Miller 's home was destroyed , along with most of Linn City , in a flood of the Willamette River on December 1 , 1861 . Miller 's home was thought to be the safest structure in the town , and other people sheltered there . But as the water rose , it became obvious they would have to evacuate the structure , which was done just before the building was swept away
flood of the Willamette River
Great Flood of 1862
James D. Miller