Death of Mrs. Jonathan Millikan

Mrs. Jonathan Millikan died at her house east of Olathe. Wednesday evening, July 22, aged 83 years, 7 month and 18 days after a month's illness. Emily L. Whittier, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. S. R. Whittier, was born in New Hampshire. December 5, 1830. She came to Olathe in 1857 and was the first single woman to arrive here On November 25, 1858. she was married to Jonathan Millikan and for 56 years they have lived happily. Their sturdy pioneer life is one of the great things in the history or the county. The funeral was held Friday at the Methodist church conducted by the Rev. C. B. Zook..

The old settlers of the county will attend the funeral in large numbers. Mrs. Emily Louisa (Whittler) Millikan was born December 5^th, 1830, at Manchester, New Hampshire. Her mother died when she was nine years old and her father at fifteen. Being left alone in the world she formed a close attachment with her only brother, Jackson Lee Whittier who in his early life was in very poor health. With a school mate he came West in pursuit of health. In 1857 he returned and brought his sister, They arrived at Westport on May 28 having traveled on a river boat from Jefferson City. She was the first white woman In Johnson County. She and her brother kept hotel in the Hackett House where the Avenue Hotel now stands.

On November 25th, 1858, she was united in marriage with Jonathan Millikan. To this union four children were born: Mrs. Minnie Lyons and Miss Mardie Millikan of Olathe, O. W. Millikan of Pittsburg, Pa., and Mrs Ella Tracy of Fayetteville, Ark. There are two grandchildren, Miss Grace Lohman and Master Lyons. Mrs. Millikan was a second cousin of John Greenleaf Whittier. She united with the church at 18 years of age and has continued in faith unto the end when she was made a member of the Church Triumphant.

The Olathe Register
July 30, 1914
Page 1