I went to the irisregister and there were two entries, it says:
Jephtha's Daughter B. Miller 1974
Stock destroyed
Name released 1986
Jephtha's Daughter B. Miller 1974 and than a description of the iris
The names were spelled the same.
Now, to make a long story short, I was on ebay a few years ago where I came across a listing that stated the seller was the granddaughter of Bernice Miller and she was selling some of her grandmother's irises from her grandmother's garden. I contacted the seller and asked if she knew the names of the pictured irises. She did not know but was in the process of trying to track down all of her grandmother's irises. I supplied her with a list and after much research the list grew. I ran into the same problem when viewing the AIS list - B. Miller and Bernice Miller. I assumed they were the same hybridizer for a few reasons. First, it seems she named all the irises using a biblical theme, second she introduced many through Cape Iris owned by Dave Niswonger, Commanche Acres and Garden of the Enchanted Rainbow (which was probably her garden). And many of her irises were rebloomers. Bernice's granddaughter bought irises from know reputable iris suppliers in attempt to match up (id) those irises with her original irises. They were grown side by side. She spoke with and wrote to many iris hybridizers and iris gardens. Dave Niswonger supplied her with several of Bernice's irises. Through researching with the help of several fine people I found a few articles Bernice had written and shared them with her. After Bernice became older and disabled Dave Niswonger introduced a few of Bernice's Irises. And it is my understanding Richard Richard's introduced Bernice's Legacy. Here's a iris list to the best of my knowledge hybridized by Bernice Miller. Abigail Provides 1981, Adam's Fall 1972, Altar of Fires 1990, Angelic Wings 1991, Bathsheba Comes 1989, Bernice's Legacy intro by Richard Richard's, Born Again 1972, Canaan Land 1977, Celestial Delight 1971, Celestial Happiness 1989, Celestial Sunshine 1989, introduced as Heavenly Sunshine, Cloudcaps of Galilee, Cool Siloam 1980, Coronation of David intro by Niswonger 2001, Creation Twilight 1992, Deborah Dances introduced by Dave Niswonger 2001, Dorcas Lives Again 1984, Elect Lady 1989 (photo hort.net iris photo May 2003), Eve's Temptation 1972, Fires of Gehenna 1972, Gideon Victorious, Glowing Seraphin 1987, Goliath Challenged 1978, Heavenly Largesse 1969, Heaven's Bounty 1982, Heaven's Charm 1970, Jael's Conquest 1986, Jasper's Wall 1974, Jephtha's Daughter, Jubilant Psalm 1975, Leah Traded 1990, Martha of Bethany 1981, Mother Eve Smiles 1991, Mt. Sinai Aflame 1992, My Friend Jonathan intro by Dave Niswonger 1996, Original Sin 1978, Other Mary 1987, Pharaoh's Dream 1978, Priscilla of Corinth 1996, Purple of Tyre 1986, Radiant Angel 1988, Rahabo of Jericho 1978, Rainbow's Promised 1871, Rebecca Betrothed 1977, Resurrection Story 1973, Ruth of Moab 1972, Salome Dancing 1973, Samaritan Child 1986, Samaritan Woman 1973, Sarah's Laugh 1988, Second Coming 1978, Sheba's Queen, Sister Miriam Sings 1996, Sunrise in Eden 1992, Tamar's Pledge 1978, Time of snow 1987, True and Faithful 1984, Uriah the Hittie 1978, Waters of Miraba 1991, Wedding of Cana intro by Dave Niswonger 2001, Widow of Nain 1986, Wily Delilah 1976, Witch of Endor 1977.
OK, here's the most amazing thing that happened back in 2012 while trying to help Bernice's granddaughter. I only had one of Bernice's irises named Mt. Sinai Aflame. I took a picture of it, submitted it to the AIS Photo 2012 contest and the photo was not a winner. However, it was selected to be in the AIS 2014 calendar. Thanks to Bernice's loving devoted grandchild "Bernice's Legacy" lives on.
