Individual Details

Death

John R. Filler, a surveyor and farmer of Ashby District and one of the most widely known and representative citizens of Rockingham county, died shortly after 2 o'clock yesterday afternoon at his home near Cross Keys. His death was caused by cancer of the stomach. Mr. Filler's health began to decline about the middle of last summer. For a time it was believed that he was suffering from nervous indigestion. Later, however, his physicians began to suspect that his ill health was due to a malignant growth in the stomach. He went to the University Hospital at Charlottesville the latter part of September, where he spent several days, during which the fears of his home physicians were confirmed. He was informed at the hospital that his only hope was in a surgical operation, but he was given no assurance that even that would restore him to health. Returning home, he spent two or three weeks in arranging his business affairs, after which he returned to the hospital. There, on October 1, he went upon the operating table. Dr. Stephen H. Watts, the surgeon in charge of the case, proceeded to make an exploration, which revealed the presence in the stomach of a cancerous growth, so far advanced that its removal would have resulted in death. The operation was ...abandoned... after two weeks recuperating from the effects of the knife, returned home, fully advised of his condition, and awaited his fate. During the few days that remained for him to live, he settled all his business affairs and calmly awaited the end. He had, he assured his loved ones and others to whom he spoke on spiritual affairs, long before made his peace with his God and was ready for the final judgment, trusting in Christ, the Saviour of men. Although confined to his bed for several days, Mr. Filler apparently retained considerable strength until Wednesday, when he began to sink rapidly. Yesterday morning his condition was still more alarming, and after the noon hour had passed he sank rapidly until the end was reached. Mr. Filler was the son of Rev. Samuel and Mrs. Rebecca Filler. His father, who was a Lutheran preacher, died forty-odd years ago. He was born February 27, 1866, at Timber Ridge, in this county, and was consequently in his fifty-third year. He was educated at Bridgewater and New Market. After leaving school he returned to the home of his widowed mother at Timber Ridge, three miles southeast of Cross Keys, and began the life of surveyor and farmer, later teaching school. In May, 1887, he married Miss Florence V. Earman, daughter of the late William Earman, of the Cross Keys neighborhood. Some years after his marriage he moved from Timber Ridge to the Cross Keys neighborhood, where he made his home on the farm on which he died. Until the day of her death his mother made her home with him. He was an elder in Friedens Lutheran church, with which he united early in life. In addition to his wife he leaves two daughters - Misses Alice and Lucy, and two sons, William and Robert, all of whom are at home. A sister, who died a number of years ago, was the wife of John G. Fulton, of Augusta County. Eugene C. Tutwiler, of Ashby District, was a brother-in-law, he and Mr. Filler having married sisters. The funeral will be held tomorrow morning at 11 o'clock from Union church at Cross Keys. The services will be conducted by Rev. George E. Shuey, of the Lutheran church.
Daily News-Record, Harrisonburg, Virginia, December 10, 1909