Joseph Elwood Miller was a collector for the federal inland revenue service. He lived at 847 Denman Street from 1903 to 1905.
Early Life
Joseph Elwood Miller was born in Belfast, Ireland, on March 18, 1859. His parents were Alexander Miller (1819-1905) and Susannah Kelly (1820-1905). Alexander Miller was a farmer.
Joseph came to Canada with his parents in the early 1860s. The family lived in the Elizabethtown area of Ontario.
In 1883, Joseph began working for the federal government at Kingston, Ontario.
After five years in Kingston, he spent a year in Montreal, Quebec.
To British Columbia
By 1890, Joseph became the collector of inland revenue for the British Columbia mainland.
Marriage to Emily Chambers
On July 25, 1890, in Los Angeles, California, Joseph married Emily Chambers.
Emily was born in Ontario on July 1, 1865. Her parents were Thomas S. Chambers (1831-1913) and Jessie D. McAusland (1834-1903). Thomas S. Chambers was a Presbyterian clergyman.
Life in Vancouver
Joseph first appeared in the Vancouver directory in 1891. He was living at 721 Burrard Street.
He lived at the following addresses in Vancouver.
| 1891 | 721 Burrard Street |
| 1892 to 1896 | 1116 Haro Street |
| 1897 to 1900 | un-numbered house on Beach Avenue |
| 1901 and 1902 | 989 Bute Street |
| 1903 to 1905 | 847 Denman Street |
| 1906 to 1907 | 787 Bute Street |
In December 1893, in addition to his role as inland revenue collector, he became the federal inspector of gas.
On April 28, 1895, Joseph and Emily had their only child, Gerald Dunn Miller.
To Victoria
In 1908, Joseph and his family moved to Victoria, British Columbia, where he became the district inspector of inland revenue.
At first, Joseph and his family were boarding at the Driard Hotel in Victoria.
In January 1910, Emily and Gerald went to Honolulu for a holiday.
By the time of the 1911 Canada census, Joseph, Emily, and Gerald were living in number 5 in the Mount Edwards Apartments at 1002 Vancouver Street.
They continued to live in the Mount Edwards apartments through the 1920s and 1930s.
In 1921, Joseph became the regional inspector of the merged departments of customs and excise. He retired in 1930.
He was a member of the Masons. He participated in many sports, including golf, rugby, yachting, lacrosse, hockey, and cycling.
Joseph died in Vancouver on November 20, 1935. He was buried in Ross Bay Cemetery in Victoria.
Emily died in Essondale, British Columbia, on May 17, 1943. She was buried in Ross Bay Cemetery in Victoria.
Joseph and Emily had one son.
Gerald Dunn Miller
Gerald Dunn Miller was born in Vancouver on April 29, 1895.
In 1915, he enlisted with the Canadian Expeditionary Force to serve in the First World War.
He served in France as a lieutenant throughout most of the war. By the end of 1918, he was an articling student at the Victoria law firm of Barnard, Robertson, Heisterman & Tate.
On the afternoon of September 14, 1919, Gerald was canoeing on the Gorge in Victoria, along with another returned officer, Robert Stewart O’Meara (1896-1969).
While Gerald and Robert were trying to change places in the canoe, they overturned it, and they both fell into the water. Robert managed to reach the canoe, but Gerald was a poor swimmer. He could not swim to safety, and his heavy clothing and boots dragged him under the water. While local swimming club members tried to rescue Gerald, the fire station headquarters sent out the Pulmotor (an early form of resuscitator).
Despite the rescue attempts, Gerald could not be revived.
Gerald was buried in Ross Bay Cemetery in Victoria.
Sources
Alexander Miller (father of Joseph Elwood Miller)
“Canada Census, 1871,” database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:M47Q-FNG : accessed 5 October 2015), Alexander Miller, Elizabethtown, Brockville, Ontario, Canada; citing p. 115, line 2; Library and Archives Canada film number C-10003, Public Archives, Ottawa, Ontario; FHL microfilm 4,396,625; http://data2.collectionscanada.ca/1871/pdf/4396625_00129.pdf.
“Canada Census, 1881,” database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:MVXD-126 : accessed 5 October 2015), Alexander Muller, Elizabethtown, Brockville (City), Ontario, Canada; citing p. 9; Library and Archives Canada film number C-13232, Library and Archives Canada, Ottawa, Ontario; FHL microfilm 1,375,868; http://data2.collectionscanada.gc.ca/e/e327/e008171626.pdf.
“Canada Census, 1891,” database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:MW2X-7GK : accessed 5 October 2015), Aly Millar, Elizabethtown, Brockville, Ontario, Canada; Public Archives, Ottawa, Ontario; Library and Archives Canada film number 30953_148129; http://data2.collectionscanada.gc.ca/1891/pdf/30953_148129-00113.pdf.
“Canada Census, 1901,” database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:KH28-777 : accessed 5 October 2015), Alexander Miller, F, Brockville, Ontario, Canada; citing p. 7, Library and Archives of Canada, Ottawa; http://automatedgenealogy.com/census/View.jsp?id=17438&highlight=3&desc=1901+Census+of+Canada+page+containing+Alexander+Miller; http://data2.collectionscanada.ca/1901/z/z002/pdf/z000052876.pdf.
“Ontario Deaths, 1869-1937 and Overseas Deaths, 1939-1947,” database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:JXS3-H3J : accessed 5 October 2015), Alexander Miller, 24 Dec 1905; citing Elizabethtown, Leeds, Ontario, yr 1905 cn 16099, Archives of Ontario, Toronto; FHL microfilm 1,854,396.
Susanna Kelly (mother of Joseph Elwood Miller)
“Canada Census, 1871,” database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:M47Q-FNP : accessed 5 October 2015), Susan Miller in household of Alexander Miller, Elizabethtown, Brockville, Ontario, Canada; citing p. 115, line 4; Library and Archives Canada film number C-10003, Public Archives, Ottawa, Ontario; FHL microfilm 4,396,625; http://data2.collectionscanada.ca/1871/pdf/4396625_00129.pdf.
“Canada Census, 1881,” database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:MVXD-12X : accessed 5 October 2015), Susanna Muller in household of Alexander Muller, Elizabethtown, Brockville (City), Ontario, Canada; citing p. 9; Library and Archives Canada film number C-13232, Library and Archives Canada, Ottawa, Ontario; FHL microfilm 1,375,868; http://data2.collectionscanada.gc.ca/e/e327/e008171626.pdf.
“Canada Census, 1891,” database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:MW2X-7G2 : accessed 5 October 2015), Susan Millar, Elizabethtown, Brockville, Ontario, Canada; Public Archives, Ottawa, Ontario; Library and Archives Canada film number 30953_148129; http://data2.collectionscanada.gc.ca/1891/pdf/30953_148129-00113.pdf.
“Canada Census, 1901,” database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:KH28-77W : accessed 5 October 2015), Susan Miller in household of Alexander Miller, F, Brockville, Ontario, Canada; citing p. 7, Library and Archives of Canada, Ottawa; http://automatedgenealogy.com/census/View.jsp?id=17438&highlight=4&desc=1901+Census+of+Canada+page+containing+Susan+Miller; http://data2.collectionscanada.ca/1901/z/z002/pdf/z000052876.pdf.
“Ontario Deaths, 1869-1937 and Overseas Deaths, 1939-1947,” database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:JXS3-H3V : accessed 5 October 2015), Susanna Miller, 14 Dec 1905; citing Elizabethtown, Leeds, Ontario, yr 1905 cn 16098, Archives of Ontario, Toronto; FHL microfilm 1,854,396.
Joseph Elwood Miller
“Canada Census, 1871,” database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:M47Q-FJQ : accessed 5 October 2015), Joseph Miller, Elizabethtown, Brockville, Ontario, Canada; citing p. 115, line 7; Library and Archives Canada film number C-10003, Public Archives, Ottawa, Ontario; FHL microfilm 4,396,625. (possible connection); http://data2.collectionscanada.ca/1871/pdf/4396625_00129.pdf
“Canada Census, 1881,” database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:MVXD-12F : accessed 5 October 2015), Joseph Muller in household of Alexander Muller, Elizabethtown, Brockville (City), Ontario, Canada; citing p. 9; Library and Archives Canada film number C-13232, Library and Archives Canada, Ottawa, Ontario; FHL microfilm 1,375,868; http://data2.collectionscanada.gc.ca/e/e327/e008171626.pdf.
Ontario Marriages, Leeds & Grenville Co., 1886, part 1; http://homepages.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~maryc/leeds86.htm: “006407-1886 (Leeds Co) William McCORMACK, 37, Widower, Stone Cutter, Elizabethtown, same, s/o William McCORMACK & Jane STEWART, married Susan MILLER, 34, Ireland, Elizabethtown, d/o Alexander MILLER & Susan KELLY, witn: J. E. MILLER, Kingston, M. E. HENDERSON, Elizabethtown. 4 March, at Elizabethtown.” [J.E. Miller: witness at wedding of Susan Miller, whose parents were Alexander Miller and Susan Kelly.]
“Ontario Marriages, 1869-1927,” database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:FMV9-3G1 : accessed 5 October 2015), Alexander Miller in entry for William Mccormack and Susan Miller, 04 Mar 1886; citing registration , Elizabethtown, Leeds, Ontario, Canada, Archives of Ontario, Toronto; FHL microfilm 1,869,962.
Joseph Elwood Miller and Emily Bridges, issue of marriage license; Los Angeles Herald, volume 34, number 102, 25 July 1890, page 2; http://cdnc.ucr.edu/cgi-bin/cdnc?a=d&d=LAH18900725.2.13: “Licensed to Wed. Marriage licenses were issued yesterday to the following persons: Joseph Elwood Miller, 31, Ireland, residing at Vancouver, to Emily Chambers, 25, Canada, a resident of this city.”
“California, County Marriages, 1850-1952,” database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:K8DX-QJ7 : accessed 5 October 2015), Joseph Elwood Miller and Emily Chambers, 24 Jul 1890; citing Los Angeles, California, United States, county courthouses, California; FHL microfilm 2,575.
“California Marriages, 1850-1945,” database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:V2Z7-X7C : accessed 5 October 2015), Joseph Elwood Miller and Miss Emily Chambers, 25 Jul 1890; citing Los Angeles, California, United States; FHL microfilm 2,073,924.
“California, County Marriages, 1850-1952,” database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:XLH2-M5L : accessed 5 October 2015), Joseph Elwood Miller and Emily Chambers, 25 Jul 1890; citing Los Angeles, California, United States, county courthouses, California; FHL microfilm 1,033,139.
“Canada Census, 1891,” database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:MWKS-JWN : accessed 5 October 2015), Joseph E Miller, Vancouver City, New Westminster, British Columbia, Canada; Public Archives, Ottawa, Ontario; Library and Archives Canada film number 30953_148093; http://data2.collectionscanada.gc.ca/1891/pdf/30953_148093-00007.pdf.
B.C. Voters List 1898 – McR to Mn; http://bc.canadagenweb.org/vote1898/votemcr.htm: “Miller, Joseph Elwood, 1116 Rare [sic: Haro] St, Collector Inland Revenue, Van.”
“Canada Census, 1901,” database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:KHVN-K4M : accessed 5 October 2015), Joseph E Miller, D, Burrard, British Columbia, Canada; citing p. 19, Library and Archives of Canada, Ottawa; http://automatedgenealogy.com/census/View.jsp?id=59774&highlight=25&desc=1901+Census+of+Canada+page+containing+Joseph+E+Miller; http://data2.collectionscanada.ca/1901/z/z001/pdf/z000010216.pdf.
989 Bute Street; Vancouver Heritage Foundation; https://www.vancouverheritagefoundation.org/location/989-bute-st-vancouver-bc/.
“Mount Edwards Apartment House”; at the corner of Vancouver and Rockland Avenue, formerly Coutts, Victoria, BC.; British Columbia Archives; Item D-06488; http://search-bcarchives.royalbcmuseum.bc.ca/mount-edwards-apartment-house-at-corner-of-vancouver-and-rockland-avenue-formerly-coutts-victoria-bc
Mount Edwards Apartment House; 1002 Vancouver Street; Victoria, British Columbia; http://www.victoriaheritagefoundation.ca/HReg/Fairfield/Vancouver1002.html
“Recensement du Canada de 1911,” database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:QV95-3P21 : accessed 5 October 2015), Joseph Edwin Miller, 1911; citing Census, Victoria City Sub-Districts 15-25, British Columbia, Canada, Library and Archives of Canada, Ottawa, Ontario; FHL microfilm 2,417,664; http://automatedgenealogy.com/census11/View.jsp?id=36932&highlight=16&desc=1911+Census+of+Canada+page+containing+Joseph+Ed%3F+Miller; http://data2.collectionscanada.gc.ca/1911/pdf/e001943410.pdf.
1921 Canada Census, Joseph E. Miller; Reference Number: RG 31; Folder Number: 20; Census Place: Victoria (City), British Columbia; Page Number: 5; Ancestry.com. 1921 Census of Canada [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations Inc, 2013.
“British Columbia Death Registrations, 1872-1986; 1992-1993”, database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:FL2N-Z7K : accessed 5 October 2015), Joseph Elwood Miller, 1935.
“Find A Grave Index,” database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:QVGH-2QB5 : accessed 5 October 2015), Joseph Elwood Miller, 1935; Burial, Victoria, Capital Regional District, British Columbia, Canada, Ross Bay Cemetery; citing record ID 121317195, Find a Grave, http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&GRid=121317195.
“J.E. Miller Passes Away; Former Dominion Official Here Succumbs—Funeral on Saturday,” Victoria Daily Colonist, November 22, 1935, page 4:
“Joseph Elwood Miller, former district inspector of the Department of National Revenue, here, died in Vancouver Wednesday following a long illness. He had been undergoing treatment in Vancouver for a few weeks. Mr. Miller was seventy-six years of age.
Mr. Miller was born in Ireland and had resided in Victoria for nearly thirty years. He entered the service of the Dominion Government at Kingston, Ont., in 1883. He served there for five years and was then transferred to Montreal. Mr. Miller was there one year.
In 1889, the deceased accepted the post of collector for the Mainland Division of Inland Revenue, with office in Vancouver. Mr. Miller was promoted to the office of inspector of the branch in 1907 and came to Victoria to take over his duties. Fourteen years later, in 1921, following a merger of the departments of customs and excise, Mr. Miller assumed the inspectorship of both departments under the name of National Revenue.
Large District
His district included Vancouver Island, the West Coast of British Columbia, north of Alert Bay, Queen Charlotte Islands, Northern British Columbia, Yukon and Atlin. On his retirement from the senior inspectorship, he was presented with an illuminated address and a purse of gold. At the time of his retirement, in 1930, Mr. Miller was, in point of service, the oldest man in the Dominion Civil Service.
Mr. Miller was a thirty-third degree Mason. He was a charter member of the Victoria Valley, Scottish Rite, which was organized here in 1921.
Mr. Miller was a prominent sportsman. He was extremely popular, particularly among golfers, who knew him as “Joe.” He was a strong Rugby enthusiast and was one of the founders of the Royal Vancouver Yacht Club. He also had taken an interest in lacrosse, hockey, cycling and other branches of sport.
Donated Cups
The Miller Cup, emblematic of the Vancouver city senior championship, was donated by Mr. Miller several years ago to followers of the English game, Mr. Miller was well known as president of the Vancouver and British Columbia Rugby Union some years ago.
He was a member of the Victoria Golf Club and a popular figure at the annual Seniors’ Northwest Golf Association tournaments.
Mr. Miller resided at the Mount Edwards Apartments. He is survived by his widow.
Rev. Dr. W.G. Wilson will officiate at funeral services, to be conducted under Masonic auspices, at Hayward’s B.C. Funeral Chapel, Saturday at 3:30 p.m. Interment will be made in the family plot in Ross Bay Cemetery.”
“J.E. Miller, Victoria, Former Collector of Customs, Is Dead Here,” Vancouver Province, November 21, 1935, page 4:
“A pioneer Vancouver resident and a former inspector of customs, Joseph E. Miller, a resident of Victoria, died suddenly in the Vancouver General Hospital on Wednesday. He was aged 76.
Coming to Vancouver forty-seven years ago, Mr. Miller was for a number of years collector of customs in this port. He later became inspector of internal revenue and customs for B.C. and Yukon and moved to Victoria.
Mr. Miller was a member of the A.F. & A.M. and of the Scottish rite, and was a thirty-third degree Mason. He was a member of the Victoria Golf and Country Club. Surviving is his wife. A son, Gerald, met death in a drowning accident shortly after returning from the war.
The remains will be forwarded to Victoria by the Center & Hanna Undertaking Co. A Masonic funeral will be held on Saturday and burial will take place in Ross Bay Cemetery.”
“J.E. Miller Dead,” Vancouver Sun, November 21, 1935, page 12:
“Joseph Edward [sic] Miller, 76, of Victoria, collector of customs in Vancouver for many years earlier in his life, died Wednesday in General Hospital.
He retired 15 years ago from the post of inspector of inland revenue and customs for British Columbia and the Yukon. He succeeded Inspector Gill in that post in Victoria.
Mr. Miller was born in Ireland, and was a well-known pioneer throughout B.C. and the Yukon.
He was a member of the Scottish Rite, A.F. & A.M. and a thirty-third degree Mason. He is survived by his wife.
Center & Hanna, funeral directors, will forward the body to Victoria where Masonic rites will be conducted Saturday afternoon, interment in Ross Bay Cemetery, Victoria.”
Joseph Elwood Miller, death notice, Vancouver Sun, November 21, 1935, page 13; Vancouver Province, November 21, 1935, page 17: “Miller—Died at Vancouver General Hospital, Nov. 20, 1935, Joseph Elwood Miller, retired Inspector of Inland Revenue and Customs of B.C. and the Yukon, in his 77th year. Mr. Miller resided at Victoria and leaves his wife to mourn his passing. Remains will be forwarded on tonight’s boat to Victoria where a Masonic funeral service will be held Saturday Afternoon. Center and Hanna, directors.”
Joseph E. Miller, death notice, Victoria Daily Colonist, November 22, 1935, page 18:
“Miller—At Vancouver, B.C., on November 20, Joseph E. Miller, of Mount Edward apartments, Victoria, aged 76 years; born in Ireland. He is survived by his widow in Victoria.
The remains are resting in Hayward’s B.C. Funeral Chapel, from where the funeral will be held on Saturday, November 23, at 3:30 p.m., under the auspices of the Masonic Order. Interment in the family plot in Ross Bay Cemetery.”
Thomas Chambers (father of Emily Chambers)
“Ontario Census, 1861,” database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:MQ7C-YSW : accessed 5 October 2015), Thomas Chambers, Storrington, Frontenac, Ontario, Canada; citing p. 35, line 25; Library and Archives Canada film number C-1023-1024, Public Archives, Toronto; FHL microfilm 2,435,847; http://data2.collectionscanada.gc.ca/1861/pdf/4391549_00010.pdf.
“Canada Census, 1871,” database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:M4QN-KQ5 : accessed 5 October 2015), Thomas Chambers, Storrington, Frontenac, Ontario, Canada; citing p. 3, line 1; Library and Archives Canada film number C-9999, Public Archives, Ottawa, Ontario; FHL microfilm 4,396,352; http://data2.collectionscanada.ca/1871/pdf/4396352_00435.pdf.
“Canada Census, 1881,” database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:MVXJ-C1S : accessed 5 October 2015), Thomas Chambers, Storrington, Frontenac, Ontario, Canada; citing p. 15; Library and Archives Canada film number C-13235, Library and Archives Canada, Ottawa, Ontario; FHL microfilm 1,375,871; http://data2.collectionscanada.gc.ca/e/e327/e008174186.pdf.
“United States Census, 1900,” database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:M9PF-XKF : accessed 5 October 2015), Reverend Homer [sic: Thomas] S Chambers, Precinct 17 Los Angeles city Ward 2, Los Angeles, California, United States; citing sheet 5B, family 122, NARA microfilm publication T623 (Washington, D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, n.d.); FHL microfilm 1,240,089.
“United States Census, 1910,” database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:MV2B-TRP : accessed 5 October 2015), Thomas A Chambers in household of William Chambers, Los Angeles Assembly District 72, Los Angeles, California, United States; citing enumeration district (ED) 209, sheet 11A, family 251, NARA microfilm publication T624 (Washington, D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, n.d.); FHL microfilm 1,374,095.
“California Death Index, 1905-1939,” database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:QK91-8HXG : accessed 5 October 2015), Thomas Chambers, 26 Nov 1913; citing 34938, Department of Health Services, Vital Statistics Department, Sacramento.
“Find A Grave Index,” database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:QV22-HMRC : accessed 5 October 2015), Thomas S. Chambers, 1913; Burial, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, United States of America, Angelus Rosedale Cemetery; citing record ID 75282510, Find a Grave, http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&GRid=75282510.
Jessie D. McAusland (mother of Emily Chambers)
“Ontario Census, 1861,” database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:MQ7C-YS4 : accessed 5 October 2015), Jessy Chambers, Storrington, Frontenac, Ontario, Canada; citing p. 35, line 26; Library and Archives Canada film number C-1023-1024, Public Archives, Toronto; FHL microfilm 2,435,847; http://data2.collectionscanada.gc.ca/1861/pdf/4391549_00010.pdf
“Canada Census, 1871,” database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:M4QN-KQR : accessed 5 October 2015), Jessie Chambers in household of Thomas Chambers, Storrington, Frontenac, Ontario, Canada; citing p. 3, line 2; Library and Archives Canada film number C-9999, Public Archives, Ottawa, Ontario; FHL microfilm 4,396,352; http://data2.collectionscanada.ca/1871/pdf/4396352_00435.pdf.
“Canada Census, 1881,” database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:MVXJ-C13 : accessed 5 October 2015), Jessy D Chambers in household of Thomas Chambers, Storrington, Frontenac, Ontario, Canada; citing p. 15; Library and Archives Canada film number C-13235, Library and Archives Canada, Ottawa, Ontario; FHL microfilm 1,375,871; http://data2.collectionscanada.gc.ca/e/e327/e008174186.pdf.
“United States Census, 1900,” database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:M9PF-XKN : accessed 5 October 2015), Jessey D Chambers in household of Reverend Homer [sic] S Chambers, Precinct 17 Los Angeles city Ward 2, Los Angeles, California, United States; citing sheet 5B, family 122, NARA microfilm publication T623 (Washington, D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, n.d.); FHL microfilm 1,240,089.
“Find A Grave Index,” database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:QV22-HMRW : accessed 5 October 2015), Jessie D. Chambers, 1903; Burial, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, United States of America, Angelus Rosedale Cemetery; citing record ID 75601292, Find a Grave, http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&GRid=75601292.
“Find A Grave Index,” database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:QV22-HMR7 : accessed 5 October 2015), Jessie D. Chambers, 1908; Burial, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, United States of America, Angelus Rosedale Cemetery; citing record ID 75282508, Find a Grave, http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&GRid=75282508. [Note: the death date should probably be 1903, not 1908.]
Jessie Chambers, death notice, Los Angeles Herald, Number 273, 7 July 1903, page 10; http://cdnc.ucr.edu/cgi-bin/cdnc?a=d&d=LAH19030707.2.167: “Chambers-At 1623 West Pico, on July 4, Jessie Chambers, age 69; asthma.”
Emily Chambers (wife of Joseph Elwood Miller)
“Canada Census, 1871,” database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:M4QN-K3N : accessed 5 October 2015), Emily Chambers, Storrington, Frontenac, Ontario, Canada; citing p. 3, line 5; Library and Archives Canada film number C-9999, Public Archives, Ottawa, Ontario; FHL microfilm 4,396,352; http://data2.collectionscanada.ca/1871/pdf/4396352_00435.pdf.
“Canada Census, 1881,” database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:MVXJ-C17 : accessed 5 October 2015), Emily Chambers in household of Thomas Chambers, Storrington, Frontenac, Ontario, Canada; citing p. 15; Library and Archives Canada film number C-13235, Library and Archives Canada, Ottawa, Ontario; FHL microfilm 1,375,871; http://data2.collectionscanada.gc.ca/e/e327/e008174186.pdf.
“Hawaii, Honolulu Index to Passengers, Not Including Filipinos, 1900-1952,” database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:KDRL-S86 : accessed 5 October 2015), Emily Miller, 1910; citing NARA microfilm publication A3410 and A3422 (Washington, D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, n.d.); FHL microfilm 1,878,302.
“British Columbia Death Registrations, 1872-1986; 1992-1993”, database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:FLVR-GYL : accessed 5 October 2015), Emily Miller, 1943.
“Find A Grave Index,” database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:QVGH-2QYY : accessed 5 October 2015), Emily Miller, 1943; Burial, Victoria, Capital Regional District, British Columbia, Canada, Ross Bay Cemetery; citing record ID 121317096, Find a Grave, http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&GRid=121317096.
Gerald Dunn Miller (son of Joseph Elwood Miller)
“Canada Census, 1901,” database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:KHVN-K4S : accessed 5 October 2015), Gorald D Miller in household of Joseph E Miller, D, Burrard, British Columbia, Canada; citing p. 19, Library and Archives of Canada, Ottawa; http://automatedgenealogy.com/census/View.jsp?id=59774&highlight=27&desc=1901+Census+of+Canada+page+containing+Gerald+D.+Miller; http://data2.collectionscanada.ca/1901/z/z001/pdf/z000010216.pdf.
“Recensement du Canada de 1911,” database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:QV95-3PL9 : accessed 5 October 2015), Gerald Dunn Miller in entry for Joseph Edwin Miller, 1911; citing Census, Victoria City Sub-Districts 15-25, British Columbia, Canada, Library and Archives of Canada, Ottawa, Ontario; FHL microfilm 2,417,664; http://automatedgenealogy.com/census11/View.jsp?id=36932&highlight=18&desc=1911+Census+of+Canada+page+containing+Gerald+Dunn%28%3F%29+Miller; http://data2.collectionscanada.gc.ca/1911/pdf/e001943410.pdf.
“Hawaii, Honolulu Index to Passengers, Not Including Filipinos, 1900-1952,” database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:KDRL-S82 : accessed 5 October 2015), Gerald Dunn Miller, 1910; citing NARA microfilm publication A3410 and A3422 (Washington, D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, n.d.); FHL microfilm 1,878,302.
Canadian Great War Project; Lieutenant Gerald Dunn Miller; Died: September 14, 1919; http://www.canadiangreatwarproject.com/searches/soldierDetail.asp?ID=163327.
Gunner Gerald Dunn Miller; Canadian Great War Project; http://canadiangreatwarproject.com/searches/soldierDetail.asp?ID=167947
Canadian Expeditionary Force, Name: Miller, Gerald Dunn; Rank: LT; Date of Birth: 28/04/1895; Reference: RG 150, Accession 1992-93/166, Box 6183 – 8; Item Number: 190467; http://www.bac-lac.gc.ca/eng/discover/military-heritage/first-world-war/first-world-war-1914-1918-cef/Pages/item.aspx?IdNumber=190467.
“Canada Passenger Lists, 1881-1922,” database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:2HGL-WKT : accessed 5 October 2015), Gerald C Miller, Sep 1917; citing Immigration, Quebec City, Quebec, Canada, T-4817, Library and Archives Canada, Ottawa, Ontario. (possible connection).
“British Columbia Death Registrations, 1872-1986; 1992-1993”, database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:FLKF-ZQL : accessed 5 October 2015), Gerold D* Miller, 1919.
“Find A Grave Index,” database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:QVGH-2QBC : accessed 5 October 2015), Gerald Dunn Miller, 1919; Burial, Victoria, Capital Regional District, British Columbia, Canada, Ross Bay Cemetery; citing record ID 121317129, Find a Grave, http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&GRid=121317129.
“Lieut. G.D. Miller Drowned at Gorge; Popular Young Victorian, Just Back After Distinguished Service Overseas, Loses His Life in Accident on Sunday,” Victoria Daily Colonist, September 16, 1919, page 7; http://archive.org/stream/dailycolonist61y233uvic#page/n6/mode/1up
“Through the overturning of a canoe, Lieut. Gerald Dunn Miller, but recently returned from distinguished service overseas, lost his life on Sunday afternoon at 5:20 o’clock at the Gorge, and his companion. Lieut. S.R. O’Meara, had a narrow escape.
Mr. Miller was the only child of Mr. Joseph E. Miller, Inspector of Inland Revenue, and Mrs. Miller, of Mount Edwards Apartments, and was twenty-four years of age. Mr. O’Meara, whose parents, Mr. and Mrs. O’Meara, reside in Victoria, has been attending McGill University, but was spending a short visit in the city with his parents.
Just what caused the accident does not appear certain, though it was reported by eyewitnesses that apparently the two young men were attempting to change places in the canoe, which at the time was just on the chutes at the B.C. Electric Company’s park. The frail craft was overturned, throwing both men into the water. Mr. O’Meara managed to secure hold of the canoe, which was almost filled with water. He succeeded in turning it over to afford a safer hold, the while calling to his friend, who was some distance away, to swim towards him. But Mr. Miller apparently was unable to do this, and the other sought to push the canoe towards him. Mr. Miller was but an indifferent swimmer, and, hampered as they both were with clothing and boots, he was unable to keep himself from sinking, his efforts to do so rapidly exhausting him.
Attempts at Rescue
Mr. O’Meara’s cries attracted the attention of those who were in boats not far off or were on the shore of the Gorge, but it happened that no boats were immediately in the vicinity and it was some time before rescuers could get to the spot. Aid was forthcoming, too, from members of the Victoria Swimming Club, the quarters of which were not far away, two of them, Allister and Angus McKinnon, putting out in a canoe. In the meantime Mr. Miller had sunk, while Mr. O’Meara, still clinging to the canoe, had been taken care of and towed to the diving raft, to which the body of Lieut. Miller was shortly afterwards brought, having been recovered by the McKinnons after some diving. While efforts at resuscitation were made by Colin McFayden and Jock McNeill of the swimming club, a hurry-up call was sent into the headquarters fire station in the city and within a very short time the pulmoter was rushed out, but despite every effort Mr. Miller was found to be beyond aid. Dr. Raynor, who had also been called, pronounced life extinct.
The Provincial police authorities were notified and Coroner Stanier decided that an inquest should be held, this to take place this afternoon at 4 o’clock at the Sands funeral establishment, where the body is lying. The funeral will take place tomorrow afternoon at 3:30 o’clock from the funeral chapel to Ross Bay Cemetery. Rev. J. O. Inkster, pastor of the First Presbyterian Church, will conduct the services.
Lieut. Gerald Dunn Miller was born April 29, 1895. In the Spring of 1915 he enlisted with the 5th Regiment, C.G.A., and In October of the same year went overseas, crossing to France in December attached to the 10th Battery Field Artillery. He served at the front until the Spring of 1917, when he was recalled to Canada and given a commission as Lieutenant, taking his course at Signal Hill. Subsequently he was attached to the 68th Battery at Vancouver, and in March, 1918, went overseas in charge of a draft of one hundred men. Another artillery course was necessary, and this he took at Witley, England. and he was on draft leave for return to the front when the armistice was signed, this resulting in the cancellation of the draft, after which he was returned to Canada.
Reaching Victoria in time to spend Christmas at home, he was articled in January to the law firm of Barnard, Robertson, Heisterman & Tate.”
“Gerald Miller Drowns in Gorge; Native Son of Vancouver Loses Life When Canoe Upsets—Went Overseas in October, 1915,” Vancouver Daily World, September 15, 1919, page 1:
“Victoria, B.C., Sept. 15.—Gerald Dunn Miller, only child of J. E. Miller, inspector of inland revenue, was drowned at the Gorge Sunday afternoon. Miller was in a canoe in company with R. S. O’Meara, another returned officer, now a student at McGill University, Montreal, when the craft upset. O’Meara swam to the fast filling canoe, overturned it and tried to push it towards his companion so that they could both cling to it until rescued. Miller, however, who was scarcely able to swim, sank before the canoe reached him. Miller went overseas in October, 1915, with the Fifth Regiment, and returned after the armistice.
The late Gerald Miller was well-known in Vancouver, where he was horn and passed his boyhood years. An affecting scene took place at the C. P. R. depot a few months ago when Mr. Miller, who had come over to meet him, clasped hands with his son as he welcomed him home from the war.”
“Returned Soldier Drowns at Victoria; Son of J.E. Miller, Inspector of Inland Revenue, Loses His Life,” Vancouver Province, September 15, 1919, page 11: “Victoria, Sept. 15.—Gerald Dunn Miller, only son of J.E. Miller, inspector of inland revenue, was drowned at the Gorge Sunday afternoon Miller was in a canoe in company with R.S. O’Meara, another returned officer, now a student at McGill University, Montreal, when the craft upset. O’Meara swam to the fast-filling canoe, overturned it and tried to push it towards his companion so that they could both cling to it until rescued. Miller, however, who was scarcely able to swim, sank before the canoe reached him.
Miller went overseas in October, 1915, with the 5th Regiment and returned after the armistice.”
Gerald Dunn Miller, death notice, Victoria Daily Colonist, September 16, 1919, page 16; Victoria Daily Colonist, September 17, 1919, page 16: “Miller—On September 14, accidentally drowned at the Gorge, Gerald Dunn Miller, aged 24 years; born in Vancouver, only child of Mr. and Mrs. J.E. Miller, of Mount Edwards Apartments. The funeral will take place on Wednesday afternoon at 2:30 o’clock from the Sands funeral Chapel. Ref. J.G. Inkster will officiate. Interment will be made at Ross Bay Cemetery.”
“Lieut. G. D. Miller is Laid at Rest,” Victoria Daily Colonist, September 18, 1919, page 5; https://archive.org/stream/dailycolonist61y235uvic#page/n4/mode/1up
“Lieut. G. D. Miller is Laid at Rest; Interment Took Place Yesterday Afternoon in Ross Bay Cemetery— Large Gathering
The remains of Lieut. Gerald Dunn Miller, who was drowned In the Gorge waters on Sunday last, were laid to rest yesterday afternoon in Ross Bay Cemetery in the presence of a large gathering of sorrowing friends.
An impressive service was conducted in the Sands Funeral Chapel at 3:30 by Rev. J. O. Inkster, after which the cortege went to the Ross Bay Cemetery.
Deceased was widely known and respected in the city, which was demonstrated by the large gathering of people who wished to pay their last respects. The floral tributes were numerous and beautiful Deceased was the only son of Mr. Joseph Miller and Mrs. Miller, for whom much sympathy is expressed in their bereavement.
The late Lieut. Miller had to his credit a brilliant record as a soldier, and his early death has come as a shock to all who know him.”
Robert Stewart O’Meara (canoeing companion of Gerald Dunn Miller)
“Ontario Births, 1869-1912”, database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:FMZG-QYC : accessed 6 October 2015), Robert Stewart O’Meara, 1896.
“Canada Births and Baptisms, 1661-1959,” database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:F2XR-4BM : accessed 6 October 2015), Robert Stewart O’Meara, 18 Jul 1896; citing Toronto, York, Ontario, 18 Jul 1896, reference p 182 cn 046249; FHL microfilm 1,846,559.
“Canada Census, 1901,” database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:KHPQ-Q18 : accessed 6 October 2015), Robert S Omeara in household of Arthur Omeara, J, York (west/ouest), Ontario, Canada; citing p. 6, Library and Archives of Canada, Ottawa.
“Recensement du Canada de 1911,” database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:QV9P-Y2WV : accessed 6 October 2015), Robert Stewart Omera in entry for Arthur Eugene Omera, 1911; citing Census, Nanaimo Sub-Districts 1-28, British Columbia, Canada, Library and Archives of Canada, Ottawa, Ontario; FHL microfilm 2,417,660.
Canadian Expeditionary Force, Name: Omeara, Robert Stewart; Rank: LT; Date of Birth: 18/07/1896; Reference: RG 150, Accession 1992-93/166, Box 7465 – 1; Item Number: 547878; http://www.bac-lac.gc.ca/eng/discover/military-heritage/first-world-war/first-world-war-1914-1918-cef/Pages/item.aspx?IdNumber=547878.
Canadian Great War Project, Lieutenant Robert Stewart O’Meara; Died: February 22, 1969; http://www.canadiangreatwarproject.com/searches/soldierDetail.asp?Id=163660.
British Columbia Order in Council 694/1942, May 22, 1942; appointed as trade commissioner; http://www.bclaws.ca/civix/document/id/arch_oic/arc_oic/0694_1942.
“British Columbia Death Registrations, 1872-1986; 1992-1993”, database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:FLYF-S88 : accessed 6 October 2015), Robert Stewart O’Meara, 1969.
“British Columbia Death Registrations, 1872-1986; 1992-1993”, database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:FLB9-8WS : accessed 6 October 2015), Florence Elizabeth O’Meara, 1970.
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