers to weather and a couple’s wedding announcement, but main reason for letter is a situation about debts in which various people are named as creditors. Transcription by Catherine J. Miller. February 27, 1874

Record of transactions, apparently of Joel J. Miller, with D. Smouse. (The other side of the sheet, listing the step-uncles of Joel J. Miller, is placed as photocopy into File # 4.) Includes the purchase of beef, veal, and lamb. Includes the statement, “Settled in full Feb 14th 1883.”

Promissory Note of 1884 to Joel J. Miller from Daniel J. Miller Receipt issued by Somerset Fertilizer Company, Somerset, Pennsylvania, to Joel J.

Miller, payment in full. October 22, 1889 Notation, apparently by Joel J. Miller, of cash transaction on lined 5 X 8 paper with

domed building in upper right corner, beginning with receiving $53.09. (On opposite side, Scripture texts in German from Isaiah and Ezekiel.) August 30, 1890

Correspondence of 1867 between Joel Beachy and Samuel and Elizabeth Beachy concerning a money transaction. Transcription by Catherine J. Miller. On same sheet as Sept. 26, 1890 letter

Letter from S. W. Gurhtie, Homer City Stock Farm, Indiana, Pennsylvania, about availability of a registered Mastiff pup. Apparently a response to an inquiry. Sept. 9, 1890.

Statement (invoice) issued to Joel J. Miller for sawing lumber and sled runners. Undated

6. [file folder] – Pre-1891 – Other

Fragment, likely from the fly leaf of a book. Script translated: “The earth is the Lord’s – I Cor. 10:26 – Spiritual Conforting Sayings – Elhart, Indiana, 1873

Chart of German alphebet in precise and modeled penmanship with the name of Abner Yoder afixed and the date of January 18, 1882

7. [File folder] Jonas B. Miller Materials 1891-1895 – Church Administration

Letter from Christian Orendorf, Bittinger, Maryland, to Joel J. Miller, asking, in behalf of Annie Orendorf for a Certificate of Membership (church letter) to be sent to her at Amish, Iowa. The letter is written in English with marks of distinct German influence. Ex.: At dress for address, with the hard t sound for d. He refers to Big meting (meeting), a literal rendering of the Pennsylvania German usage of the commuion service referred to as Gross Gma, likely because all members typically made special effort to be in attendance at communion services. (Born in 1933, I remember well the common usage of Gross Gma. – David I. Miller) April 12, 1891

Circular produced by S. D. Gingerich of Amish, Iowa This document promotes a proposed German language song book without notes. This document is valuable as background to the publication later known as “The Gingerich Book” and as a survey of song books in use up to that time in the Amish churches. He mentions and comments on The Ausbund, Unparteiische Liedersammlung, and Unparteiische Gesangbuch. Gingerich hopes for a response from the church leaders by September 1, 1891.

Treatise on baptism apparently related to the issue of baptizing in the stream (considered by some to be living water) versus baptizing in the house. September 13, 1891

Obituary/funeral information. likely written by or given to Joel J. Miller as bishop – Menno Swartzentruber, age 10 months, September 27, 1891

List of Scriptures for use in the church calendar’s special days and events, beginning with Christmas. This may have seemed especially appropriate if “Old Christmas,” January 6 was held in mind. 1892

Letter from ministers in Iowa to Joel J. Miller. This was a letter asking for Joel and other Amish Mennonite bishops to come to Iowa to assist in church issues. The signers: Friedrich Schwarzendruber, William K. Miller, Peter Kinsinger, G. .F. Schwartzendruber, Christian J. Miller. Bishop requested to help: Joel J. Miller; and Christian Troyer, son of David, Shanesville, Tuscarawas, County,. Ohio; John Gascho, Baden, Waterloo County, Ontario: Joseph Wittmer, Montgomery, Davies County, Indiana. February 1, 1892

Letter from Joel J. Miller to unnamed addressee. Responds to request for services, likely in Iowa (see letter of February 1, 1892, from Iowa), but declines due to cirmcumstances as home. Mentions the death of Mrs. Daniel Beachy of Aurora, West Virginia. February 9, 1892

Letter from John Gascho, Baden, Ontario, to Joel J. Miller, concerning giving bishop help to the churches in the Kalona, Iowa, area. Mentions having written also to Joseph Witmer in Indiana and Christian Troyer in Ohio. Is unable to go to Iowa by the suggested shedule of March 10, due to health issues. February 23, 1892

Letter from Joel J. Miller to John Gascho. Responds to an invitation to do a service in the church there. He declines the invitation because of family circumstances making it unwise to leave home at that time. March 2, 1892

Obituary/funeral information. likely written by or given to Joel J. Miller as bishop – Magdalena Miller, age 58 years, includes eulogizing poem, died May 11, 1892

Obituary/funeral information. likely written by or given to Joel J. Miller as bishop – Elizabeth Beachy, wife of Bishop Daniel Beachy, Aurora, West Virginia, died June 28, 1892

Letter from Samuel J. Miller, Springs, Pennsylvania, to Joel J. Miller concerning children from homes of the Amish Mennonites being sent to the Mennonite Sunday school. On the original document, the year appears to be 1872 or 1892. In view of Joel J. Miller not having been ordained as minister until 1880 and bishop until 1887, and the letter seeming to have been sent to him as bishop, it seems almost certain that the correct year on the letter is 1892. Samuel and two of his sons lived near Springs, Pennsylvania. Samuel’s sons Elias and Simon were members of the Amish Mennonite church, but often related to the Springs Mennonite church where a number of their children later became members. Samuel J. Miller and Joel J. Miller were brothers. August 7, 1892

Letter from Samuel Beachy to Joel J. Miller, expresses dissatisfaction with procedures of a congregational meeting in which a matter was dealt with concerning Daniel Beachy. Joel Beachy is not named but evidently referred to. Undated, but possibly 1893.

Membership certification (Church Letter) (copy of) of Solomon Beachy and wife. Signed by Joel J. Miller February 10, 1893

Membership certification (Church Letter) Noah Brenneman.. Signed by Joel J. Miller April 24, 1893. On the second page of this folded sheet, Joel J. Miller writes a letter to Noah Brenneman which includes expression of concern about some questionable behavior. The letter is dated April 24, 1893

Membership certification (church letter) of Anna Orendorf, Signed by William K. Miller, Noah D. Yoder, Jonathan J. Plank. September 17, 1893

Obituary/funeral information. likely written by or given to Joel J. Miller as bishop – Sarah Kemp, age 57. Includes the following note: Schrift Johannes 5:24-30. leiche bestimt auf 22ten um 10 uhr, geändert auf 3 uhr, den leiche gehalten, und da noch nicht hier war von Iowa, da wurde sie gehalten bis auf den 23ten um 9 uhr. Translation: Scripture: “John 5:24-30. Funeral announced for the 22nd at 10 o’clock, changed to 3 o’clock, and since Bayard Linus Kemp had not yet arrived from Iowa, she was kept till the 23rd at 9 o’clock.” Died October 19, 1893

Obituary/funeral information. likely written by or given to Joel J. Miller as bishop – Susanna Miller, also listed as Susanna Kemp, age 88, died January 15, 1894

Obituary/funeral information. likely written by or given to Joel J. Miller as bishop – Jacob Kinsinger, age one day short of 87, died January 20, 1894

Obituary/funeral information. likely written by or given to Joel J. Miller as bishop – Jacob Y. Yoder, age 75 years, died February 17, 1894

Obituary/funeral information. Perhaps written by or given to Joel J. Miller as bishop. (However, the subject lived in Pennsylvania and was buried at Niverton.) – William Bender (Wilhelm Bender), age 80 years, died March 15, 1894

Letter (undated, likely c. 1894) without addressee given by S. D. Guengerich – publication and promotion of new song books. 1894

Notation (undated) concerning style of singing – apparently a pastoral response to an unapproved style of singing having occurred among church members.

Schedule of communion services (on one side of sheet) and (on other side) churches and ministers in Ontario, Canada.

Membership certificate (church letter) of Barbara Orendorf, Maria Orendorf, and Sarah Orendorf. Unsigned copy found among the papers of Joel J. Miller. Dated only with the year. 1894

Membership certificate (church letter) of Daniel Tice, given with the knowledge of the congregation and signed by Joel J. Miller. April 5, 1894

Membership certificate (church letter) of Susana Miller, signed by Joel J. Miller, Moses D. Yoder, and Jacob S. Miller (on same sheet, opposite side, as certificate of Daniel Tice). May 20, 1894

Obituary/funeral information. likely written by or given to Joel J. Miller as bishop – Joel Beachy (bishop), age 78. Also inscribed on paper: Und wurde zum Armendienst erwählet Juni den 15ten 1851, und hat das Lehr amt und Dienst zum buch emhfangen den 15ten Meÿ 1853, und wurde verordnet zum Bischof und Vollige Dienst den 11ten Juni 1854. Hat mit seiner ehegatten gelebt bei 54 Jahre. Translation: “And was chosen for the office of deacon on June 15, 1851, and received the office of minister on May 15, 1853, and was ordained as bishop on June 11, 1854. Lived with his spouse 54 years.” Died June 8, 1894

Letter from Joel J. Miller to Barbara Orendorf, Maria Orendorf, and Sarah Orendorf, addressed to Flanagan, Illinois. A cover letter sent with the certification of membership. Explains the feature of receiving the church’s counsel, which was first done at Grantsville (Maple Glen) but then also at the church in the community where they had lived, the Forks (Cherry Glade.) August 3, 1894

Membership certificate (church letter) of Barbara Orendorf, Maria Orendorf, and Sarah Orendorf. Unsigned copy found among the papers of Joel J. Miller. Dated only with the year. According to the date on the cover letter, August 3, 1894

Obituary/funeral information. likely written by or given to Joel J. Miller as bishop – Elizabeth Beachy, age 29, died August 26, 1894

Obituary/funeral information. likely written by or given to Joel J. Miller as bishop – Elisabeth Yommer, age 68. Paper written in both German and English, the latter stating that she was born in Germany, whereas the German states that she was born in Oberweimer near Marburg in Germany. Died August 29, 1894

Letter from Joel J. Miller to Joseph Wittmer, Daviess County, Indiana. Gives personal news about Daniel Beachy, Benedict Beachy, Moses Yoder, Emanuel Hershberger. Ask a question about imposing the ban on one who had left the church, joined another, and then fell spiritually. Should the first church of membership impose the ban or rather let the second church handle the discipline. October 8, 1894

Membership certificates (church letters) of Samuel D. Beachy, his wife Barbara Beachy, and Lafayette Miller, all copied on one sheet of paper. All signed by Joel J. Miller, Moses D. Yoder, and Jacob S. Miller. November 1894

Ceremonial forms used in officiating in ordinations, including the following offices: Völlige Diener or bishop, Diener zum Buch or minister; Armendiener or deacon, Völlige Armendiener or elder-deacon, Armendiener zum Buch or preaching deacon. This set includes manuscripts copied by Joel Beachy in 1887 and Joel J.

Miller in 1894, 1897, and 1915, and undated material. The originals are written in German script and have been transcribed and translated and are contained in a separate folder with the numbered file folder. For purposes of sequencing in this index, this set is designated with the year 1894.

Certification of membership (church letter) of Daniel Tice, signed by Daniel Beachy, Christian Herschberger, Gideon Kaufman, as ministers of the Old Order Amsh congregation, Arthur, Illinois. January 5, 1895

Letter to J. B. Miller from Board of School Commissioners regarding religious use of school buildings, 1895

Letter from Daniel Tice to Joel J. Miller, asking for his certification of membership to be sent to Simon Mast, Middlefield, Ohio. April 1, 1895

Letter from Daniel Tice, Middlefield, Ohio, to Joel J. Miller. Letter from Joel J. Miller to Simon Mast, Middlefield, Ohio, concerning the movements

of Daniel Tice and his certificate of membership. April 8, 1895 Letter from Joel J. Miller to Daniel Tice. Responds to Daniel’s request for a certificate of

membership, expresses concern about a report of Daniel having worn a finger ring and admonishes concerning other issues of church and scriptural expectations regarding behavior and attire. April 8, 1895

Obituary/funeral information. likely written by or given to Joel J. Miller as bishop – Barbara Schramm, age 59 years, died April 17, 1895

Letter from Joel J. Miller to Peter Miller concerning the usage of cameras having been disciplined inconsistently. Joel defends the process. May 6, 1895.

Letter of 1895, May 14, from Peter Miller of Aurora, WV, to Joel J. Miller. Refers to the source of a report apparently related somehow to a church discipline matter.

Letter from Joel J. Miller to John Brenneman, deacon, about dealing with a report related to church discipline. Refers to Peter Miller. Original in English. May 16, 1895

Letter from Joel J. Miller to Peter Miller, regarding report dealing with a church discipline matter. Section of letter missing due to rodent damage. May 24, 1895

Obituary/funeral information. likely written by or given to Joel J. Miller as bishop – Alvin Orendorf, age 22 days, died September 5, 1895

Certification of church membership (church letter) for Sarah Orendorf and Maria Orendorf, issued by ministers of Amish, Iowa. Apparently sent to Joel J. Miller. October 10, 1895

Certification of church membership (church Letter) of Joel Yoder, issued by ministers of Arthur, Illinois. October 15, 1895

List of participants in communion service at Maple Glen, November 3, 1895. Original. List of names with numbers – likely dollar contributions to some cause – on back of bank

statement of December 13, 1895. Letter of testimony (church letter for membership transfer) by William K. Miller and

Noah D. Yoder of Green Center, Iowa, for Anna Mast. May 5, 1898 Record on a sheet with dimensions of 9 3/4 X 8 inches with lines and writing in

landscape orientation. It is a record apparently done by Joel J. Miller of preaching services, communion services, baptisms, and a bishop ordination, the earliest in 1893 and the latest in 1898. This was a crucial period in the life of the Casselman River Amish Mennonite Church of Somerset County, Pennsylvania, and Garrett

County, Maryland. The tensions and some events which led to the division of 1895 are reflected in this record. Comments are footnoted on some of the names and occasions. Persons baptized: Solomon Orendorf, Edward Bender, Elizabeth Otto, Anna Bender, Ada Miller, Norman E. Miller, John Miller, Samuel Schrock, Anna J. Miller, Nanna E. Miller, Amanda Brenneman, Molly Selders, Lydia Bender, Menno Miller, Alvin J. Miller, Amanda Bender, Anna Bender, Elizabeth Lee, Ada Hershberger, Edward M. yoder, Menno Hershberger, John Tice, Jonas M. Yoder, Samuel Hershberger, Mannass J. Brenneman, Lewis J. Miller, Catherine J. Miller, Amanda Miller, Lydia yoder, Magdalena yoder, Susanna Brenneman. Names of ministers include Daniel J. Beachy, Jonathan Kurtz, Isaac Miller, Jacob F. Swartzendruber, Michael Yoder, Joseph Wittmer, Cornelius Beachy, This paper listed as 1895. 8. [File folder] Jonas B. Miller Materials 1891-1895 – Letters to/from church leaders

Letter of January 18, 1891, J. F. Schwarzendruber to Joel J. Miller – a cover letter for an enclosed letter by Sem Miller of Holmes County, Ohio, in which Somerset County issues are mentioned.

Letter of January 27, 1891, Joel J. Miller to J. F. Schwarzendruber – transcription Refers to issues such as church houses, song books, prayer books, and part singing. January 27, 1891

Letter from John Gascho, Baden Ontario, to Joel J. Miller. Largely a personal letter with spiritual testimony and admonition. Tells train schedule from Meyersdale, Pennsylvania, to his home. Mentions Joel Beachy, Manasse Beachy, Moses Kemp, Joseph Gerber, and of having written to Virginia. December 12, 1891

Letter with descriptive and critical newspaper clipping from Samual Beachy to Joel J. Miller, July 31, 1893

Letter of Joel Miller to Jacob Schwartzendruber, Iowa. Mentions funeral of Moses Kemp and robbery in the home of Jonas Beachy. October 26, 1893

Letter from David A. Troyer, Charm, Ohio, to Daniel Beachy – Explains reason for declining to preach in the church house and adds personal notes. October 30, 1893

Letter of May 14, 1894, John Gascho to Joel J. Miller – Expresses regret that the Casselman area church was unable to proceed with communion services and offers words of encouragement to persevere.

Letters of April 24, May 8, September 20, 1994 – From Joel J. Miller to Daniel S. Beachy in response to Daniel’s request for Joel’s help in the church in Aurora.

Letter from Joel J. Miller to John Gascho. Refers to death of Wilhelm Bender, illness of Elias S. Miller, Gascho’s visit to Jacob S. Miller, the use of the lot in selection for ordination, and how to deal with differences in the congregation. Seems to show something of the tensions in the church related to the division of 1895. June 5, 1894

Letter from John K. Yoder to Joel J. Miller – concerning Hattie Brenneman and the falling from faith of Christian J. Miller. January 24, 1895

Letters of January 30, February 5 (original post card), and January 16,1895 – correspondence between Joel J. Miller and Jonas K. Yoder – Dealing with the case of Hattie Brenneman.

Letter of April 10, 1895, Daniel Beachy to Joel J. Miller – includes references to Joseph Witmer, Benedict Miller, Peter Miller, and Moses Beachy of Ohio.

Letter of July 14, 1895, John Gascho of Baden, Ontario, to Joel J. Miller – Writes at some length on church matters, including causes of church splits.

Letter from Joel J. Miller to ministers at Aurora, WV, regarding the division of 1895

Letter from John Gascho to Joel J. Miller, August 26, 1894. A friendly letter after Gascho

had visited Grantsville. Reference to Joseph Witmer and Mannasse Beachy. Letter from Joel J. Miller to John Gascho, September 4, 1895. Refers to previous letter

from Gascho on the subject of jury duty, especially in regard to Elias Hershberger’s purported involvement; comments on ministerial qualifications; shows interchurch tensions at the time of the 1895 division. September 4, 1895

Letter from John Gascho to Joel J. Miller. Question of jury duty. November 17, 1895. Note: The following four items were found in a bundle on which was written in the hand of J. B. Miller, the following: “Old papers handed to J. B. Miller in 1938.”

Letter of April 17, 1894, Daniel Beachy to Joel J. Miller – Requesting Joel to visit and

help in the church in Aurora, WV. Letter of April 24, 1894, Daniel Beachy to Joel J. Miller – Follow up to previous

correspondence reference Joel’s visit to congregation. Letter of April 29, 1894, from Daniel Beachy to Joel J. Miller – Seeking arrangments for

Joel to assist in the church. Letter of September 10, 1894, Daniel Beachy to Joel J. Miller – Seeking arrangments for

Joel to assist in communion services.

No. 9. [File folder] Jonas B. Miller Materials – 1891–1895 – Personal Letters

Letter of 1895 to Jonas B. Miller from Moses B. Miller – Miller family genealogy

No. 10. [File folder] Jonas B. Miller Materials 1891-1895 – Historical Items “Posterity of my great grandfather John Miller,” a hand-written paper by Moses B.

Miller. Lists the children of John Miller, followed by the families of John’s children and then lists Benedict’s children. Also a section on “Descendants of Grand Mother, and lists the siblings of Anna (Stutzman) Miller. Date inscribed on the paper in the hand of JBM: Thursday, October 11, 1894.

No. 11. [File folder] Jonas B. Miller Materials 1891-1895 – Farm and Business

Columnized record of maple syrup and sugar production, including tapping, barrels of sap collected, pounds of sugar made. March and April 1892

Brochure with notation from A. H. Osterwist, Middletown, Ohio, to J. B. Miller concerning his sheep business and the importation of 225 sheep from England. July 8, 1892

Letter from F. J. Hughes, East Claridan, Ohio, to J. B. Miller, with information on his sheep for sale. September 30, 1892

Letter from F. J. Hughes, East Claridon, Ohio, to J. B. Miller, asking for return of the tag in the Lamb’s ear. Apparently JBM had bought a lamb from Hughes and Hughes needed the information on the tag. November 1, 1892

Letter from J. E. Wyler, Mt. Hope, Ohio, to J. B.Miller responding to JBM’s inquiry about Wyler’s Shropshire sheep. November 18, 1892

Post card sent to J. E. Wyler from a satisfied customer and forwarded to J. B. Miller as a testimonial of the quality of Wyler’s sheep. November 30, 1892

Constitution of the American Dominque Club, an organization dedicated to the promotion of that breed of chicken. January 24, 1895

Letter from F. P. Williamson, New Jersey, quoting prices on eggs, American Dominique Pen breed, apparently fertile eggs for hatching. February 20, 1895

Letter from Edward Walter of Eureka Stock Farm, West Chester, Pennsylvania, to J. B. Miller with description of the American Dominique breed of chicken and the availability and prices of the chickens. March 29, 1895

Post card from N. D. Saylor, Meyersdale, Pennsylvania, to J. B. Miller, saying that JBM can come to pick and take a pair of pigs. April 8, 1895

Post card from post office to J. B. Miller stating a package of eggs arrived at the post office to be picked up. Handwritten note on card: “Eggs for Hatching – American Dominique.”

Letter from J. E. Wyler, Mt. Hope, Ohio, to Jonas B. Miller with information on available sheep for sale. September 20, 1895

Letter from P. K. B______, Waterside, Pennsylvania, to Jonas B. Miller, about a ram which JBM apparently was interested in buying. The ram apparently was hurt and is offered to Jonas at an adjusted price. Describes the characteristics of the ram. October 29, 1895.

No. 12 File folder] Jonas B. Miller Materials 1891-1895 – Other

Letter from William Hinebaugh , secretary of the Board of School Commissioners of Garrett County, to J. B. Miller. In reply of inquiry from J. B. Miller, states that school buildings may be used for religious instructions. Gives premise for such permission and some condition for such usage. March 19, 1895

Receipt of payment for sending registered letter. Paid by Joel J. Miller for sending letter to Jeremiah Stevennus, Tub, Pennsylvania, April 20, 1891

No. 13 [File folder] Jonas B. Miller Materials 1896-1900 – Church Administration

Obituary/funeral information. likely written by or given to Joel J. Miller as bishop – Savannah E. Bender, age 8, daughter of Enoch and Mary Bender, died January 13, 1896

Obituary/funeral information. likely written by or given to Joel J. Miller as bishop – Harvey E. Bender, age 3, son of Enoch and Mary Bender. Note on paper, “The difference between the two [deaths of Savannah and Harvey] is six month and nine days.” Died July 22, 1896

Sunday school first organized at Maple Glen and tally of votes for superintendent and assistant Superintendent. Explanation written on paper: “1896 auf den 22ten März wurde gerathen mit der gemein wegen Sonnstags Schuhle, und auf den 29ten der Schuhle organised.” Translation: “1896 on March 22 council was taken about Sunday school and on the 29th the school was organized.” The tally of votes is written on the paper as follows: For Superintendent – SDY (Solomon D. Yoder), 11; SSM (Simon S. Miller), 12; EMM (Elias M. Miller), 0; DK (Daniel Kinsinger) 25. It appears that Daniel Kinsinger was elected as superintendent and a vote was then taken for assistant superintendent with the remaining three names as candidates with the following results: SDY, 34; SSM, 16; EMM, 1. March 29, 1896

Mennonite Publishing house to Jonas B. Miller ref. Lesson helps, March 26, 1896. Funds collected for song books. Certifcation of church membership (church letter). Signed by J. F. Schwarzendruber and

David Raber as ministers in Amish, Iowa. Apparently sent to or handed to Bishop Joel J. Miller. April 5, 1896

Obituary/funeral information. likely written by or given to Joel J. Miller as bishop – Peter Kinsinger, age 78, died September 27, 1896

Obituary/funeral information. likely written by or given to Joel J. Miller as bishop – Mahlon Hershberger, age 35, died February 15, 1897

Obituary/funeral information. likely written by or given to Joel J. Miller as bishop – Jonas Hershberger, age 32, died March 9, 1897

Obituary/funeral information. likely written by or given to Joel J. Miller as bishop – Daniel Kinsinger, age 36, died March 11, 1897

Church decision reference grave markers 1897 Letter from Sarah Schrock to Bishop Joel J. Miller, asking, in behalf of her brother

Samuel, whether a class for instruction for baptism and church membership is being formed that summer. May 19, 1897

Tally of votes for selection of minister. Lists the following names and number of votes each: Simon Miller, 33; Jonas Miller, 3, Joel Hershberger, 10; Christian Lee, 2; Joel Mast [Maust], 1; Elias S. Miller, 1; Solomon Yoder, 7; Joseph Mast [Maust], 1. Note at bottom of page: “Stimmen genommen den 16ten Maÿ 1897. Das loos wurde gezogen den 30ten Maÿ 1897 bie Jonas Miller. August den 7ten 1897machte er den ersten Anfang. Joel J. Miller. Translation: “Voice (votes) taken on May 16, 1897. The lot was drawn on May 30, 1897 by Jonas Miller. On August 7, 1897, he did the Anfang (first sermon) for the first time. Joel J. Miller.” The sheet with the above information was enclosed in an envelope with the

inscription: Erfunden unter Schriften meines Vaters Feb. 4, 1918. Stimmen abgenommen Mai 16ten 1897. Loos gezogen Mai 30ten 1897. J. B. Miller” Translation: Voice (votes) and election to the ministry of the Word. Found among the papers of my father, February 4, 1918. Votes received May 16, 1897. The lot drawn May 30, 1897.” Likely JBM came across the information by surprise twenty-one years after his ordination and learned the very small number of votes by which he had been put “into the lot.” But the procedure of receiving the congregation’s vote and then discerning further with the lot was firmly established in the congregation at that time and for decades thereafter.

Certification of church membership (church letter) Daniel Swartzendruber and wife, unsigned, December 2 1897

following inscription by Jonas B. Miller: “Stimmen und anbefehlung zum Dienst zum Letter from Christian Schrock to Bishop Joel J. Miller, requesting arrangements for

marriage to Sarah E. Orendorf. December 5, 1897 Obituary/funeral information. likely written by or given to Joel J. Miller as bishop –

Minta Orendorf, age 5, died December 17, 1897

Obituary/funeral information. likely written by or given to Joel J. Miller as bishop – Christian Selders, age 42, died December 8, 1896

Tally of votes for Sunday school superintendent and assistant superintendent at Maple Glen with the following results for superintendent: Solomon D. Yoder 33; Christian Lee 4; Simon S. Miller 1; Christian W. Bender 0. For assistant superintendent: Christian Lee 26; Simon S. Miller 2; Christian W. Bender 10. Apparently the ministers had offered four nominations with the three not elected as superintendent then having been nominations for assistant superintendent. March 13, 1898

Obituary/funeral information. likely written by or given to Joel J. Miller as bishop – Mary Gingerich (nee Mary Kemp), wife of Elias Gingerich, age 36, died March 14, 1898

Certification of church membership (church letter) of Hattie Beachy (or Heti Beachy), signed by Peter Miller. April 24, 1898

List of Scripture references for use in the church on various occasions and topics, including Christmas, Easter, new birth, communion, weddings, Pentecost, church council meeting. Copied by Joel J. Miller from Joel Beachy, December 5, 1898.

Certification of church membership (church letter) of Joel J. Yoder, signed by Joel J. Miller. April 3, 1899

Certification of membership (church letter) of Emanuel Beachy, signed by Joel J. Miller. April 3, 1899

Ceremonial form for receiving church members by letter. Notation at top names Mrs. L. J. Miller and Norman Yoder. Lewis J. Miller and Mary Hochstetler were married in 1897. The paper seems to be written in the hand of Joel J. Miller and is dated April 9, 1899.

Certification of membership of Barbara Hochstetler, sent from Sharon Center, Iowa, and apparently sent to Joel J. Miller. Signed by Peter Kinsinger, Jonathan Plank, and Henry H. Hershberger. April 16, 1899

Obituary/funeral information. likely written by or given to Joel J. Miller as bishop – Mary Gingerich, age 60, died May 15, 1898

Obituary/funeral information. likely written by or given to Joel J. Miller as bishop – Huldah Bender, nee Huldah Glass, widow of John Bender, age 44. After stating that Jacob S. Miller and Joel J. Miller spoke in German, this notation appears: “Matthew 24:42-51 by Jonas B. Miller in English Language.” This seems to represent an early, if not a first, use of preaching in English in the local Amish Mennonite church. Huldah’s husband Died May 15, 1898

Obituary/funeral information, likely written by or given to Joel J. Miller as bishop – Mariah Ziebach, age 76. Notation on paper: “John 5:24-30 JJM [Joel J. Miller] and the same text by J. B. Miller in English Language by her request about 2 ½ weeks before her death. Died July 19, 1898

Obituary/funeral information. likely written by or given to Joel J. Miller as bishop – Barbara Otto, age 63. Paper includes notation: 2 Kings 20 later part of 1st vers in English by JBM.” (Two previous English sermons by JBM on record at funerals of deaths of July 6, 1898 and July 19, 1898.) Died September 18, 1898

Obituary/funeral information. likely written by or given to Joel J. Miller as bishop – Earl Miller, age 4, died December 19, 1898

Obituary/funeral information. likely written by or given to Joel J. Miller as bishop – Elizabeth Stephanus, age 60. Paper also notes earlier deaths of son John Stephanus and daughter Malinda married to Benjamin Tressler. Died December 30, 1898

Obituary/funeral information. Likely written by or given to Joel J. Miller as bishop.Susan Brenneman, age 79, died March 25, 1899

Obituary/funeral information. likely written by or given to Joel J. Miller as bishop – David Yoder, age 79, died May 8, 1899

Obituary/funeral information. likely written by or given to Joel J. Miller as bishop – Catherine Hochstedler, age 60, died June 14, 1899

Obituary/funeral information. likely written by or given to Joel J. Miller as bishop – Delilah Bender, age 15. Psalm 39:4,5 in English by JBM. died July 19, 1899

Obituary/funeral information. likely written by or given to Joel J. Miller as bishop – Mary Beitzel, wife of Christian Beitzel, age 31. German and English used in this funeral. Died August 8, 1899

Obituary/funeral information. likely written by or given to Joel J. Miller as bishop – Mary Yutzy, age 85. English by JBM included in this funeral. Died August 28, 1899

Obituary/funeral information, likely written by or given to Joel J. Miller as bishop – Christian Gingerich, age 69. JBM in English. Died September 24, 1899

Obituary/funeral information. likely written by or given to Joel J. Miller as bishop – Harvey Miller, age 2. Died October 7, 1899

Obituary/funeral information, likely written by or given to Joel J. Miller as bishop – Michael Schrock, age 58, of Tavistock, Ontario. The paper indicates that Jacob S. Miller and Joel J. Miller participated in this funeral. The paper includes the following inscription: Michael Schrag wurde gebohren am zwanzigsten Mai 1841 und is gestorben 17ten December 1899 im alter von 58 Jahr 7 Monat wenige 3 tag. Lebte im Ehestant 35 Jahr weniger 4 monat und hinterläst eine traurete

witwen und 3 kinder und zwei Enkel. Translation: “Michael Schrock was born on May 20, 1841, and died on December 17, 1899, at the age of 58 years and 7 months less 3 days. He lived in a marriage union 35 years less 4 months and is survived by a bereft widow, 3 children, and two grandchildren.” See Joel J. Miller’s letter (January 2, 1900; File # 14) to Christian Litwiler in which he states that he and Jacob S. Miller arrived home on December 22. M. S. died December 17, 1899

Obituary/funeral information, likely written by or given to Joel J. Miller as bishop –Thomas Lee, age 83, died February 24, 1900

Obituary/funeral information, likely written by or given to Joel J. Miller as bishop – Casper Schramm, age 63, JBM in English. Died June 6, 1900

Tally of votes for treasurer of the Conservative Amish Mennonite congregation of the Casselman River area. The votes were received at Cherry Glade on July 15 and at Oak Dale on July 22, and apparently at Maple Glen on July 8.. Since the date at the top precedes the other dates and seems to be associated with Grantsville, Maryland, and since the votes are listed in three columns with the sum of the three in the fourth column, the three columns may be understood, from left to right, as referring to Maple Glen, Cherry Glade, and Oak Dale. Each of fifteen names were given one or more votes, apparently in a congregational vote without nominations presented. July 22, 1900

Letter from J. B. Miller to Gideon D. Miller, Tub [Springs], Pennsylvania, responding to an assignment given JBM to speak at a Sunday school conference at Springs. JBM declines the invitation to speak in this Mennonite (not Amish Mennonite) meeting and gives reasons for it in this eight-page hand-written letter. JBM had consulted with his father (Bishop Joel J. Miller) and Minister Jacob S. Miller and received counsel to not participate. Refers also to Moses B. Miller, an Amish Mennonite bishop of Johnstown, Pennsylvania, having declined in a similar situation. Remembers that Gideon had declined speaking at the funeral of Mrs. John Bender (Hulda Glass Bender died July 6, 1897]. Notes the tendency of doing programs without contacting the speakers in advance as was the case with Nobertius Sproll of Indiana and Christian Yoder of Ohio who had spoken also in the Amish Mennonite Church when at Tub for an assignment. August 7, 1900

Obituary/funeral information, likely written by or given to Joel J. Miller as bishop – Helana Bender, age 59, died October 9, 1900

Note from C. L. Beitzel to Bishop Joel J. Miller, asking Joel to ask Mary Orendorf to become his wife. Undated.

List of names and monetary amounts – apparently collected for some cause – on Yoder Bros Letterhead.

No. 14 folder] Jonas B. Miller Materials 1896-1900 – Letters to/from Church Leaders Letter from Joel J. Miller to Christian Litwiller, Ontario, Canada – After returning home

from Ontario, January 2, 1900 Letter from Joel J. Miller to Daniel Beachy, Aurora, WV, 1897, ref. division of 1895. Letter from Christian J. Miller, Kalona, Iowa, to Joel J. Miller. Refers to personal

weakness in terms of Romans 7: 15 and 19; asks about the division of 1895, noting that Joseph Witmer reported that a new church was started. February 1, 1896

Letter from Bishop Jacob Bender of Tavistock, Ontario, to Joel J. Miller. Includes invitation and encouragement for Joel and Jacob S. Miller to visit them. December 11, 1898

Letter from Joel J. Miller to Jacob Bender, Ontario, concerning a possible visit by Joel and Jacob S. Miller to Ontario. Includes news and/or mention of Noah Schwartzendruber of Iowa, Jacob Yutzy of Canada, Moses D. Yoder of Grantsville, and Simon S. Miller. December 27, 1898

Letter from Jacob Habegger, Bern, Indiana, to Joel Miller. Had noted in the Funk Calendar that an Amish church was located in Maryland and wished establish connections. Gives some admonition about unity of Christians and apparently wonders why the Amish maintain their degree of separation from other believers. April 16, 1899

No. 15 folder] Jonas B. Miller Materials 1896-1900 – Personal Letters

Letters (2) from C. (Cornelius) S. and Magdalene (Swartzentruber) Beachy to Barbara and Jonas B. Miller. Magdalena (a sister to Barbara) gives family news and neighborhood news. C. S. writes about finances, apparently in response to J. B. having sought a loan from him. (Jonas and Barbara bought a portion of his father’s farm [Mapleshade Farm near Grantsville] and moved there in 1896 after constructing a temporary house.) January 22, 1896

Letter from Magdalena (Swartzentruber) Beachy to Barbara (Swarzentruber) Miller, 1898. Insightful regarding personal and family life. See Descendants of Jacob Swartzentruber, by Alvin and Edna Maust, © by the authors, 1979.

Letter from Lydia and Peter Brenneman, Kalona, Iowa, to Jonas B. Miller – personal letter with reference to church affairs, 1899

Letter from Savilla (Beachy) Miller to her husband Joel J. Miller, envelope addressed to Jacob Bender, Tavistock, Ontario. Written when Joel in Canada in preaching and/or other church work. Writes with affection. Gives news of activities at home. Names include Jacob S. Miller, Simon M. Yoder, Mary Miller (later Mary Schrock), Barbara H. Miller, Sarah H. Miller, Christian Lee, Alvin J. Miller. Expresses missing Joel not being in “his place” in the Sunday church service and his voice being silent. December 13, 1899

No. 16. [File folder] Jonas B. Miller Materials 1896-1900 – Historical Items

Appraisment list of Mrs. Jefferson Broadwater, in envelope with return address of The Garrett County Treasurer addressed to Joel J. Miller. Apparently Joel had been involved in the appraisal. July 16, 1897

Copy of genealogical information, copied by Samuel J. Miller, of the families of Daniel and Marie (Bender) Brenneman (children born from 1805 to 1827) and of their son Jacob and Catherine (Engle) Brenneman (children born from 1830 to 1857). See John M. Byler, Amish Immigrants of Waldeck and Hesse (by the author, 1993) pp. 33, 34. The Catherine, born to Daniel and Marie Brenneman in 1813 was the mother of the copyist, Samuel J. Miller. The source from which the copies were made is not indicated. Date of copies: December 6, 1897

Familien Register von Jakob und Magdalena Bender, Ontario. Compiled by Jacob Bender and David Bender, the descendants of Jacob Bender and wife Magdalena are listed up to 1897.

Letters (2) from The Burrows Brothers Company, April 1898, available Bible editions. Lists of County School trustees, 1897 and 1898 Letters (3) from state legislators ref. appointment of Grantsville postmaster. Post card from Bd. of School Commissioners. 1898 Memo written by Joel J. Miller recording a visit by Sarah Mosser, widow, and her son

Simon of Nebraska and Mrs. Mosser’s statement that she has a chest made by Joel’s great-grandfather, Jacob Miller and that, after her death, she wants Joel J. to have the chest and to take care of it as a memorial. (Writing letters to people in Nebraska recently by the name of Mosser has not yielded any responses. – David I. Miller) Date on memo: June 21, 1898

List of deaths, apparently deaths in 1899. At top of paper; “The time is passing swiftly by and one by one is passing over to the great Eternity out of our midst.” Begins with death of Mrs. Dan Stevanus, January 1, with last entry Harvey Miller, October 27. Others: David Yoder, Mrs. Daniel Brenneman, Mrs. Joel Bender, Delila Bender, Mrs. Christian Beitzel, Mary Yutzy, Christian Gingerich.

No. 17. [File folder] Jonas B. Miller Materials 1896-1900 – Farm and Business

No. 17 -A General Farm and Business Subscription Contest sheet of The Rural New Yorker. Contest from March 1 to

May 1. March 1896 Letter from C. R. Haselbarth and Son, Elk Lick, Pennsylvania, acknowledging

JBM’s inquiry about barbed wire and responding with information. May 11, 1896

Receipt issued by The United States Express Co. to J. J. Miller for payment of freight for 1 box from Lancaster, Pennsylvania. June 13, 1896

Receipt issued by C. R. Hazelbarth and Son, Elk Lick, Pennsylvania, to J. B. Miller for payment in full. August 17, 1896

Receipt for payment of County and State tax, Joel J. Miller, 1897 Letter from Rural New Yorker, to Jonas B. Miller, soliciting his services in

heading up a local subscription club. March 11, 1897 Letter from Midland, Virginia. (signature appears to refer to Daniel

J. Swartzentruber), to J. B. Miller. A mixture of friendly letter and business letter. Refers to his share in the grain drill (which he apparently left behind when he moved from Grantsville to Midland), his newly acquired McCormick grain binder, and wanting to buy pigs from JBM to be shipped from Meyersdale or Frostburg. Names in the letter: J. S Miller (Jacob S. Miller), Will Yoder (William M. Yoder), and Brother Crist (Christian J. Swartzentruber). Addresses JBM as brother-in-law. According to Descendants of Jacob Swartzentruber, (p. 22)compiled by Alvin and Edna Maust, Daniel and Lydia Swartzentruber had moved from Grantsville, Maryland, to Midland, Virginia, in 1896. At Grantsville, they had lived on a farm (the Swartzentruber homestead) about two miles north of Grantsville on present-day Dorsey Hotel Road. June 19, 1898

Rough drafts of field drainage tile schemes. drawn with pencil indicating location of drains with reference to land marks, distances from point to point. The geographical directions are not stated. Two of the papers are dated as shown below. April 1899

Receipt from C. R. Hazelbarth and Son, Elk Lick, Pennsylvania, to J. B. Miller for payment in full of account to date. January 31, 1900

Letter from N. E. Yoder, Meyersdale, Pennsylvania, about Eldorado blackberry plants and the kind of evaporator to get for the sugar camp. Favors the make of Gideon Miller (Miller Machine Works, Springs, Pennsylvania). Noah E. Yoder was a brother-in-law of JBM, married to Sadie Swartzentruber. Later, they moved to Stuarts Draft, Virginia. April 26, 1900.

Receipt issued by The Mapes Formula and Peruvian Quano Co., New York, New York, to Jonas B. Miller, for payment for potato and corn seed. April 30, 1900

Letter from Department of Entomology, College Park, Maryland, to J. B. Miller, responding to diseased sample of apple tree twig with diagnoses of scurfy scale and advise for treatment. June 18, 1900

Cancelled checks issued in 1899 to Eli Stanton and sons, R. M. Beachy, L. J. Beachy, J. S. Broadwater, Getty Wegman. May 3 to August 8, 1899

Cancelled checks issued in 1900 to Rural New Yorker, Samuel Hershberger, F. W. Bender, Sylvester, Ryland, C. A. Bender, Noah Broadwater, Joel Orendorf, Joel J. Miller, John Knecht, Eli Stanton, John White, Edward Surst, L. J. Maust, Aaron Maust. April 22 to October 16, 1900

Brochure of Alliance Carriage Co., Cinncinati, Ohio, Sleigh Supplement, describing sleighs and bob sleds. Undated

Materials for construction of early buildings at Mapleshade Farm. These lists with the time frame of 1896 to 1905 are listed and filed in the Farm and Business section of 1901 to 1905, File # 23..

No. 17-B Cattle 1896-1900

No. 17-C Sheep 1896-1900

Letter from J. F. Lantz, Altoona, Pennsylvania, to J. B. Miller concerning his willingness to sell a particular ewe, with comment on her qualities. October 8, 1896

Letter from J. E. Wyler, Mt. Hope, Ohio, about a ewe which JBM apparently was interested in, but was bred to a ram other than JBM’s preference. October 16, 1896.

Letter from J. E. Wyler, Mt. Hope, Ohio, stating readiness to ship the ewe to JBM. November 9, 1896

Letter from J. E.. Wyler, Mt. Hope, Ohio, to J. B. Miller, stating “I have shipped your ewe today,” with further comment about the ewe’s expected time for lambing. November 16, 1896

Letter from J. F. Lantz, Altoona, Pennsylvania, with information on his shropshire sheep – pedigree, price, etc. May 7, 1898

Letter from The Hitchins Brothers Comany, Frostburg, Maryland, to J. B. Miller saying that they will take the sheep and want to get it on Friday. June 3, 1898

No. 17-D Hogs 1896-1900

Brochure descriptive of pure bred hogs, published May 1896 Invoice/receipt issued by The Henry Philipps Seed and Implement Co. to

Jonas B. Miller for garden seeds. May 12, 1896 Letter from The national Berkshire Record Association covering enclosure

of forms, likely for registering Berkshire hogs. July 17, 1896 Certrificate of registration of sow, Maud, with the National Berkshire Record

Association. July 17, 1896 Certificate of Transfer of a Berkshire sow name maude from H. D. Saylor,

Meyersdale, Pennsylvania, to J. B. Miller. July 17, 1896 Letter from I. N. Barker, Thorntown, Indiana, responding to inquiry about

availability of pigs. August 21, 1896

Letter from H. L. Nowlin, Lawrenceburg, Indiana, to J. B. Miller, responding to JBM’s inquiry about pigs and giving information such as pedigree and price of available pigs. November 14, 1896

Letter from Charles McKay, Sabina, Ohio, to J. B. Miller. Quotes prices of pigs from $8 to $10. Comments on the pedigree and quality of his stock. November 16, 1896

Catalog of hogs for sale by Hood Farm, Lowell, Massachusetts with note addressed to J. B. Miller about the availability of swine. January 6, 1897

Letter and brochure from W. G. Riley, Thorntown, Indiana, to J. B. Miller, with information on available berskshire pigs. January 7, 1897

Letter from W. E. Mandeville, Brookton, New York, to J. B. Miller, stating, “I will ship the sow this evening, be sure to meet her on the train.” February 24, 1897

Letter from J. F. Lantz, Altoona, Pennsylvania, to J. B. Miller in reply to JBM’s inquiry about trading a pig for a lamb. April 9, 1897

Letter from O. P. Wolcott, Canover, Ohio, to J. B. Miller, about available pigs. September 8, 1897

Letter from Bel Air, Maryland (signature difficult to decipher) to Jonas B. Miller with information on the Berkshire pigs for sale. October 21, 1897

Letter from Hobbs Brothers, Cooksville, Maryland, to J. B. Miller with information on pigs. June 8, 1898

Letter from Jno. White & Son, Washington, D.C., to J. B. Miller with information about the pedigree of the pig shipped to JBM - its dam having had 11 pigs in the litter and 12 in the previous litter. May 25, 1899

Letter from Benj. White for John White and Son of Moreland Stock Farm, Adamstown, Maryland, to J. B. Miller, acknowledging JBM’s statement of disappointment with the pig he received and agreeing to return JBM’s money order and JBM returning the pig,. The writer then proceeds to describe the pigs pedigree as superior and confesses chagrin over JBM judging a pig only four months old and proceeds to describe the high quality of his stock. June 4, 1899

Certificate of Transfer of ownership of a Berkshire sow named Princess Maud, from Harvey S. Yoder to J. B. Miller. May 26, 1900

Certificate of registration of sow, Princes Maud, with the National Berkshire Record Association. May 26, 1900

Letter from Moreland Stock Farm, Adamstown, Maryland, to J. B. Miller, declining to again ship a pig to JBM for approval on arrival because of his experience with JBM as the “most critcal purchaser that I have ever tried to please.” September 8, 1900

Letter from Benj. White, Washington, D. C. (on letterhead of Bureau of Medicine and Surgery of Department of the Navy) stating that he received JBM’s telegram and will be going to the farm the next day and will ship the pig on Monday of the next week, the 24th. September 21, 1900

Letter from Moreland Stock Farm, Adamstown, Maryland, to J. B. Miller, regarding a pig which apparently had been shipped to JBM but about which JBM had expressed some dissatisfaction. September 30, 1900

Letter from Benj. White, Washington, D. C., to J. B. Miller. Requests a name for the pig he had shipped to JBM so that registration and transfer can be sent to the Berkshire Association. Comments further on his stock out on the farm. October 24, 1900

Letter from Moreland Stock Farm, Adamstown, Maryland, to J. B. Miller, about a name for the pig, which JBM bought from Moreland, on order to register the pig. November 9, 1900

No. 17-E Poultry 1896-1900

Letter from F. P. Williamson, Sergeantsville, New Jersey, responding to inquiry

about American Dominique fowl, including information about pedigree, price, and shipping. November 24 1896

Letter from B. J. Dodge, Verona, New York, acknowledging receipt of order from JBM, but stating that “the old cock was sold” and offering adjustment by refund of check or sending an other combination of birds. February 7, 1896

Letter from C. C. Shoemaker, Freeport, Illinois, with information on fertile Andalusian eggs. May 27, 1899

No. 17-F Maple Production 1896-1900 Letter from Kelly Foundry and Machine Co., Goshen, Indiana, to

J. B. Miller, responding to inquiry about steel tanks, likely for use as maple sap storage tanks in the sugar camp. October 2, 1896

Quote from M. Knecht & Sons, Elk Lick, Pennsylvania, to J. B. Miller, on storage and hauling tanks for sugar camp. January 29, 1897

Letter from C. R. Haselbarth, Elk Lick, Pennsylvania, to J. B. Miller, on availability and prices on sugar sap pails. March 2, 1898

Letter from Granite State Evaporator Co.,, Abany, New York, with quotes on sap pails and spouts. December 12, 1898

Letter from C. R. Haselbarth and Son, Elk Lick, Pennsylvania, about maple sap pails with description and price. January 25, 1899

Letter from Cook and Beerits, Somerset, Pennsylvania, to J. B. Miller, noting that JBM will be sending 200 gals of maple syrup to them. April 2, 1900

“One of Maryland’s Little Known Products – The Maple Product” – an article apparently typed from Rural Rambler. – Undated

No. 17-G Real Estate 1896-1900

No 18. File folder] Jonas B. Miller Materials 1896-1900 – Other

No. 19 [File folder] Jonas B. Miller Materials 1901-1905 – Church Administration

Obituary/funeral information, likely written by or given to Joel J. Miller as bishop – John J. Brenneman, deacon, age 70, died January 17, 1901

Obituary/funeral information, likely written by or given to Joel J. Miller as bishop – Peter Slaughbaugh, age 75, died July 24, 1901

Obituary/funeral information, likely written by or given to Joel J. Miller as bishop – Anonymous, age 47. Paper gives birth and death dates and age, but does not give a name. Died June 7, 1902

Obituary/funeral information, likely written by or given to Joel J. Miller as bishop – Ernest N. Maust, age 3, died August 3, 1902

List of baptismal class of August 3, 1902. The following were baptized by Joel J. Miller: Asa Schrock, Joseph Gnagey, Irvin Gnagey, Janny Lichty, Lizzy Miller, Katie Lee, Lizzy Opel, Lydia Selders. August 3, 1902

Lists of baptismal classes, all baptized by Joel J. Miller. One side of the paper is dated June 5, 1904, apparently listing the names of the instruction class who were then baptized on September 4, 1904 at the “Forks church (Cherry Glade): William Schrock, Elias Brenneman, Ansel Miller, Milton Bender, Abraham Yoder, Savilla Bender, Anna Schrock, Susanna Opel, Carrie Beitzel. On the same side of the same sheet, this note: “Alvin J. M. [Alvin J. Miller] left the church.” The other side of the sheet is dated August 1906 and lists those baptized at the JSM church (Maple Glen), in the presence of Jacob F. Swartzendruber and Noah D. Yoder of Iowa on August 12, 1906: Jonas Maust, Cora Bender, Ada Maust, Savilla Maust. At the bottom of the sheet, is a list of those baptized at Maple Glen on August 23, 1908: Nevin Bender, Edwin Beitzel. 1904 to 1908

Certification of church membership (church letter) of Henry Slaubaugh, signed by William K. Miller and Gideon A. Yoder. September 14, 1902

Obituary/funeral information, likely written by or given to Joel J. Miller as bishop – Effie Schrock, daughter of Jonas Schrock and Catherine Schrock, age 6, died May 24, 1903

Obituary/funeral information, likely written by or given to Joel J. Miller as bishop – William Pifer, age 25. In English by Sam Fike, funeral at Maple Glen Amish Mennonite church, burial in D. Hershberger cemetery. Died January 3, 1904

Obituary/funeral information, likely written by or given to Joel J. Miller as bishop – Rebecca Durst, age 66, messages in German by Joel J. Miller, in English by J. B. Miller and by Pastor Hilbish of Methodist Episcopal Church, New Germany. Died May 13, 1904

Certification of church membership (church letter) January 16, 1904, of Menno S. Guengerich, signed by William K. Miller and Gideon A. Yoder. January 16, 1904

Certification of church membership (church letter)of Magdalena Maust, signed by Joel J. Miller. September 27, 1904

Certification of church membership (church letter) of Mattie Nissley, signed by Christian J. Miller, Daniel J. Miller, Peter J. Brenneman, and J. J. Plank. According to Descendants of Jonas Maust, by Menno H. Mast, 1968, Fam. 200, Mattie married Jonas Maust on January 22, 1904. This item is dated October 29, 1904

Obituary/funeral information, likely written by or given to Joel J. Miller as bishop – Urias Tressler, age 61, died March 11, 1905

Obituary/funeral information, likely written by or given to Joel J. Miller as bishop – Polly Orendorf, age 69, died June 18, 1905

Note in margin of baptismal class list of August 3, 1902. states: “August 13, 1905, Cora Hershberger joined Mennonites and married Crist J. Bender.” Original in File #19. August 3, 1905

Certification of membership (church letters) of Jonas Mast and wife. Signed by Joel J. Miller. December 5, 1905

Letter from Joel J. Miller to Jonas and Joseph Maust, Michigan, regarding church letters and other personal items. December 18, 1905. Certificate of membership (church letter) apparently from Joel J. Miller to Fannie Stutzman, June 5, 1905.

No. 20 [File folder] Jonas B. Miller Materials 1901–1905 – Letters to/from Church Leaders

Letter from Joel J. Miller to Christian Litwiller, St. Agatha, Ontario, June 13, 1902. Includes references to local interactions of church leader, or lack thereof, when visiting ministers Canada were in their midst – nuances of the church division of 1895.

Letter from Christian Litwiller to Joel J. Miller, December 26, 1902. A personal letter, but with reference to tensions in the Canadian churches and Moses D. Yoder having been called there, among others, for intervention.

Letter from Joel J. Miller to Christian Litwiller, February 22, 1903. A personal letter with reference to deaths among acquaintances.

Letter from Christian M. Nafziger, Lowville, New York, to Jonas B. Miller. Date given as 29/3; interpretation of date uncertain. Comments in a very negative tone about the use of automobiles.

Letter from Gideon A. Yoder, Wellman, Iowa, to Joel J. Miller, October 25, 1904. Gideon announces safe arrival after a trip east and information on the itinerary.

Letter from Joshua King to unnamed addressee, likely Joel J. Miller or J. B. Miller, apparently written after returning home from a visit to Grantsville. April 13, 1905

No. 21 [File folder] Jonas B. Miller Materials 1901-1905 – Personal Letters

No. 22. [File folder] Jonas B. Miller Materials 1901-1905 – Historical Items Genealogical record of the Miller family, beginning with Immigrant John, by Moses B.

Miller, copied by S. [Samuel] J. Miller. Two copies in file, one in the handwriting of Samuel J. Miller and the other typed . The handwritten copy has two additional inscriptions: (1) “Recopied by Joel J. Miller for Milton B. Miller, February 24, 1911" and (2) for “William F. Hostetler, Barrs Mills, Ohio.” Both copies refer to the family of John J. Miller, son of Jacob only as follows: “I have no history of Uncle John Millers family, who also lived in Ohio.” June 27, 1902

No. 23. [File folder] Jonas B. Miller Materials 1901-1905 – Farm and Business Lists of materials and labor for the construction of the early buildings at Mapleshade

Farm. The following 18 items, grouped into 5 categories, have a time frame within the period of 1896 to 1905. An attempt has been made to determine the use of materials and labor included in the lists which follow. In some cases the usage is definitely stated. In others, it is apparent but not definitely documented. – David I. Miller, January 2008

For Construction of initial small house and samll barn at Mapleshade Farm: Bill of Lumber for Stable; includes weather boarding for a building 24 X 35. X

18. This appears to refer to the stable built before the main barn was built.. My memory of a remnant of the foundation visible in my childhood would place the stable about 60 feet east of the main barn. Undated

Receipt, issued by George T. Brew, Brew Maur, Maryland, for payment for 9,000 18" shingles.This item seems to predate the construction of the farm house and the main barn, and may have been for the small temporary house later known as the shop. August 29, 1896

For Construction of the main barn at Mapleshade Farm “Bill of Oak Lumber for Barn” – J. B. Miller – Undated “Bill of Hemlock Lumber” Includes 100 rafters, thus likely for barn. Undated “Revised Bill of frame material for barn – Hemlock” Undated Bill of spruce Lumber to be sawed for J. B. Miller. Includes items such as “mow ties,”

thus for the barn. If for the barn, this item seems to refer to cutting the timber with a period of drying before building. August 2, 1897

Bill of White Oak Lumber for Barn. December 8, 1897 “Lower Frame” – a list of lumber pieces for the lower frame. the list includes timbers

with dimenstion of 8 X 12 up to 22 ½ feet long. The sills likely refer to the windows of the lower level of the barn. The paper shows considerable wear and wrinkle, apparently from being carried around and often referred to at the sawmill. Undated

“Appended is a list of Hemlock materail needed for barn frame.” July 9, 1903 “Hemlock pieces on hand.” Includes timbers such as 8 X 8 and 8 X 11 dimensions with

lengths up to 42 feet. Apparently for the main barn. Undated “Hemlock Pcs. for Upper Frame of Barn.” Written on back side of Mapleshade Farm

letterhead with year printed partially as 190__, thus in or after 1900. Undated “Expenditures for Carpenter Labor on Barn – Settled by Notes. The following creditors

are listed: Simon Brenneman, Albert Brenneman, Charles Schler, Floyd Brenneman, Louis Keupfer. Rate of pay varies from (per day) from $1.60 to $2.00. The date on this list does not necessarily represent date of construction or completion. Date of list: August 28, 1903

Dimension of manger in cow stable – Undated

For construction of the first Silo at Mapleshade Farm

Invoice and receipt from The Chestnut Spring Planing Mill, Tub, Pennsylvania, for a planing job, including 1250 feet for a silo. The initial silo stood on the west side of the main barn, south of the big doors to the threshing floor. Written on a printed form with year printed partially as 190__, thus in or after 1900. Undated

For construction of the main house at Mapleshade Farm “Bill of materials for J. B. Miller frame stuff for his house – Size of house 23 X 32”.

Undated Bill for White Oak Lumber handed Aaron Maust, October 3. Includes lumber with

dimensions for sills, joists, and porch. Note by Ivan J. Miller states, “This appears to be a list of lumber that went into house of J. B. Millers when they build the Mapleshade homestead.” The paper bears the date of October 3, but does not give the year. According to Ivan J. Miller in “Jonas and Barbara Swartzentruber Miller,” Casselman Chronicle, No. 1, 1977, p. 17, the house was completed in 1900 after the family had lived in a smaller building later known as “the shop.” According to Edna (Miller) Maust, a daughter of Jonas B. Miller, “they moved into this house in February 1901 (Alvin L. and Edan (Miller) Maust, Descendants of Jacob Swartzentruber, by the authors, 1980, p. 31). I recall my father, Ivan J. Miller, saying that the house was not framed with studs, but was done with plank construction (David I. Miller).

List of lumber of J. B. Miller consisting of 1400 feet of lath cut in various sizes. This would have been for the lath work under and along the front of the wrap-around porch, at least on the south side. April 28, 1907

For construction purposes at Mapleshade Farm, purpose undetermined A list of hemlock lumber. Includes flooring 7/8 inch thick. Undated

Cancelled check issued in 1901 to John H. Janney, Janurary 29, 1901 Cancelled checks issued in 1902 to Henry Bittinger, King Brothers, R. M. Beachy, U. M.

Stanton, Frank Folk, N. E. Hershberger, First National Bank, S. D. Yoder, Daniel M. Schrock, C. R. Haselbarth, Garrett County Treasurer. 1902

Cancelled checks issued in 1903 to Rural New Yorker, First National Bank, E. H. Miller, Conrad Bender, John Knecht, M. E. Hershberger, C. F. Lee, Joel J. Miller, Kate Bender, Jacob Fazenbaker, C. R. Haselbarth, Ernst kaufman, Eli Stanton, Garrett County Treasurer. 1903

Cancelled checks issued in 1904 to Jennings Bros., for lumber, Charles Sechler on note for labor as carpenter, Jonas M. Schrock, J. S. Miller, C. W. & J. J. Bender, M. Knecht, Simon Brenneman, Lewis Klotz for labor, Wm. J. Lichty, Mortimer Smouse, S. M. Fullem, Henry Fisher, John White, John Zehner, E. A. Weimer for real taxes. 1904

Cancelled checks issued in 1905 to Eli stanton, Lizzie Lee, F. W. Bender, U. M. Stanton, Wilson Miller for repairing sled, Noah Broadwater, U. M. Stanton, C. F. Lee, F. B. Londerlaugh, Mary E. Stanton, S. D. Yoder, Jonas Schrock, E. A Weimer for real taxes. 1905

Post card from Silas Decker, South Montrose, Pennsylvania, to J. B. Miller, requesting catalog from JBM of his Bershire pigs and asking about a trade for a Scotch Collie pup. Undated and post mark undeciphered.

Letter from N. S. Burrier, New Midway, maryland, breeder and shipper of swine, to J. B. Miller, with pedigree and description of his stock. August 12, 1901

Letter from Pine Farm, Oskaloosa, Iowa, to J. B. Miller, expressing thanks for referring them to a Mr. Shetler in Iowa regarding Bershire hog stock. September 24, 1901

Letter from Rose Lawn Poultry Farm, Marlboro, Massachusetts, to J. B. Miller, in follow up to JBM’s inquiry about White Wyandottes fowl. December 3, 1901

Letter from Harry M. Lamon, Watertown, New York, to J. B. Miller, responding to inquiry about his stock of poultry and inviting an order. December 23, 1901

Letter from Rockland Farms, North Amherst, Ohio, to J. B. Miller, in response to inquiry about their pigs for sale. January 4, 1902

Letter from [scribbled signature], Bel Air, Maryland, to J. B. Miller. Responds to JBM’s inquiry about purchasing a pig by declining to do a sale “on approval,” having never done so or been asked to do so. January 10, 1902

Papers on Topsy, a pig sold by N. S. Burrier to J. B. Miller. Date of birth: Sept. 28, 1901. Includes pedigree, transfer of ownerhip, and registration with the American Berkshire Association. Date on each paper: January 26, 1902

Letter from N. S. Burrier, New Midway, Maryland, to J. B. Miller. He notes JBM’s satisfaction with a pig apparently bought from N. S. Burrier and notes plans to furnish the pedigree and offers further information. January 28, 1902

Letter on letterhead of The Rural New-Yorker to J. B. Miller. Only first page, without signature, available. Apparently a personal business letter responding to JBM’s questions. Describes his herd of Berkshire hogs and his breeding parctices. February 8, 1902.

Letter from W. E. Landon, Mountain Lake Park, Maryland, to J. B. Miller. Written on letterhead of Mountain Lake Hotel. Writes extensively about his White Wyandotte chickens and their success at the shows and high egg production. March 26, 1902.

Letter from Roberts Brothers, White Cottage, Ohio, including information about a pig which had been described and offered for sale, but which had developed a physical malady. June 17, 1902

Letter written on letterhead of Muskingum County Agricultural Society, White Cottage, Ohio, to J. B. Miller, concerning a potential order for a pig and also referring to the interests of a Mr. Yoder. July 12, 1902

Invoice from Knecht to J. B. Miller, for 560 brick, $4.40, likely for chimney in farm house or sugar camp at Mapleshade Farm. July 23, 1902.

Letter from Bird Brothers, Meyersdale, Pennsylvania, to J. B. Miller, in response to inquiry about a boar which they had purchased from Milton Beachy. Also describes the adventures and bad luck with prize turkey eggs. September 12, 1902

Letter from John A Knecht, West Salisbury, Pennsylvania, with explanation of the previous invoice for brick. October 17, 1902

Invoice/receipt from T. W. Wood & Sons, Richmond, Virginia, for shipment of grass seeds. March 31, 1903

Check by J. B. Miller to F. W. Bender. July 10, 1903 Statement from C. R. Haselbarth and Son, to J. B. Miller, for hardware purchased

throughout 1902. Date of statement: July 16, 1903 Letter from The Farm Home, urging payment for subscription. July 20, 1903 Statement from M. Knecht and Sons, West Salisbury, Pennsylvania, for items purchased

in February, March, and April, 1902, with interest added. Date of statement: April 22, 1904

Promissory Note by Jonas B. Miller to Joel J. Miller in amount of $175. April 28, 1904 Promissory Note by Jonas B. Miller to Joel J. Miller in amount of $48.68. August 5, 1904 Promissory Note by Jonas B. Miller to Joel J. Miller in amount of $140. October 17, 1904 Abstract of Onership of a boar named Pride of Mapleshade, issued by the American

Berkshire Association and shown as transfered from John White & son, Adamstown, Maryland, to Miller and Yoder, Grantsville, Maryland. December 16, 1904

Certificate of transfer of ownership of cow, named Exile’s Eve, from Samuel Hershberger to J. B. Miller. Transfer from by the American Jersey Cattle Club. June 27, 1905

No 24. File folder] Jonas B. Miller Materials 1901-1905 – Other

Letter from The Home Correspondence School to J. B. Miller in reply to his inquiry for information, January 1903.

No. 25 [File folder] Jonas B. Miller Materials 1906-1910 – Church Administration

Letter from Mary J. Brenneman, Bittinger, Maryland, to Joel J. Miller, requesting certification of church membership (church letter). May 9, 1906

Membership certification (church letter) of Mary Brenneman signed by Joel J. Miller, Jacob S. Miller, J. B. Miller. May 14, 1906

Letter from John L. Mast, apparently to Joel J. Miller, refers to accident of Crist Yoder and requests Joel to come to Belleville to administer baptism. July 6, 1906

Obituary/funeral information, likely written by or given to Joel J. Miller as bishop – Christian Lee, age 47. “Funeral by Noah D. Yoder and Jacob F. Swartzendruber of Iowa and Jacob S. Miller in German and J. B. Miller in English.” Died July 9, 1906.

Membership certification (church letter) of Leah Brenneman signed by Joel J. Miller. August 6, 1906

Obituary/funeral information, likely written by or given to Joel J. Miller as bishop – Elizabeth Tressler, age 50. “By Jacob F. swartzentruber and Noah D. Yoder from Iowa. A few remarks made by J. S. Miller.” Died August 10, 1906

Obituary/funeral information, likely written by or given to Joel J. Miller as bishop – Samuel J. Miller. Funeral by Jonas D. Yoder, and John L Mast, Belleville, Pennsylvania, and Solomon J. Swartzendruber, Bay Port, Michigan. The paper also notes that the guest ministers preached at Cherry Glade on September 19 and at Maple Glen on September 20 and an offering at each place to pay their travel fare. Samuel J. Miller was the father of Jacob S. Miller and a brother to Joel J. Miller. Died September 16, 1906

Obituary/funeral information, likely written by or given to Joel J. Miller as bishop – Benjamin Asch, age 79, died November 26, 1906

Letter from John L. Mast to Joel J. Miller – refers to ministry of Solomon Swartzendruber and Christian Nafziger in Belleville; includes names persons baptized in Belleville by Joel J. Miller – December 1906

Obituary/funeral information, likely written by or given to Joel J. Miller as bishop – Ernest Schrock, age 21 days, died January 24, 1907.

Tally of ballots for Sunday school superintendent: Harvey S. Yoder 29; Norman S. Yoder 19; Simon M. Yoder 3; Christian W. Bender 0. For assistant superintendent: Norman S. Yoder 39; Simon M. Yoder 6; Christian W. Bender 10. Apparently the ministers had offered four nominations with the three not elected as superintendent then having been nominations for assistant superintendent. According to a note on the other side of the paper, the women’s class elected Norman Yoder as teacher and the men’s class elected Valentine Bender. March 31, 1907

List of class baptized by Joel J. Miller at the Forks church [Cherry Glade]: Simon Miller, Milton Miller. Copy in this file; original in File #19. September 4, 1907

Congregation sitting or standing for reading of Scripture, April 7,1907

Certification of church membership (church letter) of Lydia Nissly, signed by Emanuel Miller, Topeka, Indiana, September 28, 1907

Burial Permit issued by Local Board of Health to Christian J. Yoder to remove for burial the body of child of Lewis Miller. Date of death: June 1907. Cause of death: abortion [presumably referring to natural miscarriage]. Certificate issued on June 7, 1907

Obituary/funeral information, likely written by or given to Joel J. Miller as bishop – Beulah Schrock, age 9 months, died January 14, 1908

Certification of church membership (church letter) of Manase Brenneman, signed by Joel J. Miller. February 17, 1908

Tally of ballots for Sunday school superintendent: Harvey S. Yoder 20; Simon M.Yoder 10; Christian W. Bender 1: Valentine Bender 1; Simon Gnagey 2. For assistant superintendent: Simon M. Yoder 8; Christian W. Bender 7; Valentine Bender 1; Simon Gnagey 15. Apparently the ministers had offered five nominations with the four not elected as superintendent then having been nominations for assistant superintendent. The Sunday school teachers are listed on the other side of the sheet: men first class: Christian W. Bender; young men: Harvey S. Yoder; young women, Lizzie Lee; Women, Simon M. Yoder; boys, Simon Gnagey; children, Savilla Bender. The offering was $5.00. March 29, 1908

Certification of church membership (church letter) of Lydia C. Miller, signed by Christian J. Miller, Noah D. Yoder, Peter J. Brenneman, Manasse J. Miller April 12, 1908

Obituary/funeral information, likely written by or given to Joel J. Miller as bishop – Girty Orendorf (perhaps full name is Gerty Orendorf or Gertrude Orendorf), age 9 months, died July 15, 1908

Certification of church membership (church letter)of Ada Hershberger, signed by Joel J. Miller. October 6, 1908

Letter from Simon Gnagey to Joel J. Miller, requesting his certificate of membeship (church letter). December 6, 1908

Letter from Joel J. Miller to Simon Gnagey. Expresses regret that he is leaving the congregation rather than bringing his bride into the congrgation. December 14, 1908

Certification of church membership (church letter) of Simon Gnagey, signed by Joel J. Miller. December 14, 1908

Letter from Nicholas Nafziger, Brunner, Ontario, to Jonas B. Miller in regard to fire insurance organization. Nafziger refers to their regulations having been printed and his willingness to enclose a copy if it. The copy attached to the letter by paper clip in the file and in a separate folder is thought to be that item, since it is folded with dimensions which would have fitted the same envelope as the letter. But this identity is not certain. January 21, 1909

Certification of church membership (church letter)of Joseph D. Gnagey, signed by Joel J. Miller. February 26, 1909

Obituary/funeral information, likely written by or given to Joel J. Miller as bishop – Polly Miller, age 49, died May 7, 1909

Obituary/funeral information, likely written by or given to Joel J. Miller as bishop – Alvin L. Beitzel, age 2 months, died May 17, 1909

Obituary/funeral information, likely written by or given to Joel J. Miller as bishop – Mary Ash, age 68, died August 27, 1909

List of persons who entered the class for instruction for baptism in 1909: Amelia Bender, Leah Opel, Saloma Bender, Lucy Miller, Mintie Maust, Alma Miller, Eli Gneggie, Raltson Weimer, Iva Maust, Effie Miller, Annie Miller. The paper includes the explanation, “this is as they started,” which may suggest that not all of the listed persons were then baptized in the service at Maple Glen on Septenber 12, 1909.

Obituary/funeral information, likely written by or given to Joel J. Miller as bishop – Catherine Miller (nee Catherine Beachy; Mrs. Peter P. Miller), age 81. Paper includes announcement about going to the grave and dinner served to guests at the Clarence Miller home. Paper includes further obituary information. Died December 2, 1909

Obituary/funeral information, likely written by or given to Joel J. Miller as bishop – Elias Gnagey, age 78. Paper gives further obituary information. Died January 31, 1910

Jacob Gnagey and Sarah Gnagey (both on same paper), ages 85 and 76. Double funeral on February 26, 1910. (Paper shows handwriting of J. B. Miller.) He died on February 22, 1910 and she on February 24, 1910.

Obituary/funeral information, likely written by or given to Joel J. Miller as bishop – Magdalene Smith, age 82, born in Germany, funeral at Ringer Lutheran house, services in German and English by J. B. Miller. “Deceased was a member of M. D. Yoder’s A.M. congregation.” This refers to the Old Order Amish congregation across the line in Pennsylvania where Moses D. Yoder served as bishop. It seems likely that Magdalene Smith and her sister Christina, who died April 20, 1911, lived on the Pennsylvania side and their family and relatives were not Amish, and JBM was asked to conduct the funeral in a setting in which the Old Order bishop would have felt uncomfortable. Died March 1, 1910

Letter from S. J. Swartzendruber and Mike Zehr to undisclosed recipients about ministering to orphans and suggesting a ministers meeting to discuss it, March 1910.

Letter from Joel J. Miller and Jacob S. Miller to undisclosed recipients in response to suggestions about ministry to orphans, June 1, 1910.

Letter from S. J. Swartzendruber and Mike Zehr to undisclosed recipients suggesting a ministers’ meeting to discuss about ministering to orphans “and perhaps other matters,”July 1910.

Fire Insurance Rules and Regulations of Amish Mennonite congregations of the Md.-Pa. district, copied by J. B. Miller, July 23, 1910

Official announcement of first CMC conference signed by S. J. Swartzendruber and M. S. Zehr, October 24, 1910.

A printed report (in German), in flier format, of the charter meeting of the Conservative Amish Mennonite Conference held at Pigeon, Michigan, November 24 and 25, 1910

Program brochures of Sunday school conferences at Maple Glen and Oak Dale in the years listed below. Names of speakers: Joel J. Miller, Harvey S. Yoder, Elias S. Miller, Joel Hershberger, Norman Yoder, Noah Mast, Joel Orendorf, Jacob S. Miller, Noah Brenneman, Simon M. Yoder, Daniel Lee, Christian W. Bender, Valentine Bender. 1906, 1907, 1913.

No. 26. [File folder] Jonas B. Miller Materials 1906-1910 – Letters to/from Church Leaders Letter from John L. Mast, Allensville, PA, apparently to Joel J. Miller or J. B. Miller.

Refers to plans for visiting Grantsville, March 27, 1906 Letter from Joel J. Miller, referring to having been in Lawrence County, Pennsylvania.

He invites the recipient and Solomon Swartzendruber to swing by Grantsville when going to or from Belleville, November 30, 1906

Letter from Jonas D. Yoder, Belleville, PA, to J. B. Miller. Personal items, including deaths in their area and an order for Maple Syrup, March 18, 1907.

Letter from C. M. Nafziger to the three ministers at Grantsville: Joel J. Miller, Jacob S. Miller, Jonas B. Miller, refers to various ministers having visited them in New York and expresses regret that “no Brother Miller of Grantsville has been here.” He invites and urges a visit. Refers to large baptismal class, October 11, 1907. .

No. 27. [File folder] Jonas B. Miller Materials 1906-1910 – Personal Letters Letter from Samuel Beachy (return address on envelope is S. Beachy) to Jonas J. Miller

(later known as J. B. Miller). Samuel addresses Jonas as “Dear Grandson” and signs off as “Grandfather.” See attached comments. Janurary 16, 1906

Letter from Ada Hershberger, student at Union Bridge, Maryland, to J. B. Miller, asking counsel about women leading in devotional exercises at the school, February 5, 1906

Letter from Mrs. A. J. Yoder, Arthur, Illinois, to her sister Barbara (Mrs. Jonas B. Miller). A friendly letter. November 7, 1908

No 28. File folder] Jonas B. Miller Materials 1906-1910 – Historical Items

No. 29. [File folder] Jonas B. Miller Materials 19061910 – Farm and Business Cancelled checks issued in 1906 to Manasses Kretchmen as payment on note, John F.

Georg, N. M. Yoder, S. O. Blocher, Samuel Baker. 1906 Cancelled checks issued in 1907 to Rural New Yorker, C. J. Yoder, J. A. Jinkens,

Valentine Bender. 1907 Statement of assessment for state and county tax and receipt of payment received.

January 1, 1906 Letter from James Cook Sarchet, Cambridge, Ohio, to L. J. Miller, Grantsville, Maryland

about availability of eggs for hatching. States enclosure of sample feathers from the back and breast of the male bird. Would be “glad to sell a few sittings.” March 6, 1907

No. 30. [File folder] Jonas B. Miller Materials 1906-1910 – Other

List of names to whom liquor licenses were issued May 1, 1908 to April 30, 1909/ Sender and receiver not identified. Receiver likely Joel J. Miller or J. B. Miller. 1909

No. 31 [File folder] Jonas B. Miller Materials 1911-1915 – Church Administration 31-A Local and general church

Certification of membership (church letter) of Elias M. and Catherine Miller, signed by Joel J. Miller, J. S. Miller, J. B. Miller. March 6, 1911.

Certification of membership (church letter) of Christian and Sarah Schrock, signed by Joel J. Miller, J. S. Miller, J. B. Miller. March 13, 1911.

Certification of membership (church letter) of Jonas D. Gnagey, signed by Joel J. Miller, February 6, 1911

Letter from E. M. Miller with news of their new setting in Virginia, including weather, crops, health, and his work in carpentry. Requests a certificate, hoping to receive it in time for a communion service, seeking certification of membership or of good standing for communion participation. February 19, 1911

Letter from Christian Schrock, and wife, Lynn Haven, Virginia to Joel J. Miller. Comments about the weather and crops in their new location in Virginia and requests their certificate of membership. March 8, 1911

Letter from Aaron Loucks, Mennonite Publishing House, to J. B. Miller, acknowledging JBM’s letter and stating difficulty getting paper to match the paper of the old books and enclosing a sample of available paper for JBM’s approval. The sample is included in the archival copy of the hymn book. This evidently refers to reprinting an edition of the hymn book, Eine Sammlung von Schönen Liedern zum Gebrauch bei dem Gotteskienst, one edition of which was copyrighted by Mennonite Publishing House in 1912 April 1, 1911

Letter from Elias Brenneman, Kalona, Iowa, to Joel J. Miller, requesting a certificate of membership (church letter). April 3, 1911

Letter from Aaron Loucks, Mennonite Publishing House, to J. B. Miller, stating that only 150 hymn books are available and they will send to galley proofs for examination and return suggestions. See explanation with letter of April 1, 1911. April 10, 1911

Certificate of membership (church letter) of Elias Brenneman, signed by Joel J. Miller, Jacob S. Miller, and J. B. Miller. April 15, 1911

Obituary/funeral Information, likely for use in conducting the funeral service and for obituary – Christina Smith, age 77. Funeral at Ringer Lutheran house in English by J. B. Miller. “Deceased was a member of M. D. Yoder’s A.M. congregation.” This refers to the Old Order Amish congregation across the line in Pennsylvania where Moses D. Yoder served as bishop. It seems likely that Christina Smith and her sister Magdalena, who died April 20, 1911, lived on the Pennsylvania side and continued membership their after the 1895 division. According to a document of 1934 (in File #58), the maiden names of the Smith sisters was Bauman, sisters of Wilhelm Bender’s second wife and the Ringer church was across the mountain, likely Fort Hill. Died April 20, 1911

Letter from Aaron Loucks, Mennonite Publishing House, concerning the hymn books. States only 215 signatures copies of old book are available and offers to quote an estimate of cost for the whole book. See previous letters of April 1 and April 6. June 6, 1911

Letter from Aaron Loucks, Mennonite Publishing House, concerning the hymn

books. Offers to print 1,000 copies on good paper and bind 500 for $300 and bind balance for 20 cents each. See letters of April 1, April 6, and June 6, 1911. July 6, 1911

Letter from Daniel Kauffman, Mennonite Publishing House, soliciting an article for the Family Almanac and asking advice on classification of Amish Mennonites. “Old Order or Conservative”? he asks. July 11, 1911

Letter from E. Hostetler, Shelbyville, Illinois, to J. B. Miller. Deals with order for hymn books to be published and gives description of some positions of the Amish Mennonite church in Shelbyville. July 28, 1911.

Obituary/funeral Information, likely for use in conducting the funeral service and for obituary – Fannie Bender, age 39, died August 11, 1872

Obituary/funeral Information, likely for use in conducting the funeral service and for obituary – Samuel Brennemam, age 77, died August 11, 1872

Letter from Aaron Loucks, Mennonite Publishing House, to J. B. Miller, concerning the hymn book, regarding quantity and copyright. August 22, 1911

Certification of church membership (church letter) of Lucy Miller, signed by Joel J. Miller. September 23, 1911

Certification of church membership (church letter) of Sadie Lee, signed by Joel J. Miller. September 23, 1911

Letter from Aaron Loucks, Mennonite Publishing House, to JBM concerning schedule for completion of the hymn book. This refers to Eine Sammlung von Schönen Liedern. December 12, 1911

Letter from Maryland Bible Society to J. B. Miller about availability and prices of German Bibles and New Testaments. January 27, 1912

Certification of church membership (church letter) of Lewis Eichorn, Arthur Eichorn, and Alma Eichorn, of Hydro Oklahoma, signed by Joseph Schlegel and C. J. Kauffman. January 28, 1912

Bill of Lading, Pennsylvania Railroad Company, for shipping “1 Box hymnals.” April 13, 1912

List of persons baptized by Joel J. Miller in 1912 at Maple Glen: Evan J. Miller, Allen Maust, Harvey Maust, Norman Bender, Vernie Miller, Savannna Bender. September 15, 1912

List of persons baptized by Joel J. Miller in 1913 at J. S. Millers church (Maple Glen): Nannie Bender, Wilma Yoder, Wilma Eichhorn, Norma Maust, Anna Miller, Vernie Yoder, Anna Opel. September 14 1913

Tally of votes for selection of a minister. The following names, with number of votes each, are given: Simon Yoder, 9; C. W. Bender 10; Henry Yoder, 3; Sol

Orendorf, 2; Noah Brenneman, 3; Norman Yoder, 3. Noah Brenneman drew the lot. (I recall my maternal grandfather, C. W. Bender, relating his experience on this occasion. He had risen from his seat to take a certain book when he thought he saw a gap in the pages and felt that the slip of paper would be located in that book. He did not want then to presumptuously take that book, nor did he want to shun God’s call. He did “some quick thinking” and returned to his seat without taking any book at that moment. Noah Brenneman then got up and took that book and drew the lot in doing so. CWB was chosen for the ministry and ordained later on May 23, 1915. – David I. Miller. The date of Noah Brenneman drawing the lot was November 18, 1913. Certification of membership (church letter) of Lewis Eichorn, wife Anna Eichorn,

and daughter Wilma Eichorn, signed by Joel J. Miller, J. S. Miller, and Jonas B. Miller.March 3, 1914

Certification of membership (church letter) of Savilla Bender, signed by Joel J. Miller, Jacob S. Miller, and J. B. Miller. An additional copy bearing only the name of Joel J. Miller seems to have a draft from which a more offical copy was made. May 11, 1914

Class baptized at Cherry Glade by Joel J. Miller: Roy Lichty, Ross Lichty, both of Gortner, Maryland. July 12, 1914

Certificate of Membership (church letter) of Mary Lichty. Issued from Millersburg, Ohio, and signed by Jacob Y. Stutzman, Sol Schlabach, and Noah Coblentz. November 15, 1914

Slip of paper inserted into a book as “the lot” when choosing a minister. On one side: “Loos wird geworfen in den Schooss, aber is fällt wie der Herr will. Sprüche 16:33.” Translation: The lot is cast in the lap, but it falls where the Lord wills. Proverbs 16:33" On the other side: “Armen Diest [deacon], May 23, 1915. Joel E. Hershberger.” This apparently is the slip of paper which had been placed into one of the books on that decisive day in the life of the congregation and Joel E. Hershberger. May 23, 1915

31-B Conservative Amish Mennonite Conference Letter from S. J. Swartzendruber to Joel J. Miller. Wonders why the Grantsville

ministers needed to be absent from the conference meeting of 1910. Asks how “granma” is getting along, apparently referring to Magdalena Folk (1825-1911). “After the marriage of her daughter Savilla to Joel J. Miller, [Magdalena] went to live with them in their home just north of Grantsville . . . is buried in the Maple Glen cemetery.” Casselman Chronicle 1976, No. 1, p. 25. January 7, 1911

Letter from S. J. Swartzendruber to J. B. Miller, expressing gratitude for Grantsville decision to host comferenc; comments about date of it; refers to “the automobile questions” and writes negatively about the use of automobiles. March 26, 1911

Letter from Daniel Kauffman, editor at Mennonite Publishing House, Scottdale, PA. After comments about a manuscript for publication submitted by J.

B., refers to list of ministers and nomenclature of churches, apparently for Mennonite Yearbook. July 20, 1911

Letter from E. C. B., Centralia, Missouri, apparently to Jonas B. Miller, about distributing conference programs, attending the conference, and church alignments between Old Order and Conservative branches. May 13, 1912.

Letter from bishops and ministers of Conservative Amish Mennonite Conference to the Upper Deer Creek Amish Mennonite Church concerning proceedure for forming a committee to work with the congregation in its disunity, May 28, 1912

Letter from S. D. Guengerich, Wellman, Iowa, to J. B. Miller about the Sunday School conference held at Grantsville in 1912 and reports of it in the Meyersdale Republican and in the Gospel herald. June 22, 1912

Obituary/funeral Information, likely for use in conducting the funeral service and for obituary – Catharine Schrock, nee Catherine Beachy, age 87, died March 12, 1913

Obituary/funeral information, likely for use in conducting the funeral service and for obituary – Moses Kemp, age 81, died March 2, 1914.

Certificates of membership (church letters) – a packet of letters, all of the same date, for people who had moved from the Grantsville area to Greenwood, Delaware. The following included: Mrs. Lewis J. Miller – Valentine Bender, Carolina Bender, Nevin Bender, Cora Bender, Amelia Bender, Savanna Bender, Nannie Bender – William Tressler and wife Barbara Tressler. Each of the letters is accompanied by a cover letter. May 11, 1914

Letter from J. M. Zehr, Croghan, New York, to J. B. Miller. Refers to J. B.’s published response to an article which appeared in the local news paper in New York about the conference which was held there and the Amish Mennonite people. Clipping of J. B’s response enclosed. August 2, 1914

Letter from Scottdale, PA, unsigned but with Gospel Herald on envelope return address, inquiring about listing churches with use of Conservative and Old Order, two terms which had originated with M. S. Steiner. August 10, 1914

Letter from S. J. Swartzendruber to J. B. Miller, about questions related and organizing the church in Delaware, suggesting it is clear for to proceed and that Joel J. Miller should be going there to help them. Refers to a “bean pulling” about 16 miles from there home to help a poor family. September 21, 1914

Obituary/funeral Information, likely for use in conducting the funeral service and for obituary – Jacob S. Miller, age 59, ordained minister May 16, 1886, died January 25, 1915

Letter from Joel J. Miller to Valentine Bender, Greenwood, Delaware, concerning an upcoming visit by Joel J. Miller and Jonas B. Miller, apparently for church administrative purposes. Refers to question of route to travel – by boat (Chesapeake Bay) or Wilmington.

Letter from S. J. Swartzendruber to J. B. Miller about the date for the upcoming annual conference and to schedule a program-planning meeting on the Saturday before the conference. Refers to difference between Miller and King.

Letter from S. J. Swartzendruber to J. B. Miller. Concerned with questions for the upcoming annual conference; refers to going to Iowa to settle church matters and the differences between Brother Miller of Delaware and Joshua King. May 7, 1915

Post card from S. J. Swartzendruber to J. B. Miller, regarding a question for the conference program. May 7, 1915

Letter from D. J. Shetler, Pigeon, Michigan, likely to J. B. Miller with submission of question to be included in the upcoming annual conference. May 11, 1915

Certification of church membership (church letter) of Edward Hershberger, signed by Joel J. Miller. June 26, 1915

Letter from Joshua King to J. B. Miller. Refers to personal items, including farm crops and encloses ministerial and congregational information, apparently for Conference Report. August 1, 1915

Obituary/funeral information, likely for use in conducting the funeral service and for obituary – Joel J. Miller, age 70, ordained minister May 23, 1880, and bishop November 13, 1887. Sermons by Solomon J. Swartzendruber in German and Noah J. Brenneman in English, followed by remarks by John L. Mast and Christian W. Bender. Joel J. Miller and Jacob S. Miller both died in 1915 leaving as ministers J. B. Miller and two more recently ordained ministers, Noah Brenneman (November 1913) and Christian W. Bender (May 23, 1915). Joel J. Miller died November 14, 1915

Obituary/funeral information, likely for use in conducting the funeral service and for obituary – Enoch Bender, age 56. (I recall my father-in-law, Norman Bender, son of Enoch Bender, telling that, at the funeral of Joel J. Miller, he heard a visiting minister [Solomon Swartzendruber, I think,] asking someone, “How is Enoch Bender doing?” The response: “Net arig gut” [“Not very well,”] leaving seventeen-year-old Norman feeling distressed about his father’s condition.– David I. Miller) Enoch died November 28, 1915

Remnant of a paper with names and addresses in the recognizable handwriting of J. B. Miller and comparable to the list of ministers in the Conference Report of 1912 as attendees that year. Date not given on remnant.

Reports of the annual conference of 1912, two hand-written copies, one consisting of 7 pages and the other of 12 pages, each in a different hand. Appointed secretaries that year were Jacob D. Guengerich and Samuel D. Miller, both of Iowa. Some details, such as names and numbers of hymns sung, are included which are not found in the printed Conference Reports.

Reports of the annual conference of 1913, pages 5-17 (pages 1-4 missing), apparently in the handwriting of J. B. Miller. Appointed secretary that year

was Daniel J. Shetler of :Pigeon, Michigan. J. B. Miller was moderator. Some details are included which are not found in the printed Conference Reports.

Report of the annual conference of 1914, handwritten, with some details not found in the printed edition. 34 pages. The appointed secretaries that year were Harvey S. Yoder and Simon M. Yoder.

31-C Amish Mennonite Children’s Home

Minutes of meeting to organize for the orphange project, written by J. B. Miller. Jacob S. Miller was chosen as chairman of the meeting and Simon M. Yoder as secretary. Trustees appointed or recognized: Joel E. Hershberger (3 years), Noah J. Brennmen (2 years), and Harvey S. Yoder (1 year). Naoh J. Brenneman was choses as superintendent and secretary-treasurer. May 27, 28, 1912

Letter from Joshua King to J. B. Miller (address on envelope) stating non-support for orphanage and negative response to annual conference being held in Hartville. Janaury 13, 1913

Letter from Jonathan J. Troyer to Jonas B. Miller (address on envelope) about supporting the orphanage project. January 16, 1913

Letter from E. C. Beachy and Joyhn Zimmerman to Joel J. Miller and Fellow Ministers, expressing non-support from the Missouri church for the orphanage. January 30, 1913

Letter from J. F. Swartzendruber to J. B. Miller concerning response (reserved and rather negative) in Iowa to project of building an orphanage. January 26, 1913

Letter from C. M. Nafziger to Joel J. Miller concering the orphanage. suggesting to let the project ripen before proceeding, but indicating support from New York if they proceed immediately. February 2, 1913

Letter from Gideon A. Yoder to Jonas B. Miller, et. al., stating inability to express support, on the part of the Iowa churches, for the orphange. February 4, 1913

Constitution and Bylaws of Amish Mennonite Orphans’ Home Association – adopted in December1913 by congregaional votes at Maple Glen and Cherry Glade and by the Pigeon River Congregation. Pamphlet includes later penciled insertions for revision. December 1913

Letter from N. D. Yoder, Kalona, Iowa, to Jonas B. Miller and Family with negative response to support for orphanage and comments on best to start small and description of social services in Iowa in behalf of children. January 30, 1913

Letter from J. L. Mast to Jonas B. Miller (address on envelope) about support for the orphanage building – not ready to commit to support without more information; refers to Iowa appointees having withdrawn. Febrauary 12, 1913

Letter from S. J. Swartzendruber to J. B. Miller concerning directors, by-laws, and funds for orphange. August 11, 1913

Letter from John Gunden, Bay Port, Michiagan, to Jonas Miller. Gunden was one of the orphanage directors of the Children’s home. Gives assent to “those papers.” February 19, 1914

Letter from S. J. Swartzendruber to Jonas B. Miller concerning delay in production of conference reports (suggests “stir them Yoders up a little and get them to the work; Simon M. Yoder and Harvey S. Yoder were the secretaries) and local promotion and funds for the orphange. Nov. 2, 1914

Letter from S. J. Swartzendruber to Jonas B. Miller and Family concerning bylaws and constitution of the orphanage and appointment of directors. January 5, 1914

Tally of votes for election of trustee from the local congregation for the Amish Mennonite Children’s Home with the following results: Harvey S. Yoder 37; Simon M. Yoder 5; Christian W. Bender 1; Joel Maust 3. Apparently this was a case of re-election of Harvey S. Yoder. See the minutes of the organizing meeting of May 27 and 28, 1912. May 1914

Letter from J. L. Mast to J. B. Miller (per envelope address) concerning congregation’s response orphanage constitution and location. July 27, 1915

Draft of revision of Children’s Home Constitution – no signatures; date not filled in except the year. 1915

Bylaws of the Amish Mennonite Childrens’ Home Association with eight points dealing with the responsibilities of Board of Trustees and officers. An undated carbon copy.

31-D Herold der Wahrheit

Letter from S. D. Gingerich to Jonas B. Miller, regarding promotion of Herold der Wahrheit and a book by S. D. Gingerich, Glimpses of Amish Mennonite Homes and Some Plain Talks to the Inmates.” May 15, 1912

No. 32. [File folder] Jonas B. Miller Materials 1911-1915 – Letters to/from Church Leaders Letter from D. J. Shetler, Pigeon, Michigan to J. B. Miller. Money order sent apparently

in payment for “reports.” Shares personal farm news. August 26, 1913 Letter from J. D. Byler, Bay Port, Michigan, to J. B. Miller, a friendly letter after trip east

with apologies for having omitted Somerset County. Asks about orphange whether started. Date on letter appears to be March 29, 1904, but postal stamp and reference to orphanage point to March 1914.

No. 33. [File folder] Jonas B. Miller Materials 1911-1915 – Personal Letters

Post card from Ada [Hershberger] to Mrs. J. J. Miller, Grantsville, Maryland. A friendly note. April 24, 1911

Birth and death record of Catherine Yoder (1833-1911) on a lined sheet with bottom portion torn off with remaining measurement of 5 ½” X 5 3/4". Transcribed and translated by David I. Miller. Last insertion on the record after September 18, 1911.

Letter from C. J. Otto, New Germany, Maryland – Genealogical information on family of Jacob J. Otto. October 20, 1913

Birthday card from Naomi Yoder to Mrs. Joel J. Miller. Postmarked Elk Lick, Pennsylvania, February 11, 1914

No 34. File folder] Jonas B. Miller Materials 1911-1915 – Historical Items

Letter from William F. Hochstetler, Barrs Mills, Ohio, requesting genealogical information on the Miller family for his historical writing for the genealogy of Jacob Hochstetler. February 14, 1911

Letter from William F,. Hochstetler to J. B. Miller, inquiring about Miller family history. December 27, 1911

Letter from Archibald Warnick, New Germany, Maryland, to J. B. Miller. Gives information on the Brenneman farm in New Germany. It was sold by Benedict Miller to Jacob Brenneman in 1832 and then to John Bancord in 1864. October 13, 1913

No. 35. [File folder] Jonas B. Miller Materials 1911-1915 –Farm and Business

Promissory Note issued by J. B. Miller to Sam’l S. Otto in amount of $15.85. January 28, 1911

Promissory Notes issued in 1915 by J. B. Miller to (assumed full names supplied when only initials given) Simon M. Yoder, Joel J. Miller, Mr. Jacob S. Miller, Lewis J. Schrock. 1915

Cancelled checks issued in 1911 to M. F. Riley, J. S. Miller, N. M. Yoder, F. W. Wood for field seed, Hitchen Brothers, M. E. Hershberger, Moses M. Beachy, J. K. Beiler, U. M. Stanton, Henry A. dreer, Perry Bowser, Meyersdale Commercial, William J. Lichty, H. C. Bonig, Montgomery Ward, J. Maul and son. 1911

Cancelled checks issued in 1912 to W. E. Stanton, J. K. Beiler, Otto and Jenkins, Rural Publishing Co. for subscription in Rural New Yorker. 1912

Cancelled checks issued in 1913 to Montgomery Ward, J. B. Emory for taxes, Dr. H. T. Robinson for vacination, C. W. Bender for hens, Miller and Schrock, Val Bender for butchering, Mennonite Book Concern for Sunday school supplies, Ernst Kaufman for Sunday school supplies, H. P. Miller for potatoes, S. D. Yoder, King Bros for sawing, Mrs. S. D. Yoder for interest, W. C. Bonig Co. for merchandise, D. J. Stevanus, J. J. Bender, Peter Henderson for garden seeds, M. E. Hershberger, S. M. Yoder, Albert Swauger. 1913

Cancelled checks issued in 1914 to H. C. Bonig, C. R. Haselbareth, Miller and Collins, Barchus and Livengood, Charles Younkin. 1914

Cancelled checks issued in 1915 to C. Dembufsky’s Sons, J. A. Beachy on coal account, Levi Mumaw for conference reports, M. M Beachy for 2 bushels of ensilage seed corn, C. H. Foy for pig. 1915

No. 36. [File folder] Jonas B. Miller Materials 1911-1915 – Other

No. 37 [File folder] Jonas B. Miller Materials 1916-1920 – Church Administration Obituary/funeral information, likely for use in conducting the funeral service and for

obituary – Annie Catherine Schrock, age 7 years, died January 26, 1916 Obituary/funeral information, likely for use in conducting the funeral service and for

obituary – Jonas Maust, age 85, died July 28, 1916 Letter from Insurance Commissioner of Maryland and letter from Fred A. Thayer,

attorney, about Amish Mennonite Mutual Insurance. Explanation on the envelope in the hand of JBM. September 5, 1916

Letter from G. A Yoder, Wellman, Iowa, to JBM, addressed to c/o Sam Moyer, LaGrange, Indiana, soliciting JBM’s arrival in Iowa by a certain time and noting train schedules. November 12, 1916.

Letter from G. A. Yoder, Wellman, Iowa, to JBM regarding publishing the wedding of Samuel Swartzendruber of Kalona, Iowa, and Lucy J. Miller, of Grantsville, Maryland. [She a daughter of Minister Jacob S. Miller, Grantsville]. JBM is requested to make arrangement for the announcement at Maple Glen. – January 16, 1917

Obituary/funeral information, likely for use in conducting the funeral service and for obituary – Anna Orendorf, age 56, died January 25, 1917

Document – Formal request for the Conservative Amish Mennonite Conference to take over the publication of Herold der Wahrheit. Signed by S. D. Güngerich, G. D. Mast, Kansas, G. A. Yoder, Jacob D. Güngerich, Eli J. Bontrager, Ind. 1917

Letter from Daniel L. Swartzentruber, Oakland, Maryland, to the leadership of the Conservative Amish Mennonite Church, Grantsville, Maryland, concerning transfer of membership from the Old Order Amish congregation at Gortner, Maryland. Deals also with the same question in regard to Elizabeth Lichty. Refers to the bishop at Gortner as LMB, referring to Lewis M. Beachy.

Notes related to the annual conference of the Conservative Amish Mennonite Conference of 1917. This paper begins at the top with “June 5. Concerning the adoption of the labor involved in furtherance of the work of the Herold der Warheit.” The year is not given, but the content of the paper and the date of June 5 identify it as notes taken in the planning or clerical stages of the conference in Belleville, Pennsylvania, June 4 and 5, 1917.

Letter from J. D. Hershberger, Kalona, Iowa, to JBM, requesting copies of the Confession. “I thought it might a help to our young brethren who are drawn into the draft.” – July 23, 1917

Letter from D. J. Swartzentruber, Oakland, Maryland, to JBM regarding ways of getting exemption from military service. Names several young men affected by the draft. July 24, 1917

Letter from J. B. Miller to Daniel L. Swartzentruber, Oakland, Maryland. Refers to Daniel and others interested in joining the church at Grantsville. Cites the difficulties of “long-range membership.” September 19, 1917

Letter from J. D. Yoder, Belleville, Pennsylvania, to JBM inviting to JBM to Belleville to conduct a Bible conference. – January 2, 1918

Letter from J. D. Yoder, Belleville, Pennsylvania, concerning place of conferencewith

remarks about conditions affected by the war and the desirability and problems of the conference being held in Canada. – February 4, 1918

Letter from Nevin Bender, Greenwood, Delaware, to JBM about “existing conditions” in regard to the Delaware Board of Education’s war effort through school teachers, including saving materials for war purposes. Expresses conviction to not save for war effort, “but only where saving might be encouraged as it should be at all times.” Nevin Bender was ordained as minister later in the same year. – February 9, 1918

Order from L. A. Miller, Arcola, Illinois, for 500 copies of Confession of Faith pamphlets. – March 8, 1918

Letter from M. S. Zehr, Pigeon, Michigan, to JBM, regarding change of projected annual conference location from Canada to Pigeon because of new government regulation requiring “that every person crossing [the border] must have identification card with likeness as taken by photographer.”[ Note: This would have touched on the conscience of some potential attenders, including JBM who, according to my personal memory of my grandfather, hesitated or avoided posing for picture taking. – David I. Miller] – April 15, 1918

Obituary/funeral information, likely for use in conducting the funeral service and for obituary – Carolena Beitzel (Carrie Beitzel), age 28, died April 16, 1918

Letter from Jonas D. Yoder, Belleville, Pennsylvania, to JBM, regarding time and program of upcoming annual conference. – May 1, 1918

Form letter, with personlized notations, apparently sent to JBM, regarding conference program and the place being Michigan, rather then Canada because of “difficulty in crossing the line between the U. S. and Canada.” – May 5, 1918

Letter from Nevin Bender, Greenwood, Delaware, to JBM. Refers to the congregation accepting “all three measures as given by the conference”; refers to bank loans in lieu of Liberty Bonds. (See Conference Report, 1918, p. 72.) – June 29, 1918

Obituary/funeral information, likely for use in conducting the funeral service and for obituary – Daniel D. Brenneman, age 94. Wife Susanna Beachy had died in 1899. Of 12 children, 6 survived. Died September 7, 1918

Letter from Mennonite Relief Commission for War Sufferers to JBM regarding work roles of conscientious objectors in the military camps and Liberty Loans. – September 20, 1918

Obituary/funeral information, likely for use in conducting the funeral service and for obituary – Mary P. Kinsinger, age 56. Had been a widow 21 years. One daughter, son-in-law, and six grandchildren. Died September 26, 1918

Anonymous note to JBM with newspaper clipping of strong sentiment against conscientious objectors to war. Date stamped on envelope: November 16, 1918

Form letter from Aaron Loucks, apparently sent to JBM and forwarded to Christian W. Bender and returned to JBM, regarding acceptance of payment by conscientious objectors upon discharge from the military. – December 16, 1918

Note related to funeral of Barbara Wisseman, apparently giving songs to be sung and vital information. February 1919

Letter from Joel E. Hershberger, deacon, Meyersdale, Pennsylvania, to JBM, reporting contributions to Armenian and Syrian Relief. – March 22, 1919

Letter from David S. Yoder, Greenwood, Delaware, to JBM, inviting JBM to Delaware for “a few days and hold several meetings” – April 14, 1919

Letter from Elmer G. swartzendruber, Wellman, Iowa, to JBM, encouraging JBM’s attendance at the annual conference in June – May 23, 1919.

Tally of votes for selection of a bishop at Upper Deer Creek church, Wellman, Iowa, showing the following names and number of votes: Gideon Yoder, 29 men and 21 women; Elmer Swartzendruber, 9 men and 5 women; Amos Swartzendruber, 12 men and 21 women. Gideon Yoder chosen by lot. Tellers were C. W. Bender and J. B. Miller. June 15, 1919.

Letter from Joshua King, Hartville, Ohio, to JBM, giving congregational statistics, 44 members – September 17, 1919.

Letter from C. J. Miller, Middlebury, Indiana to JBM, giving congregational statistics, 72 members – September 17, 1919.

Letter from Solomon J. Swartzendruber, Pigeon, Michaign, giving congregational statistics, 191 members – September 19, 1919.

Letter from C. S. Zehr, Wellesley, Ontario, to JBM, giving congregational statistics, 278 members – September 19, 1919

Letter from Nevin Bender, Greenwood, Delaware, giving congregational statistics, fifty-eight members – September 22, 1919.

Letter from D. J. Kropf, Harrisburg, Oregon, to JBM, giving congregational statistics, “we have 35 members”; asks where next Conservative conference will be held – Sept. 25, 1919

Obituary/funeral information, likely for use in conducting the funeral service and for obituary – Melvin Hugh Beitzel, age 2 months, died October 9, 1819.

Obituary/funeral information, likely for use in conducting the funeral service and for obituary – Lewis Beitzel, age 80. Born in Birkelbach, Germany. Died October 23, 1919.

Letter from John L. Mast, Belleville, Penssylvania, to JBM giving congregational statistics of 200 members – October 8, 1919

Letter from E. J. Gingerich, Turner, Michiagan, to JBM giving congregational statistics – “30 members in all in our little flock” – October 9, 1919

Letter from Gideon A. Yoder, Wellman, Iowa, to JBM. Includes church news; decision to receive Annie Yoder into church membership after receiving letters from C. W. Bender, Moses M. Beachy, and Rufus Beachy. Editorial hypothesis: If Annie was the daughter of Jonas M. Yoder she must have gone to Iowa for an extended stay at a point when the Jonas M. Yoder family transfered from the Old Order Amish church to the Conservative Amish Mennonite Church in the pre-Beachy church era when Moses Beachy was bishop of the Old Order Amish church. (Is it a historic fact that Annie, daughter of Jonas M., had gone to Iowa? A note included also giving church statistics – October 12, 1919

Letter from J. M. Slaugaugh, Barrs Mills, Ohio, reporting statistics on the church in Holmes County, Ohio – October 27, 1919.

Letter from Noah E. Yoder, Norfolk, Virginia (brother-in-law to JBM) responding to JBM inquiry about the school system in Virginia; refers to Christian J. Swartzentruber and Lewis J. Swartzentruber; refers to fatique as a result of loss of sleep because of taking care of “Father.” – March 31, 1920

Obituary/funeral information, likely for use in conducting the funeral service and for obituary – Mary Kinsinger, nee Mary Otto, age 83. Born at Little Crossings. Lived in matrimony 61 years. Died May 12, 1920

Obituary/funeral information, likely for use in conducting the funeral service and for obituary – Susanna Lee, age 62, died May 31, 1920.

Letter from American Committee for Relief in the Near East to J. B. Miller concerning contributions to the organizaiton from the Conservative Amish Mennonites and the Old Order Amish Mennonites. August 21, 1920

Letter from Joseph J. Zehr, Croghan, New York, giving the topics to be addressed at the annual conference in 1920 and the speakers of each – May 12, 1920.

Letter from Michael Zehr to Jonas B. Miller, addressed to Topeka, Indiana, where JBM apparently was conducting meetings. Gives plans for a Bible conference when JBM arrives in Pigeon. Refers also to “Bender” as a co-teacher/preacher, likely a minister from Ontario – December 6, 1920..

Letter from Noah Brenneman, minister at Grantsville and superintendent of the Children’s Home, to Jonas B. Miller, addressed to Pigeon, Michigan, where JBM apparently was conducting meetings in the Pigeon River church. Inquires about a paper which apparently had been given some circulation; includes reference to a new church and Lewis Swartzentruber – December 21, 1920

No. 38. [File folder] Jonas B. Miller Materials 1916-1920 – Letters from/to Church Leaders Letter from Gideon A. Yoder, Wellman, Iowa, March 7, 1916, includes thanks for maple

syrup and Spotza (a hard maple candy which reponds to heat and “pulling.” Letter from Christian W. Bender to Jonas B. Miller, written from Indiana where CWB

attended the annual meeting of Conservative Amish Mennonite Conference on which he gives some information; refers to having preached in the Old Order Amish church – June 15, 1916.

Letter from S. W. Peachey (preacher) to JBM, refers to same arrival home with discription car mishap, using trolley and train; mention also of “how Mose treated me.” – December 5, 1917

Letter from Gideon A. Yoder, Wellman, Iowa, to JBM. Writes about time factors of travel in a Ford; refers to letter from C. W. Bender regarding explorations of mission work and comments further on mission philosphy; refers to “some more young people from your community comming out here” – July 21, 1919

Letter from John Horsch to JBM refering to an article by JBM(critique: a few sentences too long) for “the Herald” and comments about missionaries in the east, apparently Turkey – October 2, 1919.

No. 39. [File folder] Jonas B. Miller Materials 1916-1920 – Personal Letters

Letters sent to Mr. and Mrs. Jonas B. Miller, addressed to Wellman, Iowa, c/o G. A Yoder, while JBM and wife Barbara were in Iowa, he likely conducting meetings in the church there. The following items are found in the envelope: 1. A letter by son Evan, then 20 years of age, with questions and information

about the farm operation. December 1, 1916 2. A letter without date or signature [possibly a page is missing], likely written by

one of the daughters, describing the funeral of suicide victim Mrs. Harry Miller.

3. A Thanksgiving greeting card addressed to Papa and Mamma with a message by son Ivan (five years of age) in the handwriting of his sister Annie (17 years of age) according to later notation in the identifiable handwriting of Ivan J. Miller.

4. A small paper (3 ½ X 5) with short messages by Rhoda (age 19 months), Harvey (age 4), and Ivan (age 5). The handwriting compares with the handwriting on the Thanksgiving card and thus appears to have been written by Annie.

5. A sheet which appears to be a diary of an itinerary in Ohio (Plain City and Hartville.) It appears to be a lone sheet of a larger sheaf. JBM was on itinerary to the western churches. (See p. 39 of the 1916 Conference Report.

Letter from Mrs. P. D. S. [Annie, nee Hershberger, wife of Peter D. Shetler] – writes as cousin with news from Kalona, Iowa. Includes a clipping of a suicide case. March 11, 1917

Letter from Noah E. Hershberger to Miss Alma Miller (teacher at Yoder Shcool; daughter of JBM) regarding school dues of the Hershberger children and JBM debt on several coats made by Mrs. Hershberger. November 27, 1918

No 40. File folder] Jonas B. Miller Materials 1916-1920 – Historical Items

No. 41. [File folder] Jonas B. Miller Materials 1916-1920 –Farm and Business Checkbook register – JBM 1918

No. 42. [File folder] Jonas B. Miller Materials 1916-1920 –Other

Materials from Board of County School Commissioners, Oakland, Maryland, envelope addressed to Miss Alma Miller (daughter of JBM) – three pages of information on school schedules, teacher salaries (specifying “white teachers”) and other policy. Postmark on envelope: September 18, 1917

Newspaper clipping or reprint of article by A. M. Kauffman, titled “The Amish are Invited to Confess Their Crime Against our Government and Kauffman.” Criticizes the Amish (1) for refusing military service, calling their nonresistance an excuse, and (2) in regard to a decision involving a dispute Kauffman held against the Amish and for not receiving him back into fellowship. 1918

No. 43 [File folder] Jonas B. Miller Materials 1921-1925 – Church Administration Lists of certification of membership issued. Neither of these two lists bears a date or

compiler’s name. It is arbitratily placed into this file (# 43). One of the lists includes about 43 names and the other and the other about 50 names. Placed into file #43.

Envelope with contents described by J. B. Miller with this inscription: “Original questions handed in for conference at Pigeion, Mich. 1921.Envelope postmarked: Pigeon, Michigan June 11, 1921

Obituary/funeral information, likely for use in conducting the funeral service and for obituary – Joel Orendorf, age 74. Funeral at Casselman Mennonite meeting house. Burial in family cemetery on Orendorf homestead near Bittinger, Maryland. Additional information attached. Died January 26, 1922

Letter from Elmer G. Swartzendruber, Wellman, Iowa, to J. B. Miller regarding travel to the annual conference and an idea, which was clipped and missing here, for publication in the Herold der Wahrheit. May 11, 1922.

Obituary/funeral information, likely for use in conducting the funeral service and for obituary – Barbara Maust, nee Barbara Miller, age 90, wife of Jonas Maust, 13 children, 71 grandchildren (55 living). Died August 4, 1922

Letter from Sol Miller, Jr., Fredericksburg, Ohio, to Jonas (J. B.) Miller. Refers to church issues and dynamics, including a case of someone in the church using the courts in defense of his case. Explanations: “Bro. Bender” = apparently C. W. Bender; “miding,” p. 3, refers to Meitung (shunning, avoidance); “a machine, p. 2,” refers to an automobile (I recall hearing cars referred to in Pennsylvania German in the 1940s by Ohioans as “die machine.”– David I.. Miller) September 19, 1922

Children’s Christmas program of 1922. Recitations by Ivan Miller, Thelma Yoder, Mark Yoder, William Yoder, Rhoda Miller, Edna Yoder, Alta Yoder, Kate Miller, Stanley Shriver, Edna Whiteman, Charles Shanholtz, Edna Grandstaff, Zietta Shriver, Vernon Michal, Gladys Shriver, Henry Kuhn, Harvey Miller. Themes by Daniel Lee, Alvin H. Yoder. Topic by Lewis Bender. Talks by Laban Swartzentruber and Others. Caution: This may have been a work sheet rather than the final program, but does represent the kind program given at that time. December 1922

Letter from J. F. Swartzendruber, Kalona, Iowa, to Moses M. Beachy, copied by J. B. Miller. Responds to Beachy’s request for counsel regarding the issue of shunning persons who leave the Old Order Amish Mennonite church (the Pennsylvania church) to join the Conservative Amish Mennonite church (the Maryland church). Swartzendruber recognizes the unanimous decision of the Old Order church to shun such and Bishop Joseph Witmer’s concern about that decision, and recommends a course of compromise by letting each member decide whether or not to shun in the case at hand. April 19, 1923

Letter from G. A. Yoder to J. B. Miller. After a page of personal comments, he writes regarding the resolution of the past annual conference to be written on the subject of the Woman’s head covering. June 29, 1923

Letter from George R. Brunk, Denbigh, Virginia To Whom It May Concern. Certifies the standing of Jonas E. Miller and wife as related to the Mennonite Church of Warwick County, Virginia, in Washington, D.C. This item is copied from the original in pencil, apparently in the hand of J. B. Miller. Brunk’s evalution of Jonas E. Miller and wife is very positive at a time when their relationship with the Amish Mennonite church was very tenuous. Oct. 10, 1923

Letter from Christian J. Swartzentruber and William S. Yoder without addressee indicated. Serves as a “church letter” in regard to Jones E. Miller and wife, expressing concerns and lacking positive recommendation. Issues involved include attendance at medical school and mode of dress. October 14, 1923.

Letter from S. S. Moyer, Kitchner, Ontario, to J. B. Miller, apparently addressing J. B. as editor of Herold der Wahrheit with an article intended for an Amish audience out of concern for the Amish. Three tracts enclosed written by S. S. Moyer. November 7, 1923.

Letter from Federal Council of the Churches of Christ in America to J. B. Miller, requesting statistical in formation of 1923 of the Amish Mennonite Church (Conservative). The same envelope holds various responses to a form letter sent to congregations by J. B., giving 1923 statistics on membership, membership gains and losses, Sunday school enrollment, value and indebtedness of church buildings, and contributions to benevolences. The responses are from the following congregations: Defiance, Ohio; Town Line/Griner, Indiana; Au Gres, Michigan; Erie County, New York; Iowa; Stark County, Ohio; Mifflin County, Pennsylvania; Howard/Miami, Indiana, Lewis County, New York. January 15, 1924

Letter from C. Z. Mast of The Monitor to J. B. Miller, requesting historical articles on “The Millers” and the children’s home. He states, “The Ohio people are having a stirring time at present. They are holding a fundamentals conference in Fulton County this week.” February 25, 1924

Obituary/funeral information, likely for use in conducting the funeral service and for obituary – Daniel Lee, age 78, died May 6, 1924

Letter from S. G. Shetler, Johnstown, Pennsylvania, to J. B. Miller, inviting J. B. to preach in annual all-German church service and again in the evening in English. July 7, 1924

Letter from S. G. Shetler, Johnstown, Pennsylvania, to J. B. Miller acknowledging, with all due respect, that J. B declined the invitation to preach at Johnstown. July 30, 1924

Letter from P. V. Yoder, Uniontown, Ohio, to J. B. Miller. Refers to the problem of members joining cooperatives and “worldly associations,’ in this case a milk association. Mentions C. W. Bender as successor to S. J. Swartzendruber as their bishop and C. W.’s impending visit. March 14, 1925

Letter from Christian J. Swartzentruber, Norfolk, Virginia, to J. B. Miller. The status of Jonas E. Miller in relation to the church is the main subject. Comments regarding rebaptism in the event of transfer from a church which is not nonresistant. Mentions a visiting minister preaching in their church with emphasis on the heart

being right, not only a matter of outward appearance. Comments on weather and crops. May 24, 1925

Letter from Daniel L. Swartzentruber to J. B. Miller concerning issues related to and schedule for transfer of membership of Samuel D. and Barbara Beachy. October 21, 1925

Letter from Daniel J. Swartzentruber, Oakland, Maryland, to J. B. Miller concerning the relationship of Samuel D. Beachy with the Amish congregation at Gortner in regard to the interests of Samuel and his wife Barbara transferring membership to the Conservative Amish Mennonite church at Grantsville. Daniel J. Swartzentruber was a minister in the church at Gortner. He explains that LMB (Bishop Lewis M. Beachy) was away from home and thus he, instead of the bishop, is writing the letter of concern. Daniel was a brother to Mrs. J. B. Miller (Barbara) and to Christan J. Swartzentruber, bishop in Norfolk, Virginia. October 28, 1925

Letter from J. B. Miller, evidently to Daniel J. Swartzentruber, Oakland, Maryland. The letter lacks a designated addressee, but evidently is a reply to the letter of DJS to JBM, dated October 28, 1925. Expresses JBM’s response to the charges against Samuel D. Beachy from the perspective of the church at Grantsville where the Beachys were applying for membership. October 31, 1925

Obituary/funeral information, likely for use in conducting the funeral service and for obituary – Tribly Tovalett Catlett, age 9 years. “She became an inmate fo the A.M. Children’s Home September 14, 1921.” Had been in the home of Jonas M. Yoder with older sister about six months. Died October 31, 1925

Letter from C. W. Bender, written from Clarence, New York, apparently to Jonas B. Miller (envelope missing and inside address omitted), referring to C. W.’s itinerary, apparently involved in bishop work in Holmes and Stark Counties, Ohio, and in Clarence, New York; refers to J. B.”s itinerary of conducting meetings with encouragement for J. B. to include the Ohio locations. November 9, 1925

No. 44. [File folder] Jonas B. Miller Materials 1921-1925 – Letters from/to Church Leaders Letter from G. A. Yoder, Wellman, Iowa, to J. B. Miller, giving various items of news,

referring also to Evan, son of J. B. who then lived in Iowa as a young single man. December 5, 1923

Post card from J. D. Hershberger, Kalona, Iowa, to J. B. Miller announcing the death of J. F. Swartzendruber. January 17, 1924

No. 45. [File folder] Jonas B. Miller Materials 1921-1925 – Personal Letters

Post card – birthday greeting card from“Cath” to Mrs. Joel Miller [Savilla (Beachy) Miller], postmarked at Meyersdale, PA. (Savilla was born February 9, 1923. The card would have been for the occasion of her 77th birthday. See commentary attached to the card in the file. Febraury 9, 1923.

Letter from Samuel D. Hochstetler, Goshen, Indiana, to Jonas B. Miller. Seems to be describing a group which meets for Bible studies, perhaps apart from the larger congregation. Names included in the letter: Noah E. Bontrager from Michigan (a preacher), Fannie S. Miller (David Miller’s daughter), Sarah (who has two children), Elmers (who have orphans,Willi Ringler and a little baby), Sam Kauffman (where Bible lesson was held), Rudy Kauffman, Mrs. Manasses Bontrager. Received a pamphlet from N. M. Yoder of Grantsville. J. B. Miller’s inscription on the face of the envelope: “Also mentions about receiving avoidance pamphlet from Noah M. Yoder and returning same. Likely the issue of whom to avoid (members who join other churches?) was in the discussion. Returning the pamphlet to Noah M. Yoder likely expressed disagreement with it. Noah was a son of Moses D. Yoder, bishop in the Old Order Amish church and a minister in that fellowship. See “The Noah N. Yoder Family,” in Casselman Chronicle, No. 2, 1977, pp. 15-17. February 26, 1924

Letter from Lewis Eichorn, Clarence, New York, to “Dear Brother” (likely J. B. Miller, since found with his papers.) Refers to papers to be mailed to Alden, New York. Mentions travel by sleigh and walking. Envelope missing. December 26, 1924

No 46. File folder] Jonas B. Miller Materials 1921-1925 – Historical Items

Letter from J. D. Guengerich, Kalona, Iowa, to “Dear Brother.” The obvious recipient is J. B. Miller – He refers to Evan, which must be J. B.s’ son who had lived in Iowa for a period of time. Deals with the Amish history. June 25, 1922.

Letter from C. Klassen, Moscow, Russia, to Alvin J. Miller, Russia, accompanied by two letters from within Russia describing their local famine conditions. This letter likely forwared as a carbon copy at Alvin’s request to his brother J. B. Miller as a leader in the Conservative Mennonite Conference. Translated. August 3, 1922

Letter from J. D. Miller (identifiable as John D. Miller, Family # 97 in Joel B. Miller History, second edition, 1997) with questions related to Miller family history and comments about varieties of apples in use by Musselman. Two sheets, both on Musselman letterhead. September 15, 1922

Letter from C. J. Otto, New Germany, Maryland, to Jonas J. Miller (Jonas B. Miller), listing current owners of farm sites in the New Germany area earlier occupied by a previous generation. February 8, 1924

Letter from Harold S. Bender, Goshen, Indiana, to Jonas B. Miller. Gives information of extant Amish congregations in Europe, apparently in response to inquiry from J. B. Miller. February16 1925

Letter from Harvey Hostetler, California, Iowa, to Jonas B. Miller with reference to the Miller family history, his discovery of a daughter of Jacob Hochstetler after his first Hochstetler genealogy was ready for the printer, and information on the location of (Indian) John Miller’s land in Berks County. October 30, 1925

No. 47. [File folder] Jonas B. Miller Materials 1921-1925 –Farm and Business

Insurance policy of J. B. Miller, with coverage for damage ot buildings and contents. Covers house, barn and silo, machinery and vehicles, shop and contents. Signed by Harvey. S. Yoder, Simon. M. Yoder, and Milton. E. Hershberger. January 1921

Statement (running account) of transactions between C. W. Bender (on printed form of Orchard Grove Farm), Elk Lick, Pennsylvania, and J. B. Miller. JBM purchased from CWB the following: coal, potatoes, hay, apple butter, three hens, lamp globes and shades, and a Bible. CWB purchased from JBM the following: coal mine props and a hind quarter of a beef and received from JBM the services of hauling coal and labor by JBM’s daughter Mabel. The chronological range of the transactions ranged from December 18, 1914 to February 26, 1921. The statement is dated April 1, 1921

Application forms (copies) filled out and sent to The American Jersey Cattle Club for registering cattle. Forms of these years all placed in File # 65. 1922-1938

No. 48. [File folder] Jonas B. Miller Materials 1921-1925 –Other

No. 49 [File folder] Jonas B. Miller Materials 1926-1930 – Church Administration List of officers (moderator, Assistant Moderator, and secretary serving in the

Conservative Amish Mennonite Conference from 1919 to 1927 and bishops in full standing in 1928.

Letter from Lucy Beachy to “the church at Norfolk.” She responds to previous communication in which she was asked to explain her decision to transfer her membership from the Old Order Amish church in Norfolk. The letter is undated but seems to predate the letter Lucy sent to J. B. Miller dated March 4, 1926. Thus, this letter could have been written sometime in February 1926.

Letter from William S. Yoder and Christian D. Swartzentruber, ministers in the Amish church at Norfolk, Virginia, to Lucy Beachy, concerning her excommunication from the church in Virginia after she had joined the Conservative Amish Mennonite church at Grantsville. March 2, 1926

Letter from Lucy Beachy, Elk Lick, Pennsylvania, to J. B. Miller. Per note typed on envelope apparently by J. B. Miller, concerning her “membership after uniting with the Conservative Casselman River congregation.” March 4, 1926

Copy (hectographed), on Elmer G. Swartzendruber letterhead, of annual conference program for Croghan, New York in June 1926.

Letter from Jonas E. Miller, Salisbury, Pennsylvania, to J. B. Miller, concerning pastoral care for Verbal Stutzman, a girl with spirutual needs and with interest in joining the church. Gives sone attention to psychological and personality description of Verbal. March 7, 1927

Letter from Nevin Bender, Greenwood, Delaware, to Jonas B. Miller, regarding the phrasing of a point in the report to the Conference secretary. July 19, 1927

Letter from C. W. Bender, sent from Massillon, Ohio, to J. B. Miller. C. W. was traveling in Ohio. Refers to work as bishop in Stark County (“having our hands full with complicated affairs”) and Holmes County. Wants J. B. to proceed with instruction class (apparently pre-baptismal) and encourages J. B. and Noah [Brenneman, minister] to visit Merle Brant (possibly from the Children’s Home and related to pre-baptismal instruction). July 27, 1927

Obituary/funeral information, likely for use in conducting the funeral service and for obituary – Leo Beitzel, age 2 months, died October 23, 1927

Program Notes – informal/preliminary. These are handwritten notes apparently made in the process of planning a program such as a Bible conference or Sunday school conference. This kind of entry occurs also in other chronological sections and in the Undated section. Papers placed here bear the dates of 1927 and 1929.

Brochure – Program of Bible Conference, Locust Grove Amish Mennonite congregation, Belleville, Pennsylvania, with J. B. Miller and Eli Swartzentruber as speakers. December 26 to 30, 1928

Obituary/funeral information, likely for use in conducting the funeral service and for obituary – Lydia Maust, age 69, died July 5, 1929

Letter from Amos C. Swartzendruber, Parnell, Iowa, regarding arraignments for Bible conference and related meetings at Belleville, Pennsylvania, to be conducted

along with J. B. Miller. A letter from John L. Mast to Amos on the same matter is enclosed. November 30, 1929

Letter from John L. Mast to Jonas B. Miller, regarding programming when JBM and Amos Swartzendruber are in Belleville for meetings. December 5, 1929

Obituary/funeral information, likely for use in conducting the funeral service and for obituary – Milton E. Hershberger, age 59, died January 12, 1830.

Letter from L. A. Miller, Arthur, Illinois, to J. B. Miller. Main theme: Promoting larger circulation of Herold der Wahrheit. Also refers to Miller genealogy with reference to the immigrant John Miller and his son Jacob as ordained in Somerset County before immigration to Ohio. February 3, 1930

Obituary/funeral information, likely for use in conducting the funeral service and for obituary – Olive Skidmore, age 15, from the Amish Mennonite Children’s Home, died February 21, 1930

Statement by Jonas M. Yoder, Meyersdale, Pennsylvania, stating his offer and commitment to “build an addition to the Oak Dale meeting house.” In the same envelope, Articles of Agreement between Jonas M. Yoder and the ministers and trustees of Oak Dale and Cherry Glade for the construction of the addition with Jonas M. Yoder as foreman of the project and giving some specifications of the project. This document is not signed and appears to be a draft, possibly written by J. B. Miller. The known Oak Dale history indicates that the project proceeded as described in the document or at least in a similar fashion. Date of Jonas M. Yoder statement: December 29, 1930

No. 50. [File folder] Jonas B. Miller Materials 1926-1930 – Letters from/to Church Leaders

Letter from John Horsch, Scottdale, Pennsylvania, to J. B. Miller, responding to a previous letter from J. B. regarding the Dutch rendering of the ending phrase of the 16th article of the Dortrecht Confession of Faith. Notes also receipt of a cable stating that Alvin J. Miller “will land in New York about May 1.” April 26, 1927.

Letter from Gideon A. Yoder, Wellman, Iowa, to J. B. Miller. Includes reference to J. B.’s expected arrival in Iowa, the health situations of various people in Iowa, Gideon’s extended trip as recorded in his 1904 diary which included a visit in the JBM home, and his nostalgic feelings for his native state, Pennsylvania. January 29, 1928

Letter from Christian J. Swartzentruber, Norfolk, Virginia, to J. B. Miller and Family. In addition to personal news, enclosed newspaper clippings referring to Dr. Jonas E. Miller, who had become a controversial figure in the Amish Mennonite churches. Christian J. Swartzentruber was a brother to Barbara (Mrs. J. B.). October 15, 1929

Letter from C. M. Helmick, Cumberland, Maryland, to J. B. Miller, with apology related to a conversation between the two in the Cumberland passenger station and with expression of appreciation for “your folks.” Helmick was pastor of the Pinto Mennonite Church, affiliated with the Allegheny (then Southwestern) Mennonite Conference. December 5, 1929

Letter from Phineas V. Yoder, Hadley, Pennsylvania, to J. B. Miller. Excuses J. B. from visiting Hadley. Apparently J. B. had declined the invitation because of busy-ness with maple sugaring. Yoder refers to the small pox epidemic in Stark County, Ohio, and suggests that it is bad timing for Amos and Elmer Swartzendruber to visit there. January 16, 1930

No. 51. [File folder] Jonas B. Miller Materials 1926-1930 – Personal Letters

Letter from Elmer G. Swartzendruber, Wellman, Iowa, to Jonas B. Miller, referring to the Mennonitisches Lexicon, the absence of “Grantsville” among its entries in the advance copy, and encouragement for J. B. to submit material on that subject. January 13, 1927

Post card from Ivan J. Miller to his father, addressed to Wellman, Iowa, c/o G. A. Yoder. Informs J.B. of having informed people in Howard County of J. B. going to Iowa first. Notes that Jonathan Z. Beiler came there with Uncle Alvin (Alvin J. Miller) from Lancaster. Ivan then was 16 years of age and the oldest son at home. December 24, 1927

Christmas card from “Lucy,” La Junta, Colorado, c/o Mennonite Hospital, to Savilla. Addressed to Mrs. J. J. Miller, c/o H. S. Yoder, Grantsville, and greeted as Aunt Savilla. Lucy apparently was a niece of Savilla or her late husband Joel, but is not identified with this writing. Postmarked December 14, 1928

Christmas card from Ada Hershberger, Los Angeles, California, to Savilla (Beachy) Miller (Mrs. Joel J.). Postmarked December 24, 1930

No 52. File folder] Jonas B. Miller Materials 1926-1930 – Historical Items

Notes taken by J. B. Miller from Memorial History of Peter Bitsche and from Gnaegi Family History on the Hershberger family. Refers to Daniel Hershberger, Peter Hershberger, Anna Beachy Hershberger, Christian Gnagey. December 10, 1926

Letter (copy of) from Jonas B. Miller to Elmer Swartzendruber, Wellman, Iowa. Refers to a lexicon for which historical information is sought, but scarce; expresses regret on difficulty of getting information now which would have been very accessible years earlier by asking; expresses gratitude that his sons, “from Evan down to Harvey” are developing active interest in historical research; mentions information that his brother Alvin J. Miller may be returning home soon from overseas and the effect of Alvin’s absence and homecoming on their mother, Widow Savilla Miller. April 13, 1927

Letter from Harvey Hostetler, author of DBH, to Jonas B. Miller. Refers to (1) a history paper being worked on by J. B. and Samuel D. Guengerich of Wellman, Iowa, (2) John Miller attacked by Indians in time of massacre of Jacob Hochstetler and the captivity of Joseph Hochstetler and Christian Hochstetler, (3) location of grave of Benedict Miller, (4) comments of Anna (Miller) Yoder, wife of Hans Yoder, (5) Fannie Yoder and Catherine Yoder as wives of John Miller, (6) Anna Stutzman, mother of Benedict Miller, (7) Jacob Yoder of Yoder Station, (8) Christian Yoder of Stoney Creek (9) Christian J. Miller and the Christian Scientists. January 23, 1928.

Correspondence between J. B. Miller and sisters-in-law, Lena and Mrs. N. E. Yoder, concerning genalogical data of the family of Jacob Swartzentruber. April 22, and May 3, 1929

Letter from Mrs. C. Schlossnagel, Wooster, Ohio, to Jonas [B.] Miller, asking for genealogical information. Identifies herself as a cousin, apparently through Catherine (Brenneman) Miller’s ancestry. August 4, 1929

Program brochure of Miller Reunion (descendants of Joel B. Miller); Speakers: Jonas B. Miller and John D. Miller. September 2, 1929

Letter from Albert H. Gerberich [author of Brenneman genealogy], Carlisle, Pennsylvania, to Noah Brenneman, Grantsville, Maryland, regarding genealogical information when in the process of compiling the genealogy. September 18, 1929

Letter from Elmer G. Swartzendruber, Wellman, Iowa, to Jonas B. Miller. A four-page letter on the question of the Helvetians (Swiss) having descended from the Phoenicians. Quotes extensively for secondary sources such as encyclopedias. Apparently had researched at the library of the University in Iowa City in response to J. B.’s inquiry. March 26, 1930

Letter from W. H. Kretchman, Somerset, Pennsylvania, to Jonas B. Miller. Enclosed a letter from Dr. Herman of the Theological Seminary at Lancaster (dated March 26, 1930) regarding the question of the Helvetians (Swiss) having descended from the Phoenicians. March 31, 1930

Letter from S. W. Peachey, Belleville, Pennsylvania, to J. B. Miller. Shares information on the early Amish settlement near Johnstown, Pennsylvania, especially the role of Christian “Schmidt” Miller. October 17, 1930

Letter from Albert H. Gerberich [author of Brenneman genealogy], Carlisle, Pennsylvania, to J. B. Miller, Grantsville, Maryland, regarding genealogical information when in the process of compiling the genealogy. November 6, 1930

Notes related to Miller Reunion. This paper likely was used by JBM in addressing the Joel B. Miller reunion. Some of the sources quoted (ex. letters from Harvey Hostetler) would have been available to JBM and likely not to others. One concept not recalled by me (David I. Miller) from other sources: Benedict Miller moved to Beachy Farm in order to be centrally located in the congregation. Sources quoted include Harvey Hostetler and Jacob D. Guengerich. Historical persons mentioned with comment: John (Indian) Miller, Benedict Miller, Ann Yoder Stutzman, Jacob Stutzman, Daniel Miller, Jacob Miller, Jonas Stutzman, Adam Miller, Catherine Beachy, Catherine Brenneman. Quotes from the Book of Acts and Romans. This three page document does not bear a date, but must have been after the year of one of the sources quoted, 1929.

No. 53. [File folder] Jonas B. Miller Materials 1926-1930 –Farm and Business Insurance policy of Jonas B. Miller, with coverage for damage ot buildings and contents.

Covers house, barn and silo, machinery and vehicles, shop and contents. Signed by Milton. E. Hershberger, Jonas M. Yoder, and Lewis C. Bender. January 1921

Cancelled checks, signed J. B. Miller per IJM (Ivan J. Miller) issued in 1927 to L. H. Diefenbach, Geo. Diefenbach, Keystone Lime Company for lime. Presumably JBM was away from home and his sixteen year old son IJM was conducting business for him. 1927

Cancelled check, signed J. B. Miller per IJM, issued in 1928 to First State Bank. 1928 Report on Woodlands of Jonas B. Miller by H. C. Buckingham, District Forester.

Describes the condition of the timber in the woods of Mapleshade Farm Recommends selective cutting. November 15, 1929

Promissory Note by JBM to Floyd J. Miller, November 16, 1929 Application forms (copies) filled out and sent to The American Jersey Cattle Club for

registering cattle. Forms of these years all placed in File # 65. 1922-1938 Receipts from The American Jersey Cattle Club for payment of registration fees.

Receipts for these years all placed into File # 65. 1928-1941 Instructions from The American Jersey Cattle Club regarding requirements and

procedures for application for registering cattle. Undated. Data on registered Jersey cattle, including tatoo numbers, pedigrees, names, breeding

dates and sires, sales, and transfers. The data documents of these years all placed in File #65. 1927-1938

Record of veterinarian of testing of herd for Tuberculosis. The records of these years all placed in File #65. 1930-1938

Report of results of tuberculin test of herd of cattle issued by the Bureau of Animal Industry of U. S. Department of Agriculture.The records of these years all placed in File #65. 1928-1937

Certificate of Herd Health issued by the Livestock Sanitary Service of the Maryland State Board of Agriculture. The records of these years all placed in File #65. 1929-1937

No. 54. [File folder] Jonas B. Miller Materials 1926-1930 –Other

No. 55 [File folder] Jonas B. Miller Materials 1931-1935 – Church Administration Obituary/funeral information, likely for use in conducting the funeral service and for

obituary – Lewis Bender, age 30. “He was marreid to Anna Yoder, August 14, 1924 ... An invitation is extended to return to the home of Christian Bender for refreshments.” Song numbers and titles are listed. Died August 25, 1931

Notes and report by J. B. Miller on dealing with Jonas E. Miller and wife and their relationship to the church. Issues at stake include nonconformity to the world, submission to church authority, open communion vs. close communion, role of Holy Spirit guidance, devotional covering, role of women, non-oath swearing. December 15, 1931

Letter from Edwin Albrecht, Pigeon, Michigan to J. B. Miller. Refers to availability of the Confession of Faith, the mission in Flint, Michigan, and to the church in Allen County, Indiana. Refers to a previous letter from J. B. Miller and method of selecting pastoral leadership for a mission location. Other names mentioned: L. A. Miller, Nevin Bender, Peter Swartz, Noah Swartzentruber. February 2, 1932

Letter from Sam T. Eash, Shipshewana, Indiana, to J. B. Miller, Refers to fire insurance plans and the pastoral leadership issue in the Allen County, Indiana, church. Other names: Noah Swartzentruber. February 19, 1932

Letter from M. S. Zehr, Pigeon, Michigan, to J. B. Miller, referring to Flint, Michigan, and Allen County, Indiana (ordination of John Yoder), and his trip west as far as Oregon. Other names: Nevin Bender, Edwin Albrecht, Noah Swartzendruber, Gideon Yoder. February 22, 1932

Letter from S. C. Yoder of Mennonite Board of Missions and Charities, Goshen, Indiana. Letter to Jonas B. Miller asking for a manuscript be made available of his input at an

upcoming missions meeting. May 11, 1933. Letter from J. B. Miller to S. C. Yoder. Goshen, Indiana, declining the invitation to speak

at an upcoming missions meeting of the Mennonite Board of Missions and Charities with defense for his position of declining, with explanation of his view of avoiding ministry across denominational lines (in this case, Amish Mennonite and Mennonite.) May 15, 1933

Letter from J. B. Miller to Levi, Mumaw of Mennonite Board of Missions, stating his position of declining to speak at the upcoming mission meeting. This letter was sent to Mumaw because a concern that S. C. Yoder may not receive the letter sent the previous day due his travel schedule. May 16, 1933

Program Notes – informal/preliminary. These are handwritten notes apparently made in the process of planning a program such as a Bible conference or Sunday school conference. This kind of entry occurs also in other chronological sections and in the Undated section. Papers placed here bear the dates of 1933 and 1934.

Sermon Notes related to John 5:21-29; funeral of S. L. Maust. March 12, 1934 Letter from, Manson Iowa, to Jonas B. Miller. Refers to an article by Jonas (See Herold

der Wahrheit, April 1, 1934, “A Harmful and Vicious Practice,” p. 217) on the practice of bundling and questions the need and giving publicity to the issue when seemingly it is not any more a practice among Amish and Mennonites. Also states that a manuscript is enclosed for publication in HdW, likely referring to “David as

a Man after God’s Own Heart,” Herold der Wahrheit, May 1, 1934, p. 276. April 3, 1934

Letter from C. R. Jones of the law offices of Jones and Dawson, Oakland, Maryland, giving an opinion on the legaility of location of the annual meeting of the board of the Amish Mennonite Children’s Home. April 7, 1934

Letter from C. R. Jones of the law offices of Jones and Dawson, Oakland, Maryland, giving an opinion on the legaility of location of the annual meeting of the board of the Amish Mennonite Children’s Home. April 12, 1934

Obituary/funeral information, likely for use in conducting the funeral service and for obituary – Amelia Maust, nee Amelia Orendorf, age 60, wife of Lewis Maust, died July 9, 1934.

Report from Michael S. Zehr, Pigeon, Michigan, on proposal of a local committee for the purchase, by the Conservative Amish Mennonite Conference, of the Noah Swartzentruber house in Flint, Michigan. Includes provision for response by the congregations [perhaps because the transaction seemed necessitated before the next annual conference.] September 21, 1934

Letter from J. B. Miller to Elmer G. Swartzendruber and Nevin Bender concerning the Conservative Amish Mennonite Conference, through its mission board, purchasing the house of Noah Swartzentruber in Flint, Michigan,. J. B. gives his approval provided certain provisions are in place. He writes as a member of the Mission Board of the Conference, which in that year consisted of J. B., Elmer Swartzendruber, and Nevin Bender. October 1, 1934

Letter from Elmer G. Swartzentruber, Wellman, Iowa, to J. B. Miller, regarding the mission property in Flint Michigan. The same envelope contains a copy of a letter by J. B. Miller to Nevin Bender, dated November 12, 1934. November 5, 1934.

Letter from J. B. Miller to Daniel Kauffman concerning the “”unfortunate Louck-Keim difficulty.” Is concerned about using the courts in settling differences between Ivan Keim and Loucks as guardian of Ivan. November 7, 1934

Report for Herold der Wahrheit submitted by Noah Swartzentruber as “a final report of our work at the mission at Flint, Mich.” In addition to financial report, notes the Swartzentrubers’ decision to leave the work and that the Edwin Albrechts have been in Flint since April. November 8, 1934

Letter from J. B. Miller to Nevin Bender, Farmington, Delaware, concerning the mission property in Flint, Michigan. November 12, 1934

Letter from Nevin Bender, Farmington, Delaware, to J. B. Miller. Expresses approval for “the proposition” related to the work of “the Mission Board.” Refers to a health episode of “Sister Mary” (apparently either the sister of J. B., Mary, wife of Lewis Schrock or the sister-in-law of J. B., wife of Lewis Miller.) Notes the wedding of Atwood Tucker and Hilda McBruce, both of Greenwood Mennonite Church. November 15, 1934

Letter from John A. Berkey, Lawyer, to Simon S. Miller and Fred Bender regarding the estate of David Keim and Aaron Lautz, guardian of Ivan Keim. Demands that the two bondsmen make payment to Ivan Keim. November 20, 1934

Letter from Daniel Kauffman, Scottdale, Pennsylvania, to Jonas B. Miller, in response to a previous letter from J. B. Apparently Loucks, as former guardian of the now adult Ivan Keim, had failed to turn over to Ivan the full extent of the estate to which he was entitled and was unable to do so because of the economic depression. Kauffman expresses a desire and hope of resolving the differences in peace. November 26, 1934

Letter from Daniel Kauffman, Scottdale, Pennsylvania, to J. B. Miller. Expresses hope that the Loucks-Keim situation can be resolved without use of law court. Lists those involved as AaronLoucks, men to whom the money loaned, Ivan Keim, and the bondsmen [Simon S. Miller, Fred Bender]. November 30, 1934

Letter from J. B. Miller, Grantsville, Maryland, to Daniel Kauffman, Scottdale, Pennsylvania, concerning the “Loucks-Keim case.”Consider the church responsible in the case of church members forcing an issue by law. Letter includes the names of Simon S. Miller, Fred Bender, Attorney A Berkey. Miller and Bender apparently were bondsmen. December 14, 1934

Report from the mission in Flint, Michigan (apparently by Edwin Albrecht as pastor) to J. B. Miller, apparently as a Mission Board member and/or for publication in Herold der Wahrheit. Includes funds “turned over by Noah Swartzentruber.” Mentions repair work on the church house and “some that we hear of now and then in neighborhood who do not have enough bedding to keep warm” – a note reminiscent of the Great Depression of the 1930s. January 3, 1935

Post card from Elmer G. Swartzendruber, Wellman, Iowa, to J. B. Miller. Refers to trip home, apparently due to illness; Flint, Michigan, property; personnel for the children’s home and the search for foster parents. January 7, 1935.

Letter from Edwin Albrecht, Flint, Michigan, to J. B. Miller, concerning finances of the mission in Flint, apparently sent to J. B. as editor of Herold der Wahrheit. January 19, 1935

No. 56. [File folder] Jonas B. Miller Materials 1931-1935 – Letters from/to Church Leaders

Post card from Daniel Kauffman Scottdale, Pennsylvania, to J. B. Miller, recognizing a letter from J. B. and expressing the advantages of personal conversation, rather than writing only. December 17, 1934

No. 57. [File folder] Jonas B. Miller Materials 1931-1935 – Personal Letters

Letter from D. B. Swartzendruber, Kalona, Iowa, to J. B. Miller concerning J. B’s apparent inquiry about a book, Arnold’s Church History. Notes its availability from Mrs. Lydia Ropp. Her card to D. B. is enclosed. March 23, 1935.

Letter from Lydia, Kalona, Iowa, to Jonas B. Miller. She addresses him as “Dear Cousin.” Lydia is identifiable as Mrs. Peter J. Brenneman, late bishop in Iowa. Four pages of news, including these names: Vernon, Jess, Lev Kinsinger, Peter Kinsinger, Benedict Yoder, Abner Yoder, Elizabeth Hostetler, John and Lizzie Bender, Gideon Bender, Jacob C. Brenneman, Amelia Miller, Anna Yoder (Mrs. Hans Yoder of Springs, PA), Susan Fuller, Elija Fuller, Christian J. Miller (son of Joel B.). Refers to a letter she received from Christian J. Miller (son of Joel B. Miller) of Califorinia and that she is enclosing the letter to Jonas. July 24 1932

No. 58. [File folder] Jonas B. Miller Materials 1931-1935 – Historical Items

“Article of Agreement with the Amish Mennonite Orphans’ Home,” apparently prepared for use in placing children into foster homes. No lines filled in and no date of printing given.

Information on the Family of Daniel Bender of Langendorf, Germany. Information received from Prof. Harold S. Bender by M.M.B (identity not determined) and sent to JBM, as indicated by the notation concerning Daniel’s daughter Barbara: “This would be your wife’s grandmother according to Aunt Lydia.” Lists Daniel’s first wife, Magdalena Schlappach, and four of Daniel’s children and their families: Christina, married to Peter Schoenbeck; Barbara, married to Christian Schwartzentruber; Wilhelm, married to Catherine Miller; Daniel, married to Katherine Diefenbach. Paper bears the date of 1931

Statements (2) by J. B. Miller and Harvey S. Yoder enclosed in an envelope with the following inscription: “Papers relative to audit of AMC. Home [Amish Mennonite Children’s Home at Grantsville] transactions and recommendations concerning procedures in dealing refractory wards. Financial audit is for the year May 4, 1931, to May 2, 1932. Refers to funds in the bank but not available, likely referring to the banking holiday of the Great Depression. Date of documents: presumably May 1932.

Letter from Harvey Hostetler, author of DJH and DBH, to Jonas B. Miller. Refers to the wife of Jacob Miller, senior, Jacob’s will, and the progress of DBH as 90 per cent complete. A copy of the text of Jacob’s will is enclosed. June 15, 1932

Letter from Elias R. Miller, Fentress, Virginia, to J. B. Miller. Asks for L. Bontrager’s address to be sent to Daniel Shenk, Denbigh, Virginia. Refers to JBM’s article in Herold der Wahrheit of May 15, 1932, “Safety and Security” (deals with morality and relationships between the sexes) with comment of it having “maybe too much veneer for those that cannot understand.” The larger body of the letter is descriptive of low morals having occurred in the Amish church 60 years earlier and as having continued in some places. Expresses appreciation for morals in the Kempsville (Virginia) church and Preacher Christian Swartzentruber. June 20, 1932

Letter from Hubert Coffey of The Wellman Advance, Wellman, Iowa, to Jonas B. Miller, requesting JBM’s review of a sketch of his sermon before it goes to publication. Expresses appreciation for the sermon and its contribution to an understanding of the “struggles through which your people have gone for conscience sake.” September 2, 1932

Letter from Harvey Hostetler, author of DJH and DBH, to Jonas B. Miller. Expresses gratitude for receiving from J. B. information about Catherine Brenneman, wife of Joel B. Miller and requests information about the family of Daniel Brenneman. Presents the question of how to list in DBH the parentage of Savilla (Beachy) Miller as the illegitimate child of Samuel J. Beachy and Magdalena Folk. Mentions his visit with Samuel J. Beachy and his favorable impressions of him,

but also noting his resistance to supplying information for the Elias Gnagey book. November 26, 1932

Letter from John D. Miller, Hydro, Oklahoma, to J. B. Miller, inquiring about the genealogy of Jacob Miller, immigrant of 1724. Other names in letter: Mrs. Bill Bontrager; Miller brothers Peter, Jacob, Benedict; Miller brothers John, David, Paul, Noah, Abe; ministers Joel Miller and Gideon Miller; minister Sam Bender of Oklahoma. March 11, 1933

Letter from L. A. Miller, Arthur, Illinois, to J. B. Miller, on Herold der Wahrheit letterhead, with reference to special Herold and book prices and genealogical inquiry about the family of Daniel and Anna (Speicher) Miller of Johnstown, Pennsylvania, in the early 1800s. Postmarked Arcola, Illinois, March 20, 1931

Letter from Elias Swartzendruber, Manson, Iowa, to J. B. Miller. He submits an article for publication in Herold der Wahrheit and comments on history of the churches in Iowa, including various men of the Swartzendruber family who served in the ministry and difficulties encountered. Names: Swartzendruber– Jacob, Frederick, Sol; J. W. Hess; Bro. Landis. Quotes his father: “A splet (split; division) in the church is always brought to fulfillment by some bishop.” July 23, 1933

Letter from J. S. Spiker, Phoenix, Arizona, to Jonas B. Miller, having been referred to JBM by Harvey Hostetler, asking for information about ancestry of Joseph Adam Spiker who was born in Grantsville. The letter is undated, but an enclosed chart of the genealogy of John Stephen Spiker bears the date of July 30, 1933.

Letter from Colin M. Yoder, Hickory, North Carolina, to J. B. Miller regarding genealogy of the Yoders of North Carolina. Refers to the immigrant Conrad Yoder, Henry Widener, and sons of Conrad’s sons John Yoder, Jacob Yoder, and David Yoder. October 1, 1933

Letter from Harvey Hostetler, author of DBH, to Jonas B. Miller. Expresses gratitude for receipt from Jonas for an interesting and helpful letter about the Brenneman family, Elias Miller and other matters, the list of votes when Benedict Miller was ordained.. Mentions his own call to the ministry and wonders if it was influenced by his great-grandfather Benedict Miller. He comments: “Too bad about Alice, the daughter of Elias Miller.” See DBH #3878 and Joel B. Miller History (second edition), # 1064, 1065, 1066. March 13, 1934

Letter from Maud Miller Baldwin, Berwin, Illinois, to Jonas B. Miller. Comments on and inquires about genealogy of the Daniel Bender family. Postmarked March 24, 1934

Letter from J. B. Miller to Daniel J. Swartzentruber, Oakland, Maryland, inquiring about Swartzentruber and Gorner family history, asking D. J. go get information from Peter Gortner. April 9, 1934

Genealogical information from Daniel J. Swartzentruber (return address on envelope), Oakland Maryland, on the Swaartzentruber, Bender, and Schoenbeck families. Postmarked April 13, 1934

Letter from Daniel B. Swartzendruber, Kalona, Iowa, regarding Bender genealogy, especially the family of Daniel Bender with mention of C. W. Bender’s paper “dated Langendorf Apr 16 1836,” the Helen Guengerich naturalization papers,

Harold S. Bender, D. H. Bender. Refers also to the first attempt at raising turkeys on their own farm. April 13, 1934

Questionnaire sent by and received by JBM concerning the history of the Daniel Bender and Wilhelm Bender genealogy. The responder to the questionnaire is not indicated, but, the nature of the answers and the unsteady handwriting seem to indicate an aged person. The questions deal with memories of the Daniel Bender family, including Elizabeth Bauman and her connections, such as her “two sisters married to Smiths (Maria Smith and Magdalena Smith) across the mountain near the Ringer church, and Maria Ziebach. May 3, 1934

Letter from Lydia J. Brenneman, Grantsville, Maryland, likely to Jonas B. Miller. Genealogical material which includes the following names: Christina Bender, Anna Schoenbeck, Brabara Bender, Peter Gortner, John bender, William Bender, Jeremiah Beachy, Marich Bowman. May 7, 1934

Article by Charles E. Hoye, reprinted from Mountain Democrat, titled “Garrett County History of Beachy Family.” Deals with the families of Peter Bitsche I and his children, Peter Beachy II, Anna Beachy who married Peter Livengood, Abraham Beachy, Moses Peachey, and gives numerous names of their descendants along with locations of residence. September 12, 1935

No. 59. [File folder] Jonas B. Miller Materials 1931-1935 –Farm and Business

Promissory Notes issued by J. B. Miller in 1931 to 1935: 1932 to Dr. N. R. Davis 1933 to Simon M. Yoder, F. W. Bender, Floyd J. Miller, Harvey S. Yoder 1934 to Dr. N. R. Davis, Floyd J. Miller, F. W. Bender, Simon M. Yoder, Moses M. Beachy, First State Bank, Harvey S. Yoder, W. E. Stanton 1935 to Dr. N. R. Davis, F. W. Bender, Floyd J. Miller, Harvey S. Yoder, W. E. Stanton, Simon M. Yoder

Letter from Mrs. Jesse H. Sheasley, Bellevue, Pennsylvania, to Jonas B. Miller with comments about the quality of his maple syrup and asking about availability of an other order. Aprill 12, 1934

Rental Agreement between Jonas B. Miller and Ivan J. Miller for renting Mapleshade Farm north of Grantsville. An unsigned draft. To be effective February 1, 1935

Promissory Note issued by J. B. Miller to W. E. Stanton. April 17, 1935 Lease (Supplement to Lease of October 15, 1935) between J. B. Miller, Menno E.

Hershberger, and Albert U. Yoder of North Grantsville Coal Association AND Ernest Brackett and J. Stanley Espy, revised pervious Lease regarding mining coal on the farms of the first part. (To my knowledge, coal mining never was realized on these farms. – David I. Miller, Nov. 2007.) September 1, 1936

Letters (7) from The American Jersey Cattle Club, New York, New York, to J. B. Miller with information of registry procedures, rates, and requirements. Letters of these years all placed in File # 65. 1931 to 1941

Application forms (copies) filled out and sent to The American Jersey Cattle Club for registering cattle. Forms of these years all placed in File # 65. 1922-1938

Receipts from The American Jersey Cattle Club for payment of registration fees. Receipts for these years all placed into File # 65. 1928-1941

Instructions from The American Jersey Cattle Club regarding requirements and procedures for application for registering cattle. Undated.

Data on registered Jersey cattle, including tatoo numbers, pedigrees, names, breeding dates and sires, sales, and transfers. The data documents of these years all placed in File #65. 1927-1938

Record of veterinarian of testing of herd for Turberculosis. The records of these years all placed in File #65. 1930-1938

Report of results of tuberculin test of herd of cattle issued by the Bureau of Animal Industry of U. S. Department of Agriculture.The records of these years all placed in File #65. 1928-1937

Report of results of Bangs desease test of herd of cattle issued by the Livestock Sanitary Service of the Maryland State Board of Agriculture. The records of these years all placed in File #65. 1934-1937

Certificate of Herd Health issued by the Livestock Sanitary Service of the Maryland State Board of Agriculture. The records of these years all placed in File #65. 1929-1937

Letters related to the tests of cattle sold or transferred. The records of these years all placed in File #65. 1934-1938

No. 60. [File folder] Jonas B. Miller Materials 1931-1935 –Other

Letter from John D. Miller, Biglerville, Pennsylvania, executor of the estate of his mother, Anna J. Miller, to J. B. Miller, asking JBM to serve as the required “agent who is resident of the state of Maryland” and for JBM and Harvey (presumably Harvey S. Yoder) to serve as appraisers of the the estate. Lists the creditors of the estate and amounts owed. December 10, 1935

Letter from John D. Miller, Biglerville, Pennsylvania, to J. B. Miller related to JBM’s appointment as resident agent of the estate of Anna J. Miller. December 31, 1935

No. 61 [File folder] Jonas B. Miller Materials 1936-1940 – Church Administration

Letter (form) from the Peace Problems Committee of the Mennonite General Conference, Goshen, Indiana, to Jonas B. Miller, presenting a copy of Peace Manifesto, requesting JBM’s signature. February 29, 1936

Letter from J. B. Miller to Harold S. Bender, Goshen, Indiana, with critique of the Peace Manifesto and finding the last clause unacceptable. March 9, 1936

Letter from Harold S. Bender to J. B. Miller, noting JBM’s objection to the Peace Manafesto, stating agreement with JBM’s concerns, and inviting him to make a penned correction on his copy. March 12, 1936

Copy of the Peace manafesto with last clause revised by J. B. Miller and signed by him and evidently submitted to the Peace Problems Committee in that format. Statement on “Pease, War, and Military Service,” of the Mennonite Church also is found with this letter. Undated; likely March 1936

Letter from John Bontrager, Darien Center, New York, to J. B. Miller, with announcement of the upcoming annual conference apparently for publication in Herold der Wahrheit. May 19, 1936

Letter from J. B. Miller to John Bontrager, Darien Center, New York, responding to the letter of May 19, 1936, with admonitions about the plans for the annual conference and procedures to follow in planning. May 25, 1936

Letter from J. B. Miller, as moderator of Conservative Amish Mennonite Conference, to Daniel N. Mast, Thomas, Oklahoma, in response to a letter from Mast of May 6, “with a number of names attached.” Refers to their “church situation” and the need for the Executive Committee of the Conference to consider their request for help and further admonishes Mast and others to take great care in the face of differences, noting that enthusiasts for change do not always continue consistently when changes are granted. May 25, 1936

Letter from J. B. Miller to Daniel N. Mast, Thomas, Oklahoma with the greeting: Dear Brother and Co-signers of application for church help.” In responding to the request for help, JBM offers admonitions against partisanism, zeal with perseverance, giving examples from his own observations in the past. Refers to “such situations having occurred forty years earlier, dating back to the Amish Mennonite division in the Casselman River area of 1895. Mentions the members of the Executive Committee of the Conference: C. W. Bender, M. S. Zehr, Elmer G. Swartzendruber. June 11, 1936

Typed program of one session of the annual Conservative Amish Mennonite Conference of 1936. This apparently was the paper sent to J. B. Miller as one of the assignees. Gives more detail than does the official report of that year. Names in this paper: Nevin Bender, J. B. Miller, Jonas D. Yoder, Edwin Albrecht. August 24, 1936

Letter from Martin B. Yoder, Greenwood, Delaware, to J. B. Miller, concerning the ministerial status of Levi Bontrager and expressing concern that the decision of the Conference will not be implemented by Bishop Nevin Bender. September 13, 1936

Statement addressed to “Dear Sister” and signed by the ministers of the Casselman River congregation: C. W. Bender, J. B. Miller, Noah Brenneman, and Shem Peachey, concerning the use of the radio with a warning that “popular and common use of radios” disqualifies members from participation in the communion service. Written on the back side: “Mrs D. L. S., Miss M. L) September 28, 1936

Program Notes – informal/preliminary. These are handwritten notes apparently made in the process of planning a program such as a Bible conference or Sunday school conference. This kind of entry occurs also in other chronological sections and in the Undated section. Papers placed here bear the dates of 1937,

Letter from J. B. Miller to Hon. David J. Lewis (congressman), Washington, D.C., expressing the position of nonresistance held by Amish Mennonites and asking that the position be put on record and brought to the attention of the president. Quotes in full the resolution of the Conservative Amish Mennonite Conference, passed in 1935 (See Combined Annual Reports of the Conservative Amish Mennonite Conference, 1935, p. 123.). June 21, 1937

Letter from David J. Lewis, congressman, to J. B. Miller, acknowledging JBM’s recent letter. June 29, 1937

Letter from M. H. McIntyre, assistant Secretary to the President, to David J. Lewis, congressman, acknowledging letter of J. B. Miller and readiness to bring to the attention of the president and the officials of the War Department. June 30, 1937

Letter from J. B. Miller to David J. Lewis, congressman, designated on back in handwriting as “Second letter to Mr. Lewis.” Follows up previous correspondence with enclosure of two items: Conference Report [of 1935] and [Dortrecht] Confession of Faith. July 13, 1937

Letter from David J. Lewis, congressman, to J. B. Miller, acknowledging his recent letter and stating that he is forwarding the recent letter and a previous letter to the White House. July 22, 1937

Letter from M. H. McIntyre (on White House letterhead) to David J. Lewis referring to the letter received and the pamphlet submitted by J. B. Miller and stating his willingness to “call it to the attention of the President.” August 2, 1937

Letter from Eli J. Bontrager, Shipshewana, Indiana, to J. B. Miller. Refers to a copy of his report on the Hutterite colony of Lewistown, Montana, as enclosed. April 4, 1938

Letter from L. A. Miller, Arthur, Illinois, to J. B. Miller. Refers to a copy of report by Eli J. Bontrager on the Hutterites as enclosed. Also enclosed, a sheet designated as #5 gives background information of the project of aid to the Hutterite Colony and reports on funds received to date. Both enclosures are attached to this archives copy of the letter. April 5, 1938

Letter from C. O Smith, Oshawa Missionary College, Oshawa, Ontario, to J. B. Miller, expressing thanks for JBM’s earlier response to Smith’s inquiry about feet washing, especially for the copy of the “Confession of Faith.”A paper by Smith on the subject is enclosed. August 29, 1939

Letter from Daniel Kauffman, editor of Gospel Herald, to J. B. Miller, inviting JBM to write biographical sketches on church leaders such as “the two bishop

Swartzendrubers in Iowa” and Benedict Miller. Refers also to the extinct Glades congregation at Berlin, Pennsylvania, and Abner Yoder. February 15, 1940

Paper written in pencil, apparently by JBM with details of home visits and meals and topics and presenters at the annual conference in 1940 in Iowa. August 11, 1940

Letter from Mrs. A. D. Shaffer, Somerset, Pennsylvania, to “Mr. Miller,” (apparently J. B. Miller; envelope missing). Expresses appreciation for ministry in the jail and offers explanation on upcoming visit to the jail. December 31, 1940.

No. 62. [File folder] Jonas B. Miller Materials 1936-1940 – Letters from/to Church Leaders

No. 63. [File folder] Jonas B. Miller Materials 1936-1940 – Personal Letters Letter from H. Kloss, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, to J. B. Miller, concerning translation

of the Bible into the Pennsylvania German language. Claims to have heard that JBM had begun such translation according to John Horsch, John Raber, and Levi A. Miller. October 13, 1937

Letter from J. B. Miller to “Kind Friend.” Evidently a reponse to a letter from H. Kloss of Philadelphia, dated October 13, 1937. JBM states that he has not attempted to translate Scripture into the Pennsylvania German dialect (as Kloss seemed to have heard) and gives further comments on the dialect.. Three pages double-spaced type. December 14, 1937

Letter from Gladys M. Freed, Mr. Pleasant, Pennsylvania, to Jonas B. Miller, inquiring about Amish life and practices. January 1, 1940

No. 64. File folder] Jonas B. Miller Materials 1936-1940 – Historical Items

Newspaper clipping of article by Charles E. hoye, “Garrett County History of Pioneer Families,” Part LXVI. The Ridgely Family. Refers to the Ridgely Plantation south of Grantsville near present-day SR 495. From The Mountain Democrat, issues of January 2 and 9, 1936.

Notation by J. B. Miller on Miller genealogy regarding the family of Lydia Miller, daughter of Benedict Miller. Names included: Obie Miller, Ezra Miller, Joas Miller, Sim Miller, Moses Gingerich. January 13, 1936

Letter from Charles F. Cook, Somerset, Pennsylvania, to J. B. Miller. Refers to the immigrant John Miller as having resided at Berlin, Pennsylvania. Names mentioned: Charles E. Hoye, Harvey Hostetler, Johann Jacob Stutzman, Jacob Stutzman, Anna Stutzman, Jacob Miller, Christian Stutzman, Jost J. Stutzman, Joseph J. Stutzman, Emma S. Stutzman. January 6, 1937

Manuscript, apparently prepared for publication but without title, designation of writer, date, or intended publication. Legal size paper folded for insertion into envelope, but separated from envelope. Likely belongs to an envelope found in the same collection with a return address of Charles E. Hoye, Oakland, Maryland, and addressed to J. B. Miller with postage due of an additional stamp required, likely because of the weight of the five page manuscript. Hoye was a frequent author in Glades Star, a Garrett County, Maryland, paper

Paper by John Horsch, Scottdale, Pennsylvania, addressed to Mennonite Central Committee. Expresses concern about compromise in cooperating with pacifists, rather than nonresistants, in relief work in Spain. Draws a sharp distinction between pacifism and nonresistance. April 10, 1937

Letter from Jonas B. Miller to undisclosed adressee. Concerned with history, especially the family of the immirgrant, John Miller. Names in the letter are Moses B. Miller, Jacob Miller, Glades Miller, Christian Miller, John Adam Miller, John J. Miller, William Hochstetler, Big Mose Miller, Little Mose Miller. Copy of letter sent to Joe M. Yoder and William G. Miller. January 1, 1938

Post card from L. S. Keim, Haven, Kansas, to J. B. Miller. Refers to the Nicholas Keim family history with reference to JBM’s article in Herold der Wahrheit. See HdW issue of April 15, 1938, p. 248. April 27, 1938

Manuscript written by Joseph Stahl, Lewistown, Montana, and sent to Jonathan B. Fisher, Belleville, Pennsylvania, and given to J. B. Miller, editor for publication in Herold der Wahrheit. The manuscript is the first part of an article on the history of the Hutterian Brethren (or Hutterites.) May 26, 1938

Letter from Amos J. Yoder, Springs, Pennsylvania, to J. B. Miller. Gives information on the history of his farm as sold by Peter Beachy [417 acres] to Benedict Miller in 1821 and that a patent was issued to Peter Beachy in 1788. The envelope is not stamped by the post office. At that time, Amos Yoder and J. B. Miller both were on Route 1, Grantsville (even though Amos lived in Pennsylvania. Sometimes letters were sent to a recipient on the same route by marking it something like “deliver on route today.” November 17, 1938

Letter from Ernest O. Kooser, Somerset, Pennsylvania, to Jonas B. Miller, asking for a critique on a paper written by him on Mennonite history. Especially asks about accuracy of extent of persecution in Europe by Protestants and Catholics. Refers to J. Henry Smith as a source. January 9, 1939

Letter from Jonas J. Schrock, Goshen, Indiana, to Jonas B. Miller, seeking genealogical information on the Schrock family. He mentions the following names: Irvine E. Yoder, then of Indiana, but first and later of Grantsville; John Schrock; Yost Schrock; Elizabeth Yoder; Jacob Yoder; Frany (Hochstetler) Yoder. Place names: Windstein, Switzerland; Yoder Station, Pennsylvania.. April 11, 1939

Letter from Elisabeth Gibbens Cole , Lettsworth, Louisiana, seeking information about her Miller ancestry. Apparently no connection has been made between her ancestor, Jacob Miller, and JBM’s ancestry. August 18, 1939

Program – 150th anniversary of Springs Mennonite Church, Springs, Pennsylvania, with this notation concerning the origin of the congregation: “Proof of 1790 to 1940: Jacob saylor in his will, now on record in Somerset, dated Feb. 20, 1790 says, “I Jacob Seiler, a minister of the society called Mennonites - - - - - - “ Organized possibly ten years earlier.”

Letter from Major P. Swartzentruber, Titusville, Pennsylvania, author of Peter Swartzentruber and Wilmina Eash Genealogy, to J. B. Miller. Gives a detailed account of their vacation travels and writes about the Swartzentruber family history. August 30, 1940

No. 65. [File folder] Jonas B. Miller Materials 1936-1940 –Farm and Business Promissory Notes issued by J. B. Miller 1936 to 1940:

1936 to W. E. Stanton, Allen J. Maust, Floyd J. Miller 1937 to Floyd J. Miller, Allen J. Maust, W. E. stanton, Simon M. Yoder 1938 to Allen J. Maust, Simon M. Yoder, Floyd J. Miller 1939 to none.

Check book register of J. B. Miller, from December 1935 to February 10, 1936. Letter from Mark S. Watson, editor of The Sunday Sun, Baltimore, Maryland, declining

the use of an article on maple sugar. March 26, 1936 Letter from Charles F. Lambert, Belle Vernon, Pennsylvania, to J. B. Miller, placing an

order for maple syrup and asking about price. JBM’s answer on March 13, 1937, would have referred to gallons at $1.50 for fancy grade and $1.40 for No.1 grade. March 9, 1937

Letter from Ernest G. Peterson, of Pleasant Valley Farm of Yardley, Pennsylvania, stating that he recently purchased Letty Silver Dawn and asking about her freshening date. December 15, 1937

Letter from Yost J. Yoder, Grantsville, Maryland, to J. B. Miller, with a list of stud service dates already paid for and a statement of an additional 15 such services for which he requests payments. Apparently at this point JBM did not have a herd sire and was utilizing the services of a neighbor who had a Jersey bull. Yost J. Yoder lived on present-day Dorsey Hotel Road about 1 3/4 miles north of JBM. Likely the cows to be serviced were led there on foot, perhaps being tied to a horse-drawn vehicle. A point not understood, in offering these comments, is why this communication was sent to JBM, since Ivan J. Miller had moved to the farm in February 1935, although as a renter in the first year or two. The dates of service range from December 1934 forward, with the last fifteen not dated, but apparently occuring throughout 1936 and into 1938. The cow stable at Mapleshade at that time had only eight stalls. January 26, 1938

Letter from Ernest G. Peterson, of Pleasant Valley Farm of Yardley, Pennsylvania, expressing gratitude to JBM “for your lengthy letter of the 21st.” Mentions Letty, his cow from Mapleshade Farm. May 26, 1938

Letter from J. Stanley Espy of the Georges Creek Coal Company, Cumberland, Maryland, to J. Edward Hibline, Baltimore, Maryland, regarding the Grantsville Coal Tract. January 19, 1939

Notice from Joel E. Hershberger, Salisbury, Pennsylvania, that that in honor of J. B. Miller having served as a minister in the congregation and as editor of Herold der Wahrheit without fixed salary, JBM is absolved from payment of interest on the mortgage held against him and forgiven of it.($1368.98). March 14, 1939

Announcement by Borden Mining Company of appointment of J. Stanley Espy as local supervisor. December 30, 1939

Letter from Alvin J. Miller, Kent, Ohio, to “Dear Brother” (apparently Jonas B. Miller; envelope missing) regarding debt of Olen Miller. July 13, 1940

Letter from Ernest G. Paterson of Pleasant Valley Farm, Yardley, Pennsylvania, with reference to Letty Silver Dawn and her production record. November 14, 1940.

Letters (7) from The American Jersey Cattle Club, New York, New York, to J. B. Miller with information of registry procedures, rates, and requirements. Letters of these years all placed in File # 65. 1931 to 1941

Application forms (copies) filled out and sent to The American Jersey Cattle Club for registering cattle. Forms of these years all placed in File # 65. 1922-1938

Receipts from The American Jersey Cattle Club for payment of registration fees. Receipts for these years all placed into File # 65. 1928-1941

Instructions from The American Jersey Cattle Club regarding requirements and procedures for application for registering cattle. Undated.

Data on registered Jersey cattle, including tatoo numbers, pedigrees, names, breeding dates and sires, sales, and transfers. The data documents of these years all placed in File #65. 1927-1938

Record of veterinarian of testing of herd for Turberculosis. The records of these years all placed in File #65. 1930-1938

Report of results of tuberculin test of herd of cattle issued by the Bureau of Animal Industry of U. S. Department of Agriculture.The records of these years all placed in File #65. 1928-1937

Report of results of Bangs desease test of herd of cattle issued by the Livestock Sanitary Service of the Maryland State Board of Agriculture. The records of these years all placed in File #65. 1934-1937

Certificate of Herd Health issued by the Livestock Sanitary Service of the Maryland State Board of Agriculture. The records of these years all placed in File #65. 1929-1937

Letters related to the tests of cattle sold or transferred. The records of these years all placed in File #65. 1934-1938

No. 66. [File folder] Jonas B. Miller Materials 1936-1940 –Other Post card from M. (Menno) J. Miller, Salisbury, Pennsylvania, to J. B. Miller, asking for

his mother’s chest to be reserved for him. March 4, 1936 Letter from John D. Miller, Biglerville, Pennsylvania, to Christian J. Yoder concerning

the estate of John’s mother, Anna (Beachy) Miller (Mrs. Jacob S. Miller) and arrangements for a public sale of personal property. March 28, 1936

Letter (unsigned) to J. B. Miller regarding May 2 as a suitable day for the sale (auction.) Presumably this refers to the sale of Mrs. Anna J. Miller, with the administrator of that sale, John D. Miller, as the writer of the letter. April 2, 1936

Post card from Menno J. Miller to J. B. Miller, asking JBM to print the sale bills of his mothers’s estate. April 7, 1936

Letter from J. B. Miller to John D. Miller, Biglerville, Pennsylvania, concerning the estate sale of Anna J. Miller. Apparently JBM had been asked to prepare the sale bill (flyer) and asks the administrator questions concerning it. The letter appears to have been received by John on April 13 and returned to JBM with brief initialed reply. April 13, 1936

Letter from J. B. Miller to W. S. Livengood, Meyersdale, Pennsylvania, with enclosure of the “form of sale bill” to be printed in two issues of The Republican with request for an additional 25 copies of the sale bill. Refers to the sale of the estate of Mrs. Jacob S. Miller (Anna J. Miller.) April 16, 1936

Appraisement list of personal property of the estate of Anna J. Miller. Unsigned and undated.

No. 67 [File folder] Jonas B. Miller Materials 1941-1945 – Church Administration Letter from Mrs. A. D. Shaffer, Somerset, Pennsylvania, to J. B. Miller, asking for “your

group” to conduct the jail service when she is out of town on March 2. February 18, 1941

Pamphlet titled “Salvation Doctrines and Questions on Christian Living,” formulated by a Committee Appointed by the Conservative Amish Mennonite Conference. Date and authors not given, but identifiable with actions of Conservative Amish Mennonite Conference as found in the Conference Reports of 1938 (p. 6), 1939 (p. 10), and 1940 (p. 8), 1941 (p. 9). The writing committee consisted of Michael S. Zehr, Jonas B. Miller, and Shem Peachey. Year of publication may be considered as 1941.

Draft of a message “To the members of the Castleman River District of the Conservative Amish Mennonite Church” concerning membership in a cooperative electric association [Rural Electric Association], seeing such membership as constituting the “unequal yoke.” Forbearance is projected for those already in such membership, noting the difficulty of having the services of electricity without membership in Pennsylvania. The signature lines are blank, apparently meant for the names of the ministers. May 29, 1943

Letter from Elmer G. Swartzentruber, Wellman, Iowa, to J. B. Miller, regarding plans for the upcoming annual conference, with acknowledgment of possible disagreement on the part of JBM but with respect for his counsel. June 3, 1943

Letter from J. B. Miller to Elmer G. Swartzendruber, responding to EGS’s letter of June 3. Proceeds in “freely and frankly expressing myself” on a number of concerns, including drift away from Conference positions, tendency to look outside Conference for resources, examples of worldly drift of Lutherans and The Brethren. Quotes others (not Amish Mennonite) who spoke with concern, including S. F. Coffman, T. K. Hershey, S. E. Allgyer, Daniel Kauffman. Seems to express disappointment with the response since 1932 to his input at the annual conference that year on the question, “What scriptural principles are indicated by the words ‘Amish Mennonite’ in our denominational name?” June 15, 1943

Draft of a letter to the Rural Electric Association, Somerset, Pennsylvania, explaining the position of the Conservative Amish Mennonite church regarding membership in the association. This copy bears the signature of three of the ministers of the congregation: J. B. Miller, Noah Brenneman, and Ivan J. Miller (the three lived within a half mile of each other near Grantsville.). A handwritten note on the back indicates that it was forwarded to Bishop C. W. Bender. A second note states, “The paper was objected to by Shem Peachey [also a minister] and a new paper was drawn up June 22, 1943.” See follow-up letter fo June 17. June 15, 1943

Letter to Somerset Rural Electric Cooperative, Somerset, Pennsylvania, explaining the position of the Conservative Amish Mennonite church regarding membership in the association. The carbon copy is not signed but probably represents the text of a letter sent to the REA. June 22, 1943

Letter from J. B. Miller to Elmer G. Swartzendruber, Wellman, Iowa, acknowledging that the previous letter (June 15) dealt too exclusively with concerns related to the past

and failed to respond to EGS’s questions about the program of the upcoming annual conference. Commends the program planning and comments further on conditions allowed in the CPS (Civilian Public Service) camps and his reluctance to participate in MCC and the Peace Problems Committee of the Mennonite Church. June 17, 1943

Letter from Levi B. Bontrager, Greenwood, Delaware, to J. B. Miller, as editor of Herald der Wahrheit. Responds to JBM after rejection of an article submitted for HdW. Includes expressions of deep disappointment and disapproval of the editor’s position and approaches. June 26, 1943

Letter from Michael S. Zehr, Pigeon, Michigan, to J. B. Miller, with material for Herold der Wahrheit. Refers to writing a book, with the statement, “We shall try to not go into the prophetic end of it, but rather as it may apply to our Christian life. Notes that Dan Esch likely had sent “the news of the ordination of Andrew Jantzi.” Comments on the work in Flint, Michigan. October 27, 1943

Letter from Nevin Bender, Greenwood, Delaware, to J. B. Miller. Refers to a trip to Phoenix, Arizona with M. S. Zehr and an enclosed manuscript for Herold der Wahrheit. The title of the article is not given. A possible identity is “The Revelation of Jesus Christ” by M. S. Zehr, Herold der Wahrheit, January 1, 1943, p. 23. December 3, 1943

Manuscript sent by Michael S. Zehr, Phoenix, Arizona, to J. B. Miller “For the Herold der Wahrheit.” Describes his personal and pastoral (bishop) experiences especially in the month of May 1944. The manuscript does not appear in Herold der Wahrheit, but reference to the information is included in the issue of June 1, 1944, and is reflected in the annual report of the Conservative Amish Mennonite Conference. See items attached by photocopy, November 2007. The manuscript is undated, but clearly belongs to May 1944.

Constitution and Bylaws of the Amish Mennonite Parochial School Association of the Casselman River District. This organization conducted two schools: Crossroads between Springs and Salisbury, Pennsylvania, and a school along present-day Mt. Davis Road (Sorry, the name of the latter escapes this commentator). This is a carbon copy and is unsigned and undated and thus may not fully represent the approved and official document. circa 1944

Program Notes – informal/preliminary. These are handwritten notes apparently made in the process of planning a program such as a Bible conference or Sunday school conference. This kind of entry occurs also in other chronological sections and in the Undated section. The paper filed here indicates the vocabulary and handwritting of J. B. Miller and bears the date of February 1945

Letter from J. B. Miller to Elmer G. Swartzendruber, Wellman, Iowa. Expresses concern about some developments and trends in Conservative Amish Mennonite Conference. May 17, 1945

Letter from Ernest O. Kooser, Somerset, Pennsylvania, to Jonas B. Miller. Coments on cooperatives and the implications of Mennonites participating in them. July 17, 1945

Form letter sent to J. B. Miller by Elmer G. Swartzendruber, Wellman, Iowa, extending a welcome to the annual conference program and giving a sketch of the program and business agenda. August 4, 1945

Record of local Bible conference topics and speakers from 1935 to 1945. The following names of preachers and teachers are included:Noah Brenneman, C. W. Bender, Shem Peachey, Elmer G. Swartzendruber, Michael S. Zehr, John J. S. Yoder, Noah Zehr, Roman Miller, Nevin Bender, Emanuel Swartzendruber, Ivan J. Miller, J. B. Miller. Period covered:1935 to 1945

A paper listing cost estimates of various ways of rebuilding the Maple Glen meeting house at Grantsville, Maryland. Undated; circa 1945

No. 68. [File folder] Jonas B. Miller Materials 1941-1945 – Letters from/to Church Leaders

Letter from Noah M. Yoder, Dover, Delaware, to J. B. Miller. Notes his reading of an article in Herold der Wahrheit, “From the Ballroom to the Grave,” (Herold der Wahrheit, April 1, 1943, p. 213ff). He recalls a memory of Lizzie Opel having worked in the Yoder home when they still lived at Grantsville. When Lizzie had expressed interest in Normal school to prepare to become a school teacher, Noah advised against it. But Lizzie sought counsel from her minister (JBM) who saw nothing wrong with it and Lizzie did go to Normal School and subsequently left the Amish Mennonite church. He also refers to attendance at Normal school as an issue in the division of 1895. Noah was a son of Moses D. Yoder, bishop in the Old Order Amish church after 1896, and who who lived on present-day Dorsey Hotel Rd. north of Grantsville, the second farm north of Goodwill Mennonite Home. He bought land from his father and built the buildings of the first farm north of Goodwill Mennonite Home, south of present-day Pea Vine Rd., where they lived before moving to Dover, Delaware. April 6, 1943

Letter from J. B. Miller, addressed, but never sent, to Noah M. Yoder, Dover, Delaware, in response to Noah’s letter of April 6, 1943. Explains the situation, from JBM’s perspective, of Lizzie Opel and the church’s position in regard to attending Normal school. Refers back to the time of Witmer, Gascho, and Kennel in 1895 and the dealings on both sides of the Mason-Dixon Line in regard to Normal school and Sunday school. Refers also to Cornelius Beachy and the decisive communion service of the Pennsylvania church. Refers to a reading book from his wife’s father, Jacob Swartzentruber, apparently used by Jacob when attending Normal school at Berlin, Pennsylvania, in 1858. Describes the youth parties in the days of his youth and before, his attraction to them and the girls, and the decision made by JBM and his later wife Barbara Swartzentruber to not attend the parties. Other names mentioned: Lizzie Beachy, Lewis Yoder, Daniel Hershberger, Lydia Hershberger, Rufus Beachy, Note on envelope in handwriting of J. B. Miller: “Letter and Answer – Answer was never sent.” April 8, 1943

Letter from Shem Peachey, then of Arthur, Illinois, to Brother Jonas [B. Miller] and Kate. Largely news from their location in Illinois where Shem had been sent to pastor a new congregation of former Amish people. Names mentioned in the process of writing the news include Steve Miller, Noah D. Miller, Jerry Otto, Eli Otto, Alice Yoder. August 9, 1945

Letter from Raymond Byler, Pigeon, Michigan, to Jonas B. Miller. Expresses appreciation for JBM as “one of our mature counselors.” August 28, 1945

No. 69. [File folder] Jonas B. Miller Materials 1941-1945 – Personal Letters

No. 70. File folder] Jonas B. Miller Materials 1941-1945 – Historical Items Form letter from Charles E. Hoye, Oakland, Maryland, sent to J. B. Miller. The letter

asks pastors of Garrett County churches to write a history of their churches and to present it to the Garrett County Historical Society. March 24, 1942

Letter from Howard H. Keim, Nampa, Idaho, to Jonas B. Miller, regarding history and genealogy of the Keim family. Refers to his birth place near Salisbury and his father selling the home farm to Peter S. Hay. Refers to his father Silas C. Keim and grandfather Jonas Keim. Other names are Jerry Keim, Ludwig Sassman, and his wife Emma Harshberger. April 4, 1942

Letter from Dieter Cunz, College Park, Maryland, to Charles E. Hoye, with acknowledgment and thanks for historical material sent to him and a suggestion to “induce Mr. J. B. Miller of Grantsville to write an article on the Amish group in Garrett County . . .” May 30, 1942

Letter from Charles E. Hoye, Sang Run, Maryland, to J. B. Miller, encouraging him to write the history of the Amish settlements of Garrett County. June 1, 1942

Notes, handwritten on the back of a U. S. Weather Report sheet, on Miller family history, regarding Jacob Miller, first Amish Mennonite bishop in Ohio, and Benedict Miller. Also refers to Jonas B. Miller of Ohio as the source of the information noted in this document. Post mark on paper from the U. S. Weather Bureau: August 22, 1945.

Notes, handwritten on the back of a partial sheet of a crop report. Data on Bishop Jacob Mast, ordained bishop in 1788 and served various communities, including the Casselman River area. August 1945

Letter from P. Swartzentruber, Westmoreland, New York, compiler of Peter Swartzentruber – Wilma Eash Genealogy (1955), to J. B. Miller. Gives Swartzentruber genealogical information and solicits further information. September 20, 1945

Letter from D. B. Swartzendruber, Kalona, Iowa, to Jonas B. Miller, regarding the question of when Daniel P. Gingerich settled in Iowa. October 22, 1945

Letter from James Schilling, Lincoln, Nebraska, to Joel Hershberger, Meyersdale, Pennsylvania. He recalls occasions when he and Joel were together as youth in the Salisbury area and some of their activities. He mentions Kinsinger girls, Bill Kretchman barn raising, Gabriel Stavanus, and comments on the war being ended. December 1, 1945

No. 71. [File folder] Jonas B. Miller Materials 1941-1945 –Farm and Business

Statement (copy) of sale of half interest in Mapleshade farm timber by Jonas B. Miller to Ivan J. and Della Miller. May 27, 1942

Letters (7) from The American Jersey Cattle Club, New York, New York, to J. B. Miller with information of registry procedures, rates, and requirements. Letters of these years all placed in File # 65. 1931 to 1941

Application forms (copies) filled out and sent to The American Jersey Cattle Club for registering cattle. Forms of these years all placed in File # 65. 1922-1938

Receipts from The American Jersey Cattle Club for payment of registration fees. Receipts for these years all placed into File # 65. 1928-1941

No. 72. [File folder] Jonas B. Miller Materials 1941-1945 –Other Notations and underlines by J. B. Miller in a copy of Eastern Mennonite School Bulletin.

notes a paragraph with “Conjectures as to age of earth” underlines text referring to the theory of a gap between Genesis 1:1 and 1:2. February 1941

Markings, apparently by J. B. Miller on p. 68 of a copy of Christian Doctrine, a supplement to Gospel Herald. It is perceivable that J. B. was in disagreement with the author’s view of the age of the earth, sometimes referred to as “the gap theory.” This supplement to Gospel Herald is dated April 1941.

Inscription in the margin of Gospel Herald, noting that the author “juggles with hypothesis” concerning “agriculture in per-Adamic days.” The inscription refers to page 938 in the issue of February 5, 1942

Constitution of The Southwestern Mennonite Conference, later renamed Allegany Mennonite Conference. Undated

No. 73 [File folder] Jonas B. Miller Materials 1946-1950 Church Administration

Manuscript by J. Y. Hooley with the title, “The Communion of Saints as Represented in the Bread and the Cup,” apparently submitted for publication in Herold der Wahrheit. Envelope was stamped at Shipshewana, Indiana, January 29, 1946

Program flier of Sunday School Conference at Oak Dale Meeting house, with pages attached with notes of Scripture verses relevant to each topic. June 10, 1946

Packet of materials in envelope (attached) marked “Parochial School Papers” in the handwriting of Jonas B. Miller, including the following items: (1) Minutes of preliminary meeting of August 6, 1946, of ministers of the Old Order Amish, Beachy Amish Mennonite, and Conservative Amish Mennonite churches, (2) a second copy of the August 6, 1946, meeting with an added entry of a meeting of August 13, 1946, of the Conservative and Beachy ministers, (3) a draft titled “Constitution and Bylaws of the Amish Mennonite Parochial School Association, undated and unsigned, (4) a hand-written report of a meeting of the patrons of the Crossroads School regarding involvement of the church in operating the school, signed by the trustees, Simon D. Beachy, Floyd. Bender, and Joel D. Beachy. Ministerial names: Joseph J. Yoder, Bennie Fisher, Menno Brenneman, Noah J. Yoder, Norman Beachy, Eli Tice, C. W. Bender, J. B. Miller, Ivan J. Miller. August 1946 ff.

Letter from Eli J. Bontrager, Shipshewana, Indiana, to Jonas B. Miller, referring to a tract written by his brother Levi Bontrager and asking JBM about the possibility of printing a refutation of the tract in the Herold der Wahrheit. September 23, 1946

Letter from J. B. Miller to Eli J. Bontrager, responding to his letter of September 23 and stating his ignorance of the tract and the need for caution in printing a rebuttal. Recalls Levi’s earlier criticisms of JBM. (See letter of June 26, 1943.) September 25, 1946

Letter from Eli J. Bontrager to J. B. Miller. States enclosure of Levi Bontrager’s tract “The Lord’s Anointed,” and Eli’s rebuttal and asks for JBM’s evaluation and its potential for publication in Herod der Wahrheit and/or Gospel Herald. October 11, 1946

Letter from J. B. Miller to Eli J bontrager, Shipshewana, Indiana, in follow-up to previous correspondence with effort to clarify JBM’s stance of carefulness in publishing a rebuttal while also entirely willing to consider it. Apparently this letter and the letter of October 11 had crossed in the mail. October 14, 1946

Copy of letter from Elmer G. Swartzendruber, Wellman, Iowa, to Andrew Farmwald, Plain City, Ohio, copied to Jonas B. Miller. EGS is responding to Andrew Famwald’s request for an evaluation of a pamphlet written by Levi Bontrager, apparently after some disciplinary measures had been exercised in regard to his ministry. October 30, 1946

Post card from Eli Bontrager, Shipshewana, Indiana (sent from Chicago where attending MCC meeting) to J. B. Miller, asking for an evaluation of his article written for publication as a rebuttal of a tract by his brother Levi Bontrager. October 31, 1946

Letter from Elmer G. Swartzendruber to J. B. Miller regarding the pamphlet by Levi Bontrager. It had been received by Elmer from Ivan J. Miller and C. W. Bender, who had been in Plain City, Ohio, and had received it from Andrew Farmwald. Also enclosed a copy of the letter from EGS to Andrew Farmwald which is listed above with date of October 30. Mentions Enos Steckley and Joe L. Hershberger. November 1, 1946.

Letter from J. B. Miller to Eli J. Bontrager, Shipshewana, Indiana. Expresses disapproval of the tract by Levi Bontrager and gives reasons for it. Refers also the ministers of the Beachy Amish Mennonite church. Suggests dealing with the situation on a basis wider than the tract alone. Mentions the Beachy Amish Mennonite Church; also Elmer G. Swartzendruber. November 8, 1946

Post card from Eli Bontrager, Shipshewana, Indiana, to J. B. Miller, noting JBM’s failure to respond to his request of October 31 and urging a response, noting that Elmer G. Swartzendruber thinks a rebuttal is needed. November 12, 1946

Letter from Eli J. Bontrager to Jonas B. Miller. Notes JBM’s apparent decision against publishing EJB’s article and wishes for JBM’s response regarding the correctness of his article and regarding submitting it to Gospel Herald. November 21, 1946

Letter from J. B. Miller to Eli J. Bontrager, Shipshewana, Indiana, responding to a letter received November 23. Refers to Eli’s paper which was submitted for publication. Does not want to use the pages of Herold der Wahrheit to settle disputes between individuals and prefers to set a positive expression of principles before applying the negative antidote to error. Mentions Moses M. Beachy. November 25, 1946

Letter from Raymond Byler, Pigeon, Michigan, to J. B. Miller. Writes about his new task of putting together the Conference Reports and sends a copy to JBM inviting him to use in the Herold der Wahrheit. September 23, 1947

Manuscript by Andrew Yutzy, Plain City, Ohio, apparently meant for Herold der Wahrheit, with title, “Temple of God.” Concerned with defiling the human body with reference to sexual morality and treatment of facial hair. Envelope postmarked June 15, 1948

“Notes on Church requirements, Restrictions, etc.” – No date or congregation indicated, but may be regarded as a statement of expectations of the members of the Casselman River Conservative Amish Mennonite congregation which met in three meeting houses – Cherry Glade, Maple Glen, and Oak Dale. This identity is based on these factors: (1) the paper is found among the materials of J. B. Miller, minister in that congregation and (2) my (David I. Miller) memory of church governance of that congregation, after I became a member in 1946, tends to recall the reading of this or a very similar paper at the congregational council meetings held in advance of communion services. This paper seems to predate the paper

listed below with a date of May 8, 1949. An example of a modification in the later paper is the point about men going hatless not being included. Likely circa 1940s

Statement of “Suggestive Notes on Regulations for the Counsel Meeting at Maple Glen [Conservative Amish Mennonite Church.]” Includes ten categories of forbidden practices. The origin and actual use of this paper is not indicated, but it is reminiscent of the “regulations” presented in the counsel meetings in that decade and to which members were expected to comply as a condition for participation in the communion service which followed in a week or two after the counsel meeting. May 8, 1949

Envelope with notation on face by Jonas B. Miller: “Peculiar manner of dealing with matter of divine healing by assigning subject to Andrew Jantzi.” Enclosed in the envelope sent from Plain City, Ohio, where the Ministers Fellowship was to be held, are two items: an invitation to the event and the program of the event with Andrew Jantzi assigned the subject of Divine Healing. Jantzi at that point had developed an emphasis on faith healing which the Conference did not find acceptable. Later his views were modified. Postmark of January 25, 1950

Letter from Raymond Byler, secretary of the Conservative Amish Mennonite Conference, to Jonas B. Miller. Includes a statement of a resolution of annual conference recognizing with appreciation the three charter members of the conference at that point of time: John L. Mast, Christian M. Nafziger, and Jonas B. Miller. September 19, 1950

Letter from Shem Peachey, Springs, Pennsylvania, to Jonas B. Miller, on the subject of “girdle” or “belt.” The dress standards of the Casselman River Conservative Amish Mennonite congregation at that time prohibited the wearing of belts by men. This communication is from one of the ministers of the congregation who favored removing that prohibition to one who resisted the change. October 5, 1950

No. 74. [File folder] Jonas B. Miller Materials 1946-1950 – Letters from/to Church Leaders

Letter from Christian M. Nafziger, Lowville, New York, to Jonas B. Miller. Recognizes JBM’s retirement from editorship of Herold der Wahrheit and the passage of time and agedness of himself and others. The writer’s greater freedom in the German language, compared to English, is shown in the final paragraph which he writes as follows: Der liebe Gott behüte dich und gebe dir noch viele Jahre und weiter leid alle gegrüst besonders deine Mitdeiner besonders der alte Br. Christ B. Der Herr segne euch alle und Leid Ihm befohlen. Translation: May the Lord keep you and give you many years and lead you on. Greetings to all, especially your fellow ministers, especially the aged Brother Crist B. (Christian W. Bender). The Lord bless all of you and be in his care. February 24, 1949

No. 75. [File folder] Jonas B. Miller Materials 1946-1950 – Personal Letters

No. 76. File folder] Jonas B. Miller Materials 1946-1950 – Historical Items Letter from Elmer G. Swartzendruber, Wellman, Iowa, to Jonas B. Miller. Quotes from a

section of a book by Daniel K. Cassel, Geschicte der Mennoniten” (1890), which deals with the history of the Mennonites of Somerset County, Pennsylvania. A translation, done in November 2007 is attached. April 20, 1947

Letter from Anson G. Horner, Kokomo, Indiana, to Jonas B. Miller, in response to inquiry about historical material in the Bible of John J. Miller. Quotes from inscriptions in that Bible. Refers to his father-in-law (John M. Miller) as a grandson of John J. Miller and the nature of John J. Miller’s death. Enclosed a clipping from the Chicago Chronicle, concerning Dr. Adam Miller (1810-1901), DBH Fam. # 3331. July 5, 1948

Letter from P. Swartzentruber, Westmoreland, New York, to Jonas B, Miller, regarding information for the Swartzentruber genealogy on which he is working. September 22, 1948

Letter from D. B. Swartzendruber, Kalona, Iowa, to Jonas B. Miller, asking questions about the locations and movements of the Swartzendruber family to and from the Berlin, Pennsylvania, area. Mentions Jacob Swartzendruber, Christian Swartzendruber, Sarah Yoder, Christian Yoder. November 24, 1948

Letter from Daniel B. Swartzendruber, Kalona, Iowa, to J. B. Miller. Gives historical data on the Yoder family in the Berlin, Pennsylvania, area, with identification of those holding the office of bishop in the Amish Mennonite Church there. Names include Abner Yoder, Christian Yoder, Frederick Swartzendruber. Also mentions the route for the move west, referring to going by Wheeling on the National Road compared to the route by Pittsburgh. December 6, 1948

Letter and attached paper from D. B. Swartzendruber, Kalona, Iowa, to J. B. Miller. Refers to family history, including the following names: Jacob Swartzendruber, Abner yoder, Christian Yoder, Sr., Christian Yoder, Jr., John Fisher, Johannes Guengerich. The three-page biographical essay is on Frederick Schwartzendruber. January 21, 1949

Letter from Daniel B. Swartzendruber, Kalona, Iowa, to J. B. Miller. Writes about the Swartzendruber history, including movements from landing in Baltimore to living in The Glades near Berlin, Pennsylvania, and later to Grantsville and to Iowa. Years mentioned include 1833, 1851, 1848, 1840. Names mentioned include Christian Yoder, Frederick Swartzendruber, Sarah Yoder, Christian Gingerich. January 28, 1949

Letter from Joseph W. Yoder, Huntington, Pennsylvania, to J. B. Miller. In response to inquiry from JBM. Gives biographical history of S. Z. Sharp. Yoder also mentions his books, Rosanna of the Amish and Rosanna’s Boys. Mentions Rosanna Dolan, probably meaning Rosanna Yoder, daughter of Olen M. and Amy (Dolan) Yoder, whom he would like to meet because of her name. March 12, 1949

Letter from Joseph E. Peachey, Belleville, Pennsylvania, to J. B. Miller. Asks for information on the burial of Peter Bitschi and gives information on the Bitschi-Peachey genealogy in the Big Valley. April 11, 1949.

Notes on Miller genealogy written in the hand of Jonas B. Miller. Includes the names of Joseph Miller, son of John Miller and Daniel Miller, grandson of John Miller. September 19, 1950

No. 77. [File folder] Jonas B. Miller Materials 1946-1950 –Farm and Business

Cancelled checks issued in 1948 to John N. Yutzy Sec/Treas, S. A. Miller, Stanton’s Mill, Alvin H. Yoder for fertilizer, Potomac Edison Co. for light services, First State Bank for box rent. 1948

Cancelled checks issued in 1949 to Alvin Maust, Dr. Alexander Solosko, Stantons Mill, Potomac Edison for electric service. 1949

Cancelled checks issued in 1950 to Potomac Edison, Clark Yoder, Corner Drug Store, Catherine J. Miller, Geo. Diefenbach. 1950

Bank statements ranging from 1948 to 1950.

No. 78. [File folder] Jonas B. Miller Materials 1946-1950 –Other

Letter from Joseph J. Yoder (Old Order Amish Mennonite bishop) to Jonas B. Miller. Refers to a statement concerning education of high school age youth and encloses a statement on the subject prepared by the Old Order Amish leadership and formatted by Evan J. Miller, mailed to Ernest Kooser, and an extra copy enclosed to JBM for Ivan J. Miller. Notes that the official copies were signed by the Old Order ministers and those prosecuted (including Enos Mast of the Beachy Amish Mennonite congregation along with Old Order fathers) by the school authorities [for not sending their children to school beyond eighth grade.] Includes mention of an appreciated visit with Jonas at time of funeral of Gideon Petersheim and the encouragement Joseph received from it. November 2, 1948

Document, in pamphlet form, of the court proceedings in Commonwealth of Pennsylvania v. Jonas Petersheim, Menno G. Brenneman, Amos J. Yoder, Enos Mast. Thirty-seven pages of argument by defense attorneys Ernest O. Kooser and Frank S. Lucente. September 1949

Report of Court decision regarding appeal heard in the Superior Court of Pennslyvania in

the case of Pennsylvania v. Petersheim, Brenneman, Yoder and Mast. The appeal was sustained. Filed Janaury 12, 1950.

No. 79 [File folder] Jonas B. Miller Materials Post 1950 Church Administration Packet of documents, related to the intervation work of the Executive Committee of the

Conservative Amish Mennonite Conference in the Casselman River Congregation, including (1) A statement presented by the Executive Committee in December 1950, (2) Statement by J. B. Miller regarding his participation in a communion service in January 1951, (3) a letter of protest from J. B. Miller to Nevin Bender, April 1951, and (4) an explanatory post card from Emanuel B. Peachey, May 1951. See attached paper of explanations by David I. Miller. December 17, 1950 to May 17, 1951.

Letter from Nevin Bender, Greenwood, Delaware, to J. B. Miller, in response to a letter

from JBM of August 9. August 20, 1951

No. 80. [File folder] Jonas B. Miller Materials Post-1950 – Letters from/to Church Leaders

No. 81. [File folder] Jonas B. Miller Materials Post-1950 – Personal Letters

No. 82. File folder] Jonas B. Miller Materials Post-1950 – Historical Items Letter from Dr. E. C. Saylor, Berlin, Pennsylvania, to Jonas B. Miller regarding Saylor

family history. Names included: Harvey Hostetler, Margaret Walker Buchanan, Jacob Keim, Christina Saylor, Joel J. Miller, Christian Wright, Ivan J. Miller. March 14, 1951

Letter from Alvin J. Beachy, Bluffton, Ohio, to Jonas B. Miller. Asks a series of questions about the Amish Mennonite Church of the Casselman River area in the later 1800s, especially in regard to Bishop Joel Beachy’s tenure. Names include Jonas Beachy, Joel J. Miller, Manassa Beachy. August 3, 1951

No. 83. [File folder] Jonas B. Miller Materials Post-1950 –Farm and Business

No. 84. [File folder] Jonas B. Miller Materials Post-1950 –Other

No. 85 [File folder] Jonas B. Miller Materials – Undated – Church administration Fragment of a funeral note, beginning: “The family wishes to thank all the friends and

neighbors . . . Fragment, apparently in the handwriting of JBM with the reference and text of Isaiah

40:31 and the reference of II Corinthians 4:16 Slip of paper, written on both sides, evidently prepared for and likely used for insertion into a h

List of prohibited items related to church regulations. Undated and undesignated regarding origin or place of usage.

Program Notes – informal/preliminary. These are handwritten notes apparently made in the process of planning a program such as a Bible conference or Sunday school conference. This kind of entry occurs also in some of the dated sections.

Notations on small paper, apparently used by Joel J. Miller as a list of items to be transacted or announced in a church service. Items listed are vote on trustee, membership certificates for Val Benders, Will Tresslers, and Molly Miller, and annoucement of council meeting and communion.

Notes by J. B. Miller on trip to Iowa and stopping at Hicksville, Ohio, on return trip. Attended Publication Board meeting in Kalona. Paper also included a display of demographics, likely of the the Iowa Amish Mennonite churches and likely at the request of an official inquiry.

Draft – Constitution of Conservative Amish Mennonite Conference. Name of writer not given, but seems to bear the marks of J. B. Miller in handwriting, language style, and historical concern in referring to conference origins and the Dortrecht articles by date and place of origin and later affirmation. The earliest constitution of Conservative Amish Mennonite Conference (1945; See Conference Report, p. 12) does not carefully follow this draft, the role of which has not been determined.

Letter from Elias Swartzendruber, Manson, Iowa, to J. B. Miller. Serves a cover letter for an article submitted for the Herold der Wahrheit on the non-millenialsim.

Application Form – Amish Mennonite Orphans’ Home for Children. This form is designed for use by in applying for foster children from the home. Apparently early in the history of the home, since later it was known as Amish Mennonite Childrens’ Home.

“Extracts of Conference Resolutions” – So designated by J. B. Miller and placed into a small envelope with that label. The two subjects were treated in question format: (1) Nonconformity to the World and (2) Effectiveness of Conference sessions. The resolutions a copied by hand. JBM’s work of pasting the hand-written resolutions to the printed questions demonstrates his interest in the subjects. Judging by the names of the assigned speakers (S. G. Shetler and J. A Ressler) this may have been the work of the Southwestern Pennsylvania Mennonite Conference.

Pamphlet on “Church Polity,” apparently a product of Mennonite General Conference in the earlier years of its existence.

Pamphlet titled “The Voice of the Ages Against Instrumental Music in worship. Name of publisher on last page – Witness Committee, Beaver Falls, Pa., – is crossed off and on front page is written “Revised Edition” and “Herald Press, Scottdale, Pa.”

List of minsters’ names related to or in communication with the Conservative Amish Mennonite Conference: J. Zimmerman, V Gerber, Wm. Miller, J. F swartzendruber, P. Kinsinger, P. Brenneman, J. J. Troyer, Jos King, J. M. Bender, D. H. Steinman, J. Lichtry, N. Nafziger, C. Swartzendruber, C. Nafziger, Joel Miller, J. L. Mast. Addresses are in Missouri, Minnesota, Iowa, Indiana, Ohio, Ontario, New York, Maryland, Pennsylvania.

Report of Committee Working with a Problem in the Congregation in Holmes County, Ohio. This is a two-page paper, on old browned sheets without a date or signatures. The two pages are number 43 and 44. It Being written in German in an English kind of Script seems to date it in the late teens or 1920s. The church is designated as “Joseph Schlabach’s church.” Joseph Schlabach was ordained bishop of the Pleasant Grove congregation, Berlin, Ohio, in 1918 and relinquished his bishop responsibilities in 1924. Likely the work represented in this paper occurred during that time. John Swartzentruber is named as a minister; he was ordained in 1913.

“Manuscript Eng. Version of Tract by Levi Bontrager re-written by JBM” – quote of notation on back of last page. Title: “A Harmful Vicious Practice.” As rewritten by JBM: “A Harmful Practice – A treatise of a Vicious Practice or Custom.” Deals with bed courtship. Demostrates JBM’s work in editing a manuscript.

Memorandum Notebook of Joel J. Miller – A small notebook, approx. 2 1/4 X 3 ½., with collection in envelope inscribed by J. B. Miller: “Old Memorandum book which belonged to Father.” On inside of front cover: J. Miller, Grantsville, Garrett County, Maryland. (A portion of the inside layer of the front cover is missing. The original could have been written as J. J. Miller.) This item is a handwritten topical concordance apparently developed by Joel J. Miller over a period of time.

No. 86 Jonas B. Miller Materials – Undated – Letters to/from Church Leaders

Sheet with note from D. B. S. (Daniel B. Schwartzendruber). Refers to an enclosure and asks direction to “New Germany where the dam and mill is.” Bears the date of Saturday, January 29, but year not given.

Letter from Mr. and Mrs. E. S. Miller. Not date or address. On the subject of secret societies.

Letter from Joel J. Miller to Christian Litwiller, St. Agatha, Ontario This sheet is written on both sides and contains the last two pages of a letter with the previous contents obviously missing. He refers to Golden Ointment which was given him by John Litwiller for the healing of a finger and to a prescription for diarrhea medicine. Date missing from this extant portion.

No. 87 Jonas B. Miller Materials– Undated – Personal Letters Letter from Sister Ella Vollbrecht of Germany, evidently sent to S. D. Gingerich, Kalona,

Iowa, and forwarded to J. B. Miller. Refers to Mrs. Beachy and a check of $50, but did not buy a card since they are expensive. Refers to illness in the neighborhood (typhus); the harvesting of potatoes; and the need for stocking up on food and clothing, apparently for an instiution she works with. This letter likely is post-World War II. It is in English except the final paragraph which translates as follows: “Yet I thank you once more very heartily and wish you God’s richest blessing. Please do not forget us, but remain in true friendship and please help us further. God bless you and the entire church. Please send to me once again your paper [Herod der Wahrheit, according to penned notation]. With gratitude, we greet all of you.”

Postcard addressed to Joel J. Miller, Grantsville. Name of writer not deciphered. Picture of the Johnstown, Pennsylvania Incline Plane on one side. Since the Incline Plane was built after the flood of 1889 and the postmark appears to use 19 as the first two digits of year, it seems likely that the card would date in the early 1900s.

Greeting card – Happy New Year – from Savilla B Schrock to her grandmother Savilla Miller (Mrs. Joel J. Miller). Savilla B. Schrock was born in 1910 and married in 1932. Savilla Miller died in 1933. Savilla B’s use of her maiden name places this item sometime before her marriage.

No. 88 Jonas B. Miller Materials Undated – Historical Items

Final page of an apparently longer document by Jacob Schwartzendruber of Iowa, apparently transcribed from German script and translated by David I. Miller in January 2008.

Record of births and deaths of members of a Wood family, likely siblings, with the following listed: Albert Woods, born 1851; John Howard Woods, born October 14, 1862; Mahala Woods, born 1865, died 1866; Mary Alis Woods, born September 4, 1867; John Woods, Jr., died 1871.

Small paper with notation: “Moses B. Miller from Johnstown, Pa., was here Sept 11th 1890. He said he thinks his father’s family was born in Maryland near Grantsville on Mount Nebo farm except Moses and those that are younger than him.” Moses was born on September 4, 1819. This would mean that Benedict Miller had moved to the Beachy farm near Springs, Pennsylvania, by September 1819, but not before Benedict’s daughter Barbara was born in January 1817.

Small paper from L. A. Miller, likely to J. B. Miller, asking about JBM’s descendency from Jacob (Yockel) Miller and giving his own Miller tree.

Notation from the Gnagey History of Jacob Gnaegi and Gertrude Gnaegi place and date of birth.

A list with the birth dates of Jacob Miller, Benedict Miller, Anna Stutzman, Catherine Beachy and the children of Benedict and Catherine Miller.

Four small sheets, apparently written in the hand of JBM, of genealogical material of a Sides family. Includes the names of Jacob Sides, Isaac Beall, Willaim Bruce and Rachel Bruce.

A small browned paper listing various deaths – Elizabeth Hershberger, Mary Hershberger, Manass Beachy, Christian Beachy, Mrs. Joel Beachy, Samuel J. Miller – and marriages – Elias Hershberger and Elizabeth Brenneman Selders, Emanuel Hershberger and Mary Brenneman Beachy, S. J. Miller and Elizabeth Beachy.

Notes by L. A. Miller, according to order form on which it is written, about his Miller ancestry with numbered reference to the Hochstetler genealogy by Harvey Hochstetler.

A genealogical list: “Children of Joel B. Miller.” A genealogical list: Births – Children of Benedict Miller A genealogical list: Family of Henry and Mary (Miller) Weaver; She a daughter of Moses

B. Miller. List of death dates and age at death of Peter Beachy II, Abraham Beachy, Catherine

Miller wife of Benedict Miller, Jacob Miller father of Benedict Miller, Benedict Miller, Catherine Miller first wife of Joel B. Miller, Joel B. Miller, Samual J. Miller, Elizabeth wife of Samuel J. Miller, Elizabeth second wife of Joel B. Miller, Elias Hershberger, Jacob S. Miller.

Records on Amos Broadwater and William Broadwater, birthdates and decease at 94 years of age.

Genealogical notes on Daniel Miller, immigrant from Germany who lived in Berks County, Pennsylvania, and later near Berlin, Pennsylvania. He married (1) Veronica Mishler and (2) Anna Hostetler.

A paper (lined 8 ½ X 11) written in ink, German language, side one with information on Joel B. Miller and his family. Side two refers to Benedict Miller and to Joel Beachy. Since the information seems to be extracted from the Benedict Miller Bible and since the paper is mouse-eaten along one side and the information is not complete, this item is filed but not translated in its entirety. The part about Joel Beachy reads as follow: “den 3 Maÿ 1885 wird Joel Bitschi 69 Jahr alt sein [part missing] auf den tag der ietzt bestimt ist zum gedächtniss mal [part missing] des Christi leiden zu halten, bestimt den 26sten Abril.” Translation: May 3, 1885, Joel Beachy will be 69 years of age [part missing] on the day for which is announced a communion service [part missing] the suffering of Christ to be observed, namely on April 26.” Joel Beachy’s birth date: May 3, 1818. The significance of this not understood. This paper also quotes an inscription of 1837, written by Benedict Miller in his Bible stating that Benedict read through that Bible three times.

Genealogical information of Daniel Brenneman (1770- ), married to Maria Bender. Names their ten children, including Daniel who lived in Eich Hof bie Rosenthal, and gives information on each in the pages which follow. A three-page carbon copy on onion-skin paper.

Material evidently copied from the Benedict Miller Bible. Not translated. Church History Notes – a small envelope with five small sheets with notes taken from

John Horsch, Hartzler and Kauffman, Gnagey history, D’aubigne, Encylcopedia Brittanca, and Friesen’s history. Mostly concerned with European Anabaptist and related history.

No. 89 Jonas B. Miller Materials Undated – Farm and Business

Small paper fragment with note: “Daniel had rec’d. of Father in part of inheritance . . . $1200.” Apparently refers to Daniel J. Miller, son of Joel B. Miller. This note apparently was written after Joel’s death.

Small paper fragment with dates of when Joel J. Miller was ordained (minister and later bishop). Names related to other notes on the paper are Peter Miller of Mt. Hope, Ohio, Jost Stutzman, Jonas Stutzman, and Christian Stutzman.

Letter from Val Bender; evidently Valentine Bender of Greenwood, Delaware, addressing “Dear Brother and All.”. Refers to a request given “last spring” for help “to start us out a sailing.” evidently referring to matters concerning the church. Most of the body of the letter relates to economic and agricultural matters.

No. 90 Jonas B. Miller Materials Undated – Other

Envelope addressed to Joel Miller with penciled notation: “from Joe Bender.” Sheet with Ecclisiasties 1:18 written with pencil in both German and English. Slips of paper (2) with Scripture verses written in German – Genesis 15:13; Exodus

12:14; I Kings 8:63. Letter by Mrs. A. S. Miller, Kalona, Iowa, addressed to “Dear Herold Readers.” Dated

November 30 without designation of year. Gives news from the Kalona area. Names include Joe G. Gingerich, Ellen Hostetler, Fannie Yoder, Ellen Nisley, Lewis Ropp, Effie Ropp, Edith Ropp, Ivo Gingerich, Simon Yoder, Fannie Nisley, Joel Yoder, Lewis Kauffman, Arie Yoder, Chester Gingerich, Elmer Swartzendruber, Ethel Swartzendruber, Mary Gingerich, Ella Plank, Margaret Miller, Dan Whetstone, Lydia Yoder, Jonas Schrock, Mary Cross, David Yantz, Barbara Kemp. The letter likely could be dated by referring to its publication in the Herold der Wahrheit or by finding the year of some of the events mentioned.

Cryptic formula for expressing an individual’s age. Begins with “Think of the month of your birth . . .”

Newspaper clipping – a poem, “Two Boys.” Begins: “I saw a boy upon the street . . .” Newspaper clipping – Various rates of speed and heights of mountains from

Baltimore west to Wheeling, West Virginia.

No. 91 Jonas B. Miller Materials in Notebooks and other Collective Groupings

91-A [Box] Records by J. B. Miller of church services and other congregational events.

The records of church services are found in five notebooks and one packet of loose sheets as listed and indexed below. These records include features such as date, place, preachers, Scripture references used by JBM, weddings, baptisms, funerals, absences of ministers due to illness or travel, snow cancellations, elections to committees, excommunications, reinstatements, and congregational decisions. Local ministers during this period were C. W. Bender, J. B. Miller, Noah Brenneman until his death in May 1948, Shem Peachey, Ivan J. Miller after his ordination in June 1938, and Mark Peachey after his ordination in September 1946. The records of church services are in the following notebooks:

Notebook 91-A-1 – Initial record of church services January 28, 1934 to November 17, 1936 Notebook 91-A-2 – Initial record of church services January 5, 1936 to August 24, 1941 Notebook 91-A-3 (loose pages)– Initial record of church services November 23, 1941 to

August 31, 1947 Note: Apparently Notebooks 1-3 were JBM’s preliminary record, perhaps done on-site. Nos. 4, 5 and 6 contain the same material as 1, 2, and 3 with only slight variation and are written with more flare of penmanship and apparently were meant to be the permanent record..

Notebook 91-A-4 – Record of church services January 28, 1934 to July 24, 1937 Notebook 91-A-5 – Record of church services August 1, 1937 to November 14, 1943 Notebook 91-A-6 – Record of church services November 25, 1943 to September 24, 1950.

The summary which follows is intended to serve as an index both as hard copy and electronically with the use of a “search’ function. Names and dates have been phrased to enhance that funtion.

Items of historical interest in Records (listed above as 91- A series) by J. B. Miller of church services and other congregational events.

First service in new Maple Glen building May 16, 1948

Ministerial meeting to plan the annual Bible Conference October `4, 1396 Ivan J. Miller’s first sermon June 3, 1937, Hebrews 12:8

First jail service, January 5, 1941 “C. W. Bender not present in services on account of heart attack of Sister Bender,”

January 3, 1945

Role of bishop: Roman Miller, Hartville, Ohio, present to conduct communion service (October 29, 1944) because of illness of the wife of Bishop C. W. Bender – it was not deemed appropriate for a non-bishop to be in charge of a communion service.

“Jan 27 [1935] – [J. B. Miller] drove to Cherry Glade with Silver with the sleigh. Temperature about zero: no storm. Temperature down to 15 below zero following night. Was at Asa Schrock’s for dinner. Was at Jonas Schrock’s afternoon. Jonas and wife both sick in bed.” Comment: This event occurred just a few days before Ivan, son of Jonas B. Miller, moved to Mapleshade farm. The distance to Cherry Glade was about 13 miles. Silver was a “buggy horse,” or road horse, rather than a draft horse. Silver stayed at Mapleshade when JBM moved off the farm and I have personal memory of riding Silver and of her not doing so well when hitched to a heavy load. – David I. Miller, February 2008

Future disposition of Childrens’ Home discussed in meeting at Grantsville by Home Board and Conference Mission Board. January 9 and 10, 1945.

Shem Peachey moved to Arthur, Illinois to temporarily pastor the church there. May, 1945. Returned April 20, 1946.

Meeting at Maple Glen to consider Old Peoples’ Home at Children’s Home facility and remodeling or enlarging or rebuilding Maple Glen church building. Committee appointed to estimate costs: Jonas M. Yoder, Omar Bender, Alvin H. Yoder, Floyd Miller. December 11, 1945

“Last session of Sunday school in old house [Maple Glen], Ascension Day afternoon, May 30, 1946.

“Maple Glen meeting house torn down and salvaged material, stacked for future use in rebuilding, May 31 and June 1, 1946

First service in new Maple Glenn church building, May 16, 1948. Personal note of J. B. Miller: “Was absent from church services April 24 and May 1 due

to complicated cold-laryngitis attach, further complicated with digestive trouble. As record shows, did not preach again until May 29." April 24, 1949

July 17, 1949: JBM mentions missing church service on account of kidney trouble. January 31, 1950: Note concerning a members meeting with discussion of some issues,

including college attendance, use of Church Hymnal, and method of electing singing school teacher, “etc., etc.”

JBM not in church services march 12, 19, 26, April 5, 1950, “on account of diabetic ulcers on feet.”

June 25, 1950: JBM “at home . . . not well, kidneys out of order.” If this record of church services is complete in regard to JBM’s active ministry, his last

time to preach the “principle sermon” was September 10, 1950, and the last time to preach the Anfang or first (and shorter) sermon was September 17, 1950. This observation can be compared with the records of Ivan J. Miller. JBM died on September 20, 1952

March 7, 1951 – Near the back of Notebook #6, a record is given of various items having been removed on this date from JBM’s safety box at the bank and turned over to Deacon Simon D. Beachy. Apparently JBM had these items in custody as a trustee. These items include a receipt from Milton E. Bender for lost note settled

for by trustees of Maple Glen (H. S. Yoder, C. W. Bender, J. B. Miller); deed from Peter Slaubaugh to the church trustees; deed of Maple Glen church lot dated December 19, 1882; deed of Maple Glen cemetery, January 7, 1900, deed of addition to Maple Glen church grounds, October 21, 1918; deeds of Cherry Glade lands of October 13, 1925.

Baptisms August 18, 1934 (names given when class was formed May 20 and June 3) – Herman and

Elizabeth Swartzentruber, Ervin Yoder, Rosie Beachy, Barbara maust, Mary Bender, Alvin Eichorn, Robert Awel.

September 6, 1936 – Raymond Adams, Viola Bender, Sarah Eichorn, Betty Emeric, Paul Maust, Daniel Puffnberger, Rhoda Peachey, Edward Skidmore, Alta Yoder, Glenola Yoder, Mary, Yoder, Nona Yoder, Verda Yoder, Viola Yoder (baptism denied to Clayton Sanders and Colleen Sowers).

September 5, 1937: [See list May 23, 1937]: Freeman Beitzel, Alva Beachy, Philip Bender, Joe Fallon, Violet Kyle, Emma Maust, Virginia Leith, Clayton Sanders, Clarence Scheffel, Colleen Sowers, Charles Thuss, Ruth Thuss, Vernon Miller, Ruth Peachey.

August 28, 1938 [See list May 29, 1938]: Alvin Bender, Mary Ann Bender, Naomi Bender, Iva Maust , Ruth Yoder

October 15, 1939 [See list May 7, 1939]: Olen Yoder, Ray Yoder, Raymond Yoder, Austin Bender, Pearl Davis, Marie Miller, Mabel Maust, Howard Skidmore, Joe Dolan]

September 8, 1940: Elvin Beitzel, Paul Yoder, Lela Bender, Sarah Bender. August 17, 1941: Daniel M. Miller, Richard Bender, Laban Peachey, Vera Eichorn,

Norma Miller, Vera Yoder, Annie Maust. September 27, 1942: Clark Yoder, Jonas Maust, Erma Bender, Bertha Beitzel, Lois

Yoder, Martin Bender, Ray Bender, Elam Bender, James Bender. September 26, 1943: Norman Yoder, Willard Maust, Anna Peachey, Mildred Miller, Ella

Dorcas Bender, Mildred Maust, Doris Bender, Wilbur Beitzel, Leora Beitzel, Ivan Miller, Iva Miller, Richard Yoder.

September 24, 1944: Ruth Lichty, Catherine Maust, Ivan Maust, Evan Maust, Esther Miller, Barbara Miller, Creed Yoder, Cloyd Yoder, Dorothy Yoder

August 12, 1945: Arlene Bender, Leland Bender, Lois Bender, Marvin Bender, Elmer Maust, Walter Maust, Jonas Scheffel, Cora Anna Yoder, David Yoder. (Esther Peachey baptized in Illinois.)

October 13, 1946: David Miller, Mark Miller, Lewis Miller, Robert Bender. April 27, 1947: Irvin Yoder, Kenneth Yoder, Mayard Beitzel, Hilda Bender [more likely

Beachy], Miriam Yoder, Ida Maust, Ernest Mullet, Vernie Bender, Delmar Beitzel.

September 26, 1948: Miriam Bender, Paul Bender, Jason Bender, Willis Maust, Mary Mullet, Catherine Scheffel, Marvin Yoder, Francis Maust.

October 2, 1949: Anna Marie Beitzel, Eva Beitzel, Marvin Beitzel, Cleland Beitzel, Maynard Beitzel, Sanford Bender, Ralph Lichty, Mildred Maust [likely an error,

possibly Fannie Maust], Arline Maust, Oscar Maust, Catherine Miller, Jacob Miller, Rachel Miller, David Scheffel, Edgar yoder, Delmar Yoder, Roman Yoder.

May 7, 1950: Baptismal instruction class: Ada Beachy, Oren Bender, Alva maust, Clifford Maust, Emily Maust, Fannie Maust, Mary Jane Peachey, Ida Yoder, Omar Yoder, Monroe Yoder, Ellen Yoder.

Excommunications/reinstatements Naomi Cooper, May 13, 1934; Clarence Butler, June 10, 1934;

Funerals Mrs. Lewis J. Maust, July 12, 1934; Harvey Bender’s baby son, March 1, 1935; Rhoda Maust, daughter of Allen and Alma Maust, April 15, 1935; Jonas D. Yoder, April 25, 1935; Herman Swartzentruber, July 28, 1935; Rufus M. Beachy, September 3, 1935; Mrs. Jacob S. Miller (Anna Miller), December 5, 1935; Preacher Samuel T. Yoder, Belleville, Pennsylvania, December 6, 1935; Jonas Schrock, February 28, 1936; Mrs. Jonas D. Yoder, March 24, 1936; Mrs. Jonas D. Brenneman, June 24, 1936; Harvey S. Yoder, October 27, 1936; Mrs. Jonas M. Schrock, November 2, 1936; Mrs. Henry Opel, November 26, 1936; Jonas D. Yoder, February 25, 1937; Simon S. Miller, December 10, 1937; Benjamin Schrock, May 19, 1939; Violet Kyle, July 8, 1939; Jacob D. Yoder, October 25, 1939; Simon M. Yoder, January 16, 1940; Mrs. Joel Maust, March 23, 1940; Mary Bender (Mrs Enoch Bender), May 21940; Jacob D. Beachy, Aurora, West Virginia, February 5, 1941; Barbara Brenneman [Mrs Noah Brenneman],May 5, 1941; Mary Miller (age 3), November 16, 1941; Samuel D. Beachy, April 21, 1942; Allen Yoder and Lois Peachey, September 27, 1942; Fannie Miller (Mrs. Floyd J. Miller), November 18, 1945; Ida Bender (Mrs. C. W. Bender), February 24, 1945; Catherine Miller (Mrs. Elias S. Miller), February 24, 1945; John Wengerd, May 29, 1945; Joel E. Hershberger, April 1, 1946; Mary Hershberger (Mrs. Joel Hershberger, December 27, 1946; Susan Orendorf (Mrs. Benjamin Orendorf), April 21, 1947; Elizabeth Wengerd, January 16, 1948; Noah Brenneman, June 4, 1948; John Tice, June 23, 1948; Dan Stavannus, September 18, 1949; Peter Opel, May 30, 1950; Christian J. Yoder, August 8, 1950;

Weddings Laurence Beitzel and Thelma Yoder, December 13, 1935; Harvey Miller and Mildred Byler, October 25, 1936; Roy Yoder and Amelia Yoder, April 29, 1937; Gorman Beitzel and Lizzie Yoder, August 3, 1938; Olen M. Yoder and Amy Dolan, June 17, 1940; Mark Schrock and Rosie Bender, June 8, 1941; Raymond Bender and Alta Yoder, October 16, 1941; Ernest Mast and Sarah Eichorn, October 17, 1941; Leslie Byler and Mary Bender, October 19, 1941; Alvin Eichorn and Virginia Leith, November 23, 1941; Edwin Mast and Verda Yoder, April 17, 1942; Hugh Orendorf and Viola Bender, October 16, 1942; Raymond Tice and Ruth Yoder, October 5, 1944; Philip Bender and Lela Hershberger, September 16, 1945; Alvin Bender and Freda Orendorf, October 14, 1945; Paul Maust and Lela Bender, June 16, 1946;Olen Yoder and Viola Yoder, August 30, 1946; Paul Yoder and Naomi Bender, November 27, 1946; Daniel Miller and Sara Bender,

November 28, 1946; Noah Schrock and Trivola McDonald, March 19, 1947; Elvin Beitzel and Vera Eichorn, September 19, 1947; Floyd J. Miller and Fannie Bender, July 25, 1948; Edward Yoder and Norma Miller, August 1, 1948; Clark Yoder and Vera Yoder, March 27, 1949; Willard Maust and Ella Dorcas Bender, August 28, 1949; Norman Yoder and Martha Yoder; October 9, 1949; Maynard Stutzman and Lois Yoder, April 9, 1950;

Elections: Childrens’ Home Board Nominees May 6, 1934: Vote at Cherry Glade – Allen Maust (15), Ed Beitzel (9), Harvey Bender

(7) June 2, 1935: Alvin H. Yoder (elected), Jonas M. Yoder, Harvey Bender July 26, 1936: Ervin Yoder, Simon Beachy (elected), Ivan Miller May 16, 1937: Allen Maust (elected), Ervin Yoder, Ivan Miller July 9, 1939: Simon D. Beachy (re-elected), Ervin J. Yoder, Floyd J. Miller April 2, 1942: Alvin H. Yoder (re-elected) and Floyd J. Miller. Also Simon D. Beachy

(re-elected) and Norman Bender

Representative to fire insurance association September 20, 1936 – Alvin H. Yoder;

Church treasurer September 20, 1936: Ervin J. Yoder (to succeed Simon S. Miller); April 12, 1942: Ervin J. Yoder (re-elected) and Simon D. beachy nominated.

Trustees February 1948: “Project put before congregation to relieve senior trustee to each meeting

house and elect successors for 3 years. Nominees: Oak Dale: Dan Mast and Alvin Maust; Maple Glen: Allen Maust and Ray Yoder; Cherry Glade: Ed Beitzel and Ervin H. Yoder. Members relieved: Lewis J. Maust, J. B. Miller and Peter Opel.”

“First Election Church Trustees. First vote Oak Dale Feb. 29. Concluding vote Cherry Glade Mch. 7. Brethren elected: Oak Dale: Alvin Maust; Maple Glen: Ray M. Yoder; Cherry Glade: Ervin H. Yoder.”

March 6, 1949: Oak Dale – Daniel Mast and Ervin J. Yoder (elected); Maple Glen – Alvin H. Yoder (elected) and Allen J. Maust; Cherry Glade – Edwin Beitzel (elected) and Hugh Orendorf.

August 27, 1950: Cherry Glade – Roy Beitzel (elected) and Asa Maust; Norman Bender (elected) and Irvin E. Yoder; Oak Dale – Simon Beachy (elected) and Enos Maust.

Sunday School Organization April 3, 1942: Cherry Glade – Roy Beitzel, superintendent; Ed Beitzel, assistant;

Lawrence Beitzel, secretary-treasurer. April 17, 1944: Maple Glen – Alvin H. Yoder, superintendent; Floyd J. Miller, assistant.

May 5, 1946: Cherry Glade – Roy Beitzel, superintendent; Raymond Beitzel, assistant; Lawrence Beitzel, Secretary-treasurer.

Ordinations: Emmanuel Peachey, Belleville, Pennsylvania, July 4, 1937; Ivan J. Miller, June 19, 1938;

Roman Miller, Hartville, Ohio, May 28, 1939; Mark Peachey (others in the lot: Evan J. Miller and Raymond Tice), September 1, 1946; Simon Beachy as deacon (others in the lot: Evan J. Miller and Raymond Tice), September 1, 1946;

Congregational decisions July 8, 1934: English language in church service – opening sermon at Oak Dale to be in

English same as at Maple Glen. September 2, 1934: At Maple Glen, opening sermon in German and principle sermon in

English per request of Childrens’ Home board. April 2, 1935: Hosting annual conference that summer and to rent a tent. September 20, 1936: Change to Lancaster, Pennsylvania, Amish for fire insurance.

End of Section 91-A

91-B Sermon/teaching notes and outlines

These notes and outlines of J. B. Miller are sorted into four sub-file folders for ease of handling, three folders based on sheet size and one based on language. Size designations are in regard to an 8 ½ X 11 inch dimension. Sub-folders: Full size, Half size, Smaller than half-size, and German language. Some of the outlines are dated with designation of occasion of use. Most are rife with Scripture references.

91-C Notes related to planning local Bible and Sunday school conferences of

the Conservative [Amish] Mennonite churches

91-D Programs of annual conferences of the Conservative Amish Mennonite Conference from 1924-1964 (not complete). These are samples of what was sent out to the churches in advance and were held in their hands for reference during the sessions. 1924-1964

91- E Programs and reports of Southwest Pennsylvania Mennonite Conference (later Allegheny Mennonite Conference), Springs Mennonite Church, and the Casselman River Area of Southwest Mennonite Conference. This collection includes items of each of the decades from 1912 to 1951. Events programmed or reported include local Sunday school conferences, Southwest Conference meetings, Bible conferences, and mission board and missions promotion meetings.

91-F Programs and reports of meetings of various Mennonite and other groups, including Lower Deer Creek Mennonite Church (Iowa), Iowa-Nebraska Mennonite Conference, Ontario Mennonite Conference, National Conference of

Religious Bodies (at Bluffton, Ohio), Old German Baptist Church, Grantsville Lutheran Church, Brethren, Amazon Valley Mission Board (Howard Hammer), Conscientious Objectors of Camp Meade. 1918 to 1954

91-G [Box] Notebooks with the following designations:

Notebook 91-G-1 Typed Outlines on various subjects – occasions of use not given

Notebook 91-G-2 Notes on various authors on various subjects Notebook 91-G-3 Sunday school record – on front cover: “Maple Dale Amish

Mennonite Sunday School.” (Later the name was changed to Maple Glen.) Holds the following contents: Organization of Sunday school on March 29, 1896, with Daniel L.

Kinsinger as superintendent, Solomon D. Yoder as assistant. Additional names as teachers: Simon S. Miller, Elias S. Miller, John D. Miller, Mrs. Solomon Yoder, Ida Miller, John Miller, and Amelia Orendorf. Students’ names are listed for each of the six classes in 1896.

Financial report for the second, third, and fourth quarters of 1896 and for the first and second quarters of 1897.

Membership roll, dated October 1907 with later revisions, listing the members of each area – Cherry Glade (Forks), Middle or Grantsivlle [Maple Glen], and Elk Lick or Lower [Oak Dale].

Notebook 91-G-4 Notes and Bible references on various topics Notebook 91-G-5 Bible Texts Notebook 91-G-6 Log of trip to Greenwood, Delaware, for annual conference in

1934 and record of local Bible conferences. Notebook 91-G-7 Notes on travel and meetings. Trip west in 1927 to Michigan,

Indiana, and Iowa; notes apparently related to annual conference business in 1928; log of trip to Delaware in 1928; Subjects for treatment at Bible conferences, 1928; notes on annual conference sessions.

Notebook 91-G-7 Small loose-leaf notebook of memoranda concerning: annual conference of 1922 and 1923, Herold der Wahrheit; New York-Ohio trip 1925; trip to Ohio 1927; Bible conference subjects in Delaware 1928; trip to Lewis County, New York, 1931; Benjamin Keim, born 1830; Swartzentruber family data; early history of Amish Mennonite Childrens’ Home; purchase of “these loose leaf memorandum sheets in Cumberland in 1920; specifications of skeleton of whale at Niagara Falls; Scriptures used in sermon at Maple Glen in 1928.

Notebook 91-G-8 Financial transactions concerning the Oak Dale church property in 1931 to 1936, furnished by Jonas M. Yoder in 1937.Includes transactions related to the church having sold the adjoining farm to Omar Maust (having originally bought the entire farm to provide for a church building site) and maintenance of the building.

Notebook 91-G-9 Data concerning the Beachy-Miller cemetery of farm of Peter Bitschi II – Benedict Miller – Hans Yoder – Amos Yoder – Joel Yoder – Joseph Yoder, near Springs, Pennsylvania.

Notebook 91-G-10 Notes taken from Jerome E. Blough, History of the Church of the Brethren of Western District of Pennsylvania, (Elgin IL: Brethren Publishing House, 1916.) Notes especially those cases of transfers of Amish people to the Brethren and their influence there.

Notebook 91-H Notebook (saddle stitched) of Jacob Rogi of Lewis County, New York, 1866. A handwritten ministerial manual. Includes forms for administration of baptism, communion, confession, weddings, ordination, and an edition of the Augsburg Confession of 1568 along with other lists of positions and disciplines. Presumably received by Jonas B. Miller from a New Yorker for interpretation of the German script.