Volume 15 , Issue 7

One Hundred Years Ago - 18 February 1913

Have you ever heard of the famed "Poet of the Sierras?" One hundred years ago today, 18 February 1913, Joaquin Miller (1837-1913), born Cincinnatus Hiner Miller. While his life and his writings have been the subject of much criticism, he helped create some of the enduring Old West myths.

When Miller could not find success in America, he went to Britain and became the popular "Poet of the Sierras." Miller has been called a "poseur" and "a vulgar fraud" and worse, and Bret Harte refused to publish any of his poems in his Overland Express. Still, at one time his poem, "Columbus," was memorized by many students.

Joaquin Miller died at his home in the hills overlooking the city of Oakland, California. He left left a widow and a daughter.

It was on a Tuesday, 18 February 1913, page 7, The Tacoma Times, out of Tacoma, Washington, reported the death of Joaquin Miller, poet of the Sierras.

Oakland, Feb. 18 (1913) -- Telegrams of sympathy from all over the world poured in on this day to the widow of Joaquin Miller, the famed "poet of the Sierras," who died late, 17 February 1913, at his home in the hills overlooking the city. The widow and his only child, Miss Juanita, were prostrated over the poet's death. Miller knew that he was near death. Just before the end he tried to move from his couch, but the effort proved fruitless. Turning to his aged wife, he whispered, "I love you, Abbie. I love you, Abbie. Goodbye."

The next words, which were his last, were scarcely audible. I can't live," he said, "I am dying. Oh, take me away ye angels. Take me away. I hear ye."

Miller's death was directly due to diabetes and arterial sclerosis. He had failed reap idly since his illness of 1911 and when he was visited two weeks ago by Lily Langtry, before whom he had strewn lilies and roses in London when the actress was not eh crest of her popularity, he tried hard to raise from his couch to greet her, but was unequal tot he task. The effort taxed his strength and aggravated his condition. The aged poet, turned until he faced Mrs. Langtry and with a smile said, "Ah, you are so beautiful. But beauty and health always remain with the good."

The famous English beauty, realizing how near the poet was to death, turned her head and wept.

The gentleness of Miller was one of his marked characteristics. No insect, even in the lowest form, had ever suffered death under his heel.

Miller left an estate valued at one hundred thousand dollars. He was born int he Wabash district of Indiana, November 10, 1841. In 1850, he crossed the plains with his parents into Oregon, the family settling in the Williamette valley. A few years later he joined a gold rush to California, was adopted by a tribe of Northern California Indians and married the daughter of the chief.

But when his wife was killed by settlers in an expedition against the raiding Indians, Miller returned to civilization, later marrying again.

The poet's wish that his body be cremated would be carried out. The cremation would take place 19 February 1913 at 10 o'clock at his home. The ceremony of scattering the ashes would be reserved for a later occasion.   |  View or Add Comments (0 Comments)   |   Receive updates ( subscribers)  |   Unsubscribe

---