My Genealogy Hound

THOMAS MILES, the able and energetic Highway Commissioner of Niles Township, Berrien County, Mich., has been associated with the progressive interests and advancement of his township for a period of nineteen years. He is a native of old England and was born in Cambridgeshire, August 13, 1835. His parents, Robert and Ann (Watts) Miles, were of English birth, and the mother, four-score years of age, is yet a resident of the Queen’s dominions. Our subject, reared and educated in his birthplace, was early trained to habits of industrious thrift, and attained his manhood ambitious and self-reliant. In 1854, he determined to try his fortunes in America and embarking on a sailing-vessel, the “President Fillmore,” took passage from London bound for the New World. At the close of a long and tedious voyage, lasting five weeks and three days, Mr. Miles landed safely in the harbor of New York City. For many years he remained in the Empire State, making his home in Monroe County, and there devoting himself to agricultural pursuits.

The attractions presented by the West finally drew Mr. Miles to Indiana, and, locating in Wells County, he resumed farming. He spent a number of years in the Hoosier State, and it was not until the fall of 1867 that he journeyed with his family to Michigan. He came at first to Buchanan Township, but after a time settled in the southwestern corner of Niles Township. Later he removed to his present homestead, where he has lived for a number of years. Upon March 8, 1858, some four years after his arrival in the United States, Thomas Miles was united in marriage with Miss Susan Rollings, born in Cambridgeshire, England, in April, 1839. The father and mother of Mrs. Miles, John and Rebecca Rollings, were both of English birth. Five children have blessed the home of our subject and his good wife. William was the eldest of the family; Arthur is the second in order of birth; Emma is the wife of Edwin Alliger; Elijah and Samuel complete the list. Mr. and Mrs. Miles, their sons and daughter, occupy positions of usefulness and enjoy the esteem and confidence of a large circle of friends.

Our subject received but very limited advantages for instruction in early youth, and is mainly a self-educated man. He arrived in this country without capital, but has been enabled to care for his family and acquire a farm of sixty acres, now all under excellent improvement, and a valuable and productive piece of property. Mr. Miles also owns twenty-five acres in Cass County. In his political affiliations, he is a strong Democrat and believes in the principles and platform of true Democracy. He gave to his first term as Highway Commissioner such faithful and efficient service that he was re-elected to a second term by the popular vote. Regardless of party or politics, our subject is ever ready to assist in all matters tending to the public good. Liberal-spirited and progressive, he is at all times a true representative American citizen.