100 years ago: His health worn down by 1903 flood, farmer dies at home

From the Lawrence Daily Journal-World for Jan. 26, 1912:

“When the flood of 1903 was at its height and the muddy waters of the Kaw were tearing their way through the puny creations of man, Charles Miller and his wife were taken from the roof of their frame home. Previous to that time Mr. Miller had been a strong hearty man, but as the result of excitement and exposure heart troubles came and this morning he died of dropsy at his home 342 Rhode Island street, North Lawrence. Before the flood Mr. and Mrs. Miller had their little farm up the river and had it stocked with horses, cattle, hogs and chickens, and those who know the rich soil of Grant township can imagine the sort of home they possessed, so when the river began breaking through its banks and the waters went swirling through the ravines and old river beds, while other residents of the neighborhood moved out to seek safety on higher ground, Mr. and Mrs. Miller remained, hoping for the best…. As the river rose and one house after another was washed away, friends became alarmed and Alex Protsch braved the waters and rescued them in a boat from the roof of their home where they had been clinging to the highest point all night. After the flood they went back to their farm and remained in safety until the ice gorge of 1910 when they were again driven from their home and this time they never returned, but bought the property in which they have since lived…. Charles Miller was born in Molzdorf, Germany, May 3rd, 1840, came to America in 1865 and three years later was married to his first wife who died in the early eighties, after having borne him seven daughters. In 1885 Mr. Miller went to Germany where he married Mrs. Dora Shafer, who survives him. No children were born to this union…. The daughters are all on the Pacific coast, four being in Alaska, and none will be here for the funeral…. The services at the grave at Maple Grove will be conducted by the Turner Verein, of which Mr. Miller had been a life long member.”