Source: Newbury Weekly News
Date: 17 November 1927
THE LATE MR. J. MILLER

A BAPTIST VETERAN

A member of one of the oldest families of tradesmen in the town, and one which has been prominently associated with the Baptist Church in Newbury for at least three generations, passed away on November 5th.
Joseph Miller was born nearly 81 years ago, the grandson of Mr. James Miller, who soon after 1800 started a painting and decorating business in Bartholomew-street, which was carried on by his son, then by Mr. Joseph Miller. Latterly his son-in-law, Mr. Pocock, Baptist Church organist, was associated with the firm. The grandfather, Mr. James Miller, was one of the leading members of the Baptist denomination in the town when they worshipped in the old Meeting House in that part of Northcroft then known as "Egypt." Mr. Joseph Miller was a member of the congregation when they migrated from "Egypt" to the present Baptist Chapel in 1859, of which he helped to lay many bricks.
He joined the Sunday School when five years old, and often told of how his grandfather, sitting up in the gallery with his old double bass, used to lead the singing, and how, during the singing of the hymn before the sermon, he went round snuffing out the candles, for at that time the chapel was lighted with tallow dips.
Mr. Joseph Miller was elected a Deacon in 1892, and was treasurer of the incidental fund. It was in December, 1922, that the family removed to Wokingham, and prior to their departure presentations were made to Mr.Miller of an illuminated address and an armchair, and, to Mr. Pocock, who for 28 years had been organist of the Chapel, and other members of the family.

The funeral took place on Wednesday afternoon, Nov. 9th, the service conducted by Rev. C. V. Pike, and the lesson read by the Rev. Martin Harvey, of Wokingham. Mr. P. J. Scruton was at the organ. The body had been brought from Wokingham by motor hearse, and the interment was at the Newtown Road Cemetery.
The Rev. C. V. Pike paid an eloquent tribute to Mr. Miller, whom he said was a man of simple life and of simple faith, with very few interests beyond those of his home, his daily calling and the House of God. He was a humble-minded worshipper, punctual and regular, and served as a seat steward and fabric deacon. The skill he had at his own calling he placed in the service of God in the care of the sanctuary. He not only knew it but loved the very bricks and timber of which the church was built.

The mourners were Mrs. Miller (widow), Mr. Pocock (adopted son) and Mrs. Pocock, Wokingham; Mrs. C. Sainsbury (sister), Caversham; Mr. and Mrs. P. A. Randall (High Wycombe). Amongst those at church and graveside were Miss Terry, Mrs. Davis, Mrs. Beer (cousins), Mr. MacF. Davies, Mr. Phillip Davies, Mrs. Margaret Scruton, Mr. T. S. Waite, Councillor and Mrs. A. P. Morton, Mr. W. J. Lewendon, Mr. Arnold Shepherd, Mr. Mayers (Thatcham), Miss Mayers, Mrs. Bentley, Mrs. Tallyn, Mr. and Mrs. J. Maiden, jun., Mrs. Sellwood, Mr. R. Hart, Mrs. Coombes, Mrs. Macmurdo, Mr. W. Luxton, Mr. George Clevett, Mr. J. Wise, Mrs. Bune, Mr. William Hill, Mr. and Mrs. S. Maccabee, Mr. and Mrs. Frank Freeman, Miss Selwyn, Mrs. Leather, Mrs. Swatton, Mrs. Pendall.
Wreaths were sent by his sorrowing Wife and Mr. and Mrs. Pocock and family; Sister; Loue (niece); Kittie and Hattie; Newbury Baptist Church; Mrs. Howard and Freda; Miss Clements and Reg; Mr. and Mrs. F. Capon and Gill; all at "Devonia."

Mrs. P. Code P(K)17 Page 181.
The gravestone inscription states he died "on 5 November 1927 aged 79 years".

He was brought from 6 Barkham Road, Wokingham.
Book No. 1917 Page 119 Record No.10550

Also his wife Miriam who died on 19 December 1885 aged 43 years "after 3 years suffering". She was buried on 24 December 1885.