Page:Oregon Historical Quarterly vol. 2.djvu/104

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88
H. S. Lyman.

the doctor's train somewhere out on the more rugged part of the journey, so reduced that they were obliged to move their little baggage left in a small hand cart. These were taken in and brought upon their w r ay, but upon reaching the army headquarters at The Dalles, they turned against their benefactor, making complaints that he had incited the Indians against the Americans. With characteristic boldness, the doctor, upon hearing this, demanded to meet them and have a trial. They were then unwilling to make their complaints, but he insisted, which not only illustrates Dr. Keil's character, but throws light also upon the way in which Indian troubles might be fomented. A trial was held before the military authority in which it was shown that their story was altogether a fabrication, with a hope, probably of a reward from the government, or else for services as scouts in the Indian country

Upon the death of Dr. Keil, in 1877. no one in the colony was willing to take his place, and the property was divided. Although the doctor's heirs might legally have laid claim to it all, no such claim was preferred and the estate was divided to all of the community. At Bethel, Missouri, the same course had been followed, but the division there was made on the plan of allowing to each member a payment for special services or gifts to the colony, and the remainder was apportioned according to the number of years' residence with it.

Mr. Miller is apparently still in his full strength at the age of sixty-three. He is about six feet and one inch in height and finely proportioned, weighing about one hundred and ninety pounds. His face indicates much thoughtfulness and spirituality, though his life has been spent in manual labor. He has a home which is almost a model of convenience and neatness, where he resides with a sister.