Orrin P. Miller
Born: 11 September 1858
Called as Second Counselor in the Presiding Bishopric: 24 October 1901
Called as First Counselor in the Presiding Bishopric: 4 December 1907
Died: 7 July 1918
Called as Second Counselor in the Presiding Bishopric: 24 October 1901
Called as First Counselor in the Presiding Bishopric: 4 December 1907
Died: 7 July 1918
Biographical Articles
Biographical Encyclopedia, Volume 1
Biographical Encyclopedia, Volume 3
Juvenile Instructor, 1 December 1901, Lives of Our Leaders - Presiding Bishopric: Orrin Porter Miller
Improvement Era, August 1918, Bishop Orrin Porter Miller
Young Woman's Journal, August 1918, Bishop Orrin P. Miller
Biographical Encyclopedia, Volume 3
Juvenile Instructor, 1 December 1901, Lives of Our Leaders - Presiding Bishopric: Orrin Porter Miller
Improvement Era, August 1918, Bishop Orrin Porter Miller
Young Woman's Journal, August 1918, Bishop Orrin P. Miller
Jenson, Andrew. "Miller, Orrin P." Biographical Encyclopedia. Volume 1. pg. 307-308.
MILLER, Orrin Porter, president of the Jordan Stake of Zion, is the son of Reuben Miller and Ann Cramer, and was born Sept. 11, 1858, in Mill Creek. Salt Lake county, Utah. He was baptized June 16, 1867, by Edward F. M. Guest and confirmed on the same date by Washington Lemmon; ordained a Priest Dec. 9, 1877, by Reuben Miller: ordained an Elder Nov. 6, 1881, by Alexander Hill, and became a member of the 13th quorum of Elders in the Salt Lake Stake of Zion. Nov. 10, 1881, he married Elizabeth M. Morgan of Mill Creek, in the Endowment House, Salt Lake City. Daniel H. Wells officiating. July 22, 1882, his father died, being stricken with paralysis. In 1882, after the settling up of his father's estate, he moved to Riverton, having fallen heir to eighty acres of land under his will. Feb. 10, 1884, he was ordained a Seventy by Enoch B. Tripp at South Jordan Ward and became a member of the 33rd quorum of Seventy. In May, 1885, he was set apart to preside over the Riverton branch, under the jurisdiction of Bishop Wm. A. Bills. Aug. 8, 1886, the Riverton branch was organized as a Ward when he was ordained a High Priest and Bishop and set apart to preside over the same, with Jesse M. Smith and Gordon S. Bills as his counselors. Jan. 24, 1887, he was elected president of the Riverton ecclesiastical corporation. In 1887 he became a member of the county central committee and also served one term as a member of the Territorial central committee of the People's party. For six years he acted as deputy registrar under the famous Utah commission. Aug. 6, 1889, he was elected a member of the county board of commissioners for Salt Lake County. This was the last term the People's party had control. In July, 1891, he was elected a member of the first Democratic Territorial central committee after the division on party lines. He served as a member of a board of arbitration appointed by the First Presidency, with Bishop Sheets and Elder John Nicholson, in the interests of the people of Deseret; also acted as agent of Presiding Bishop Wm. B. Preston from 1886 to 1900, in receiving hay, grain, etc., from all the Wards in the south end of Salt Lake county. Oct. 1, 1897, he was appointed a special agent by Bishop Preston to look after Church sheep, and is still serving in that capacity. At the division of the Salt Lake Stake, he was chosen to preside over the Jordan Stake, which was organized January 21, 1900, being set apart by Elder Francis M. Lyman, with Elders Hyrum Goff and James Jensen as counselors. In March, 1900, at the request of Apostle Lyman, he changed his residence from Riverton to Union Ward in order to become centrally located in the Stake. President Miller says: "I rejoice in the gospel and in the testimony of Jesus; and I have accepted in my heart every principle revealed through the Prophet Joseph Smith and have been greatly blessed of the Lord in my ministerial labors." At a meeting of the First Presidency and Twelve Apostles held Oct. 24, 1901, Pres. Miller was chosen as second counselor to Presiding Bishop Wm. B. Preston.
MILLER, Orrin Porter, president of the Jordan Stake of Zion, is the son of Reuben Miller and Ann Cramer, and was born Sept. 11, 1858, in Mill Creek. Salt Lake county, Utah. He was baptized June 16, 1867, by Edward F. M. Guest and confirmed on the same date by Washington Lemmon; ordained a Priest Dec. 9, 1877, by Reuben Miller: ordained an Elder Nov. 6, 1881, by Alexander Hill, and became a member of the 13th quorum of Elders in the Salt Lake Stake of Zion. Nov. 10, 1881, he married Elizabeth M. Morgan of Mill Creek, in the Endowment House, Salt Lake City. Daniel H. Wells officiating. July 22, 1882, his father died, being stricken with paralysis. In 1882, after the settling up of his father's estate, he moved to Riverton, having fallen heir to eighty acres of land under his will. Feb. 10, 1884, he was ordained a Seventy by Enoch B. Tripp at South Jordan Ward and became a member of the 33rd quorum of Seventy. In May, 1885, he was set apart to preside over the Riverton branch, under the jurisdiction of Bishop Wm. A. Bills. Aug. 8, 1886, the Riverton branch was organized as a Ward when he was ordained a High Priest and Bishop and set apart to preside over the same, with Jesse M. Smith and Gordon S. Bills as his counselors. Jan. 24, 1887, he was elected president of the Riverton ecclesiastical corporation. In 1887 he became a member of the county central committee and also served one term as a member of the Territorial central committee of the People's party. For six years he acted as deputy registrar under the famous Utah commission. Aug. 6, 1889, he was elected a member of the county board of commissioners for Salt Lake County. This was the last term the People's party had control. In July, 1891, he was elected a member of the first Democratic Territorial central committee after the division on party lines. He served as a member of a board of arbitration appointed by the First Presidency, with Bishop Sheets and Elder John Nicholson, in the interests of the people of Deseret; also acted as agent of Presiding Bishop Wm. B. Preston from 1886 to 1900, in receiving hay, grain, etc., from all the Wards in the south end of Salt Lake county. Oct. 1, 1897, he was appointed a special agent by Bishop Preston to look after Church sheep, and is still serving in that capacity. At the division of the Salt Lake Stake, he was chosen to preside over the Jordan Stake, which was organized January 21, 1900, being set apart by Elder Francis M. Lyman, with Elders Hyrum Goff and James Jensen as counselors. In March, 1900, at the request of Apostle Lyman, he changed his residence from Riverton to Union Ward in order to become centrally located in the Stake. President Miller says: "I rejoice in the gospel and in the testimony of Jesus; and I have accepted in my heart every principle revealed through the Prophet Joseph Smith and have been greatly blessed of the Lord in my ministerial labors." At a meeting of the First Presidency and Twelve Apostles held Oct. 24, 1901, Pres. Miller was chosen as second counselor to Presiding Bishop Wm. B. Preston.
Jenson, Andrew. "Miller, Orrin P." Biographical Encyclopedia. Volume 4. pg. 764-765.
MILLER, Orrin P., first counselor in the presiding bishopric of the Church. (Continued from Vol. 1:307.) In October, 1901, Orrin P. Miller was chosen as second counselor to Presiding Bishop Wm. B. Preston, to fill the vacancy caused by the promotion of Elder John R. Winder. He took hold of his new office with great zeal, having exhibited marked ability as a president of the Jordan Stake and in handling stock and other property belonging to the Church. He continued as second counselor to Bishop Preston until Dec. 11, 1907, when he was chosen as first counselor to Bishop Charles W. Nibley. This position he held until July 7, 1918, when he died in Salt Lake City. The following was published editorially in the "Deseret Evening News" of July 8, 1918: "The State loses a choice citizen, the Church an efficient leader and servant, and the people a tried and sturdy friend by the death of Bishop Orrin P. Miller. * * * He was of the best type of the native Utahn, unassuming but dependable, quiet but firm, patient but steadfast, an observer and a listener rather than a performer or a talker, but wise in council, conservative in outlook and of excellent sagacity as a man of affairs. Moreover, he was a man of the people, always approachable; and in his high ecclesiastical position as counselor in the Presiding Bishopric, he demonstrated a fine conception of that beautiful part of the Bishop's calling which consists in being 'good to the poor'—than which, we venture to think, there is no better proof of the true Christian, be he leader or layman. While Bishop Miller's virtues were mostly such as would be called homely, they nevertheless sustained successfully many acid public tests; and with his growth in years and prominence, so also grew he in men's confidence and esteem. Correct habits of his life and the lightly-borne physical burdens of matured middle age seemed to give warrant that many years of usefulness were still before him—but this was not to be. To say that no one will be found precisely to fill his place is an obvious truism that can be remarked of any useful man who dies in the harness. And yet human experience is that, much as such men may be needed, other men come forward to fill the gaps and the world wags on as before. No doubt it will always be so; and yet, in an exceptionally literal and sincere sense it can be said of Orrin P. Miller that he will be long and deeply mourned and by many thousands * * * the more fondly remembered because so sorely missed."
MILLER, Orrin P., first counselor in the presiding bishopric of the Church. (Continued from Vol. 1:307.) In October, 1901, Orrin P. Miller was chosen as second counselor to Presiding Bishop Wm. B. Preston, to fill the vacancy caused by the promotion of Elder John R. Winder. He took hold of his new office with great zeal, having exhibited marked ability as a president of the Jordan Stake and in handling stock and other property belonging to the Church. He continued as second counselor to Bishop Preston until Dec. 11, 1907, when he was chosen as first counselor to Bishop Charles W. Nibley. This position he held until July 7, 1918, when he died in Salt Lake City. The following was published editorially in the "Deseret Evening News" of July 8, 1918: "The State loses a choice citizen, the Church an efficient leader and servant, and the people a tried and sturdy friend by the death of Bishop Orrin P. Miller. * * * He was of the best type of the native Utahn, unassuming but dependable, quiet but firm, patient but steadfast, an observer and a listener rather than a performer or a talker, but wise in council, conservative in outlook and of excellent sagacity as a man of affairs. Moreover, he was a man of the people, always approachable; and in his high ecclesiastical position as counselor in the Presiding Bishopric, he demonstrated a fine conception of that beautiful part of the Bishop's calling which consists in being 'good to the poor'—than which, we venture to think, there is no better proof of the true Christian, be he leader or layman. While Bishop Miller's virtues were mostly such as would be called homely, they nevertheless sustained successfully many acid public tests; and with his growth in years and prominence, so also grew he in men's confidence and esteem. Correct habits of his life and the lightly-borne physical burdens of matured middle age seemed to give warrant that many years of usefulness were still before him—but this was not to be. To say that no one will be found precisely to fill his place is an obvious truism that can be remarked of any useful man who dies in the harness. And yet human experience is that, much as such men may be needed, other men come forward to fill the gaps and the world wags on as before. No doubt it will always be so; and yet, in an exceptionally literal and sincere sense it can be said of Orrin P. Miller that he will be long and deeply mourned and by many thousands * * * the more fondly remembered because so sorely missed."
"Lives of Our Leaders - Presiding Bishopric: Orrin Porter Miller." Juvenile Instructor. 1 December 1901. pg. 704-706.
LIVES OF OUR LEADERS. THE PRESIDING BISHOPRIC—ORRIN PORTER MILLER. BISHOP ORRIN PORTER MILLER, second counselor in the presiding bishopric of the Church, was born in Mill Creek, Salt Lake County, Utah, September 11, 1858. He is the son of the late Bishop Reuben Miller and his wife, Ann Craner Miller. Orrin was baptized by Elder F. M. Guest, June 16, 1867; he was ordained a Priest December, 9, 1877, by his father; was ordained an Elder November 6, 1881, by Elder Alexander Hill, when he joined the thirteenth quorum of Eiders of the Salt Lake Stake of Zion. On February 10, 1884, he was ordained a Seventy by President Enoch B. Tripp, of the thirty-third quorum, of which quorum Brother Miller became a member. Brother Miller married Miss Elizabeth M. Morgan of Mill Creek, on November 10, 1881. The ceremony was performed in the Endowment House, Salt Lake City, President Daniel H. Wells, officiating. In .July, 1882, Bishop Reuben Miller died of paralysis. After the settling up of the estate, his son Orrin moved to Riverton where, under the provisions of his father's will, he had become the owner of eighty acres of land. Riverton was at that time (1882,) a portion of the South .Jordan Ward. Shortly after it was given a branch organization, and Brother Miller was appointed its president. The branch grew into a ward, and was organized, August 8, 1886, when Brother Miller was ordained a High Priest and Bishop, and set apart to preside over the same. At the time of the division of the Salt Lake Stake, into the Salt Lake, Granite, and Jordan Stakes, Bishop Miller was chosen to preside over the last named. He was set apart to this responsible office by Elder Francis M. Lyman, of the council of the Apostles, January 21, 1900, and was given Elders Hyrum Goff and James Jensen as his counselors. When the First Presidency of the Church was reorganized after the death of President Lorenzo Snow, and Bishop John R. Winder was chosen as first counselor to President Joseph F. Smith, Brother Miller was called to fill the vacancy in the presiding bishopric; this choice was made at a meeting of the First Presidency and Twelve Apostles held in the Salt Lake Temple, Thursday, October 24, 1901, Brother Miller was set apart the next day, President Joseph F. Smith being mouth. Bishop Miller has also been prominent in business and political circles. In 1887 he became a member of the County central committee of the People's party; he also served one term on its Territorial central commit tee. For six years he acted as deputy registrar under the notorious Utah commission. In 1889 he became a member of the Board of commissioners for Salt Lake County. After the political division of the people of Utah on national party lines, Brother Miller was elected in July, 1891, a member of the first Democratic Territorial central committee. He has also been an officer in several canal and other companies connected with the best interests of the people. In the South Jordan Canal Company he was appointed, April 16, 1898, a director to fill the unexpired term of C. E. Weiler; on the 3 1st of October, following, he was elected a director, and on November 5, its vice president. He served at one time, in connection with Bishop E. F. Sheets and Elders John Nicholson and L. John Nuttall, by appointment of the First Presidency, as a member of a Board of Arbitration to consider and decide on questions in which the water rights of the people of Deseret (Millard County) were involved. Bishop Miller has been highly successful in the breeding and care of live stock. His ability and integrity in this direction have long been recognized. Prom 1886 to 1900 he acted as bishop's agent in the collection of hay, grain, etc. from all the wards in the south end of Salt Lake County. In the fall of 1897, he was appointed a special agent to look after the Church sheep; and it is highly probable that in his present calling much of his time will be devoted to the superintendence of the Church's live stock interests. As a Latter-day Saint, Bishop Miller is “strong in the faith.” To use his own words: “I rejoice in the Gospel and the testimony of Jesus; and I have accepted in my heart every principle revealed through the Prophet Joseph Smith, and have been greatly blessed of the Lord in my ministerial labors.” |
BISHOP ORRIN P. MILLER
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"Bishop Orrin Porter Miller." Improvement Era. August 1918. pg. 910-911.
Bishop Orrin Porter Miller First counselor to Presiding Bishop C. W. Nibley, of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, died at his home on South State street, Granite stake of Zion, Salt Lake City, shortly before one o'clock, Sunday morning, July 7. Bishop Miller was born September 11, 1858, in Mill Creek, Salt Lake county. He was the son of Reuben Miller and Ann Craner., He was married on November 10, 1881, to Elizabeth N. Morgan, Daniel H. Wells officiating in the ordinance performed in the Endowment House at Salt Lake City. His father having! died July 22, 1882, Orrin settled up his father's estate and moved to Riverton where a portion of land had fallen to him through his father's will. In 1885, he was appointed to preside over the Riverton branch and later, when the branch was made a ward, was ordained its Bishop. On November 6, 1881, he had been ordained an elder and on February 10, 1884, a seventy. In 1887, he became a member of the County Central Committee of the People's Party, and thereafter for a number of years took part in civil affairs, being also a member for one term, of the Territorial Central Committee of that party. For six years he acted as Deputy Registrar under the Utah Commission; and in 1889, was elected a member of the County Board of Commissioners, of Salt Lake county. In July, 1891, the old People's Party having gone out of control, he wa9 elected a member of the First Democratic Territorial Central Committee, serving in this capacity for a number of years. From 1886 to 1900, he acted as agent for Presiding Bishop William B. Preston, in receiving hay, grain, etc., from all the wards in the southern end of Salt Lake county. In 1897, he was appointed a special agent by Bishop Preston to look after the Church sheep herds. When the Jordan stake was organized, January 21, 1900, he was set apart as its president. His death removed from this life the last of the original presidency of that stake, President Hyrum Goff having died in November, 1914, and Elder James Jensen a few months later. Bishop Miller was chosen, October 24, 1901, second counselor to Presiding Bishop Wm. B. Preston, and when the latter was succeeded by Presiding Bishop C. W. Nibley, Bishop Miller was made first counselor. In business affairs Bishop Miller was one of the directors of the Nevada Land and Live Stock Co., also of the Juab Development Co. He was a member of the Utah Lake Commission for a number of years, and also acted as one of the Arbitration Committee for the farmers in matters connected with the smelters. As one of the Presiding Bishopric, he had in charge most of the farming interests of the Church, and also the care of most of the Church public buildings. He was specially fitted for this work, he having been a rancher and farmer for many years. Bishop Miller was one of the kindliest men that one could ever meet. He was one of the people, and a humble and energetic laborer for their welfare and good. In him every man in need had a friend; and the most humble laborer was ever welcomed in his home and in his office with the same degree of cordiality as was extended to the wealthiest or the highest in power and authority. His friends are numbered by the thousands. In him the State loses a choice citizen, and the people a noble and tried friend, dependable, firm and patient; steadfast in the faith, wise in counsel, and a kind man, of sympathetic feeling, helpful, and able in business affairs. The eulogies pronounced at the funeral services at the Assembly Hall, on the 10th of July, testified that he was a man of the people, easily approached, and good to the poor. In every way, he answered the description, as given by the Apostle Paul to his beloved son Timothy, of what a Bishop should be. More could not be said of any man. He goes to his rest beloved by all, having finished a good course, and won his salvation. |
Smith, David A. "Bishop Orrin P. Miller." Young Woman's Journal. August 1918. pg. 440-441.
Bishop Orrin P. Miller.
By Bishop David A. Smith.
After forty-one years of faithful service in the Priesthood, another chosen servant has been honorably released to return home.
On the seventh day of July, 1918. at one a. m. Bishop Orrin P. Miller, first counselor to Bishop Charles W. Nibley. Presiding Bishop of the Church of Jesus Christ of latter-day Saints, passed away at his home near the place of his birth, in Salt Lake county.
Bishop Miller was born in Mill Creek. Salt Lake County, on September 11. 1858. His early days were spent upon the farm, where he and his brothers helped their father provide for a large family.
At the age of nineteen he was ordained a Priest, and during the following seven years he was ordained and labored as an Elder and a Seventy. He was a member of the Thirteenth Quorum of Elders, and a member of the Thirty-third Quorum of Seventy. Tn May, 1885, he was set apart to preside over the Riverton Branch, and later, in 1886, when this branch was organized into a ward, he was ordained Bishop of this ward.
Being a good farmer and an excellent cattle man. he was selected by Bishop William B. Preston and appointed Bishop’s agent. As such, he was required to look after the tithes received in the district in which he resided. Cattle and sheep which were shipped to Salt Lake City for the use of the Bishop's General Storehouse were placed in his care and under his direction were fattened and prepared for the block.
On January 21. 1900, he was ordained and set apart President of the Jordan Stake, which position he held until October 24, 1901. when he was chosen as second counselor to Bishop William B. Preston, succeeding John R. Winder who had been selected second counselor to President Joseph F. Smith. From that time until December 11. 1907, the burden of the work at the Presiding Bishop’s Office rested upon him, both Bishop Preston and Bishop Burton being aged and feeble and therefore unable to look after the detail which fell upon Bishop Miller.
On December 11. 1907, Charles W. Nibley was sustained as Presiding Bishop with Orrin P. Miller as his first counselor. Since that time Bishop Miller has continued to labor in the office of the Presiding Bishopric where he has been an efficient counselor and a willing worker.
There was no question in his mind as to the divinity of the work in which he was engaged, and his greatest desire in life was to be true to the principles of the gospel and to the servants of the Lord who had been called to positions of responsibility in the Church. Humble in spirit he was kind and approachable and a true friend to the poor.
Although ailing for some time, the disease which was the cause of his death ordinarily being very painful, he at no time after he had taken to his bed, complained of pain or distress. He was very hopeful that his condition would improve and that he would be out and at his work again.
Why he should be taken at a time when his experience and judgment are so valuable we cannot understand, but we feel that the Lord doeth all things well, and that his work was acceptable to his Maker.
Bishop Orrin P. Miller.
By Bishop David A. Smith.
After forty-one years of faithful service in the Priesthood, another chosen servant has been honorably released to return home.
On the seventh day of July, 1918. at one a. m. Bishop Orrin P. Miller, first counselor to Bishop Charles W. Nibley. Presiding Bishop of the Church of Jesus Christ of latter-day Saints, passed away at his home near the place of his birth, in Salt Lake county.
Bishop Miller was born in Mill Creek. Salt Lake County, on September 11. 1858. His early days were spent upon the farm, where he and his brothers helped their father provide for a large family.
At the age of nineteen he was ordained a Priest, and during the following seven years he was ordained and labored as an Elder and a Seventy. He was a member of the Thirteenth Quorum of Elders, and a member of the Thirty-third Quorum of Seventy. Tn May, 1885, he was set apart to preside over the Riverton Branch, and later, in 1886, when this branch was organized into a ward, he was ordained Bishop of this ward.
Being a good farmer and an excellent cattle man. he was selected by Bishop William B. Preston and appointed Bishop’s agent. As such, he was required to look after the tithes received in the district in which he resided. Cattle and sheep which were shipped to Salt Lake City for the use of the Bishop's General Storehouse were placed in his care and under his direction were fattened and prepared for the block.
On January 21. 1900, he was ordained and set apart President of the Jordan Stake, which position he held until October 24, 1901. when he was chosen as second counselor to Bishop William B. Preston, succeeding John R. Winder who had been selected second counselor to President Joseph F. Smith. From that time until December 11. 1907, the burden of the work at the Presiding Bishop’s Office rested upon him, both Bishop Preston and Bishop Burton being aged and feeble and therefore unable to look after the detail which fell upon Bishop Miller.
On December 11. 1907, Charles W. Nibley was sustained as Presiding Bishop with Orrin P. Miller as his first counselor. Since that time Bishop Miller has continued to labor in the office of the Presiding Bishopric where he has been an efficient counselor and a willing worker.
There was no question in his mind as to the divinity of the work in which he was engaged, and his greatest desire in life was to be true to the principles of the gospel and to the servants of the Lord who had been called to positions of responsibility in the Church. Humble in spirit he was kind and approachable and a true friend to the poor.
Although ailing for some time, the disease which was the cause of his death ordinarily being very painful, he at no time after he had taken to his bed, complained of pain or distress. He was very hopeful that his condition would improve and that he would be out and at his work again.
Why he should be taken at a time when his experience and judgment are so valuable we cannot understand, but we feel that the Lord doeth all things well, and that his work was acceptable to his Maker.