My Genealogy Hound

WILLIAM MILES. The life-history of William Miles, late of Lower Merion township, Montgomery county, Pennsylvania, illustrates what may be accomplished by a man of keen foresight, sagacity and business ability of a high order, coupled with strict integrity, perseverance and enterprise. He was born October 15, 1818, and was a son of William and Mary (Miller) Miles.

William Miles (father) served an apprenticeship at the tailoring trade during the early years of his life, and in the pursuit of this occupation he achieved a large degree of success. He was also the owner of a farm in Lower Merion township, adjoining the Episcopal church known as the Church of the Redeemer, and this he cultivated and improved greatly. He married Mary Miller, and six children were born to them, as follows: 1. John, who married Mary Hedley, and their children are John, Walter, Josephine, Annie, and Catherine Miles. 2. William, mentioned at a length hereinafter. 3. Charles, who married Sarah___, and their children are William, Austin, Catherine, Mary, and John Miles. 4. Catherine, who became the wife of John Austin, and their family consists of three children: William, Adella, and Walter Austin. 5. Christopher, unmarried. 6. Margaret, who died in infancy.

William Miles obtained a practical education in the common schools of his native township. In early life he learned the trade of carpenter, and upon attaining his majority he began business at building and contracting on his own account. He successfully conducted this line of enterprise for a number of years, during which time he became well and favorably known throughout Lower Merion township as an honorable and straight-forward business man, and this reputation he retained during the entire period of his active career. He engaged in the coal and lumber trade at Rosemont, and this proving a remunerative source of income he continued dealing in these commodities until 1883, a period of almost thirty years, during which time he conducted an extensive business. He then retired from active business pursuits, and passed the remaining years of his life in the enjoyment of a well-earned rest. Mr. Miles had purchased five acres of land situated where Rosemont Station now stands, he having foreseen the practicability of the Pennsylvania Railroad being straightened and running through his land. Here he established his office and coal and lumber yards, Mr. Miles was an excellent citizen in every respect, performing the duties allotted to him in a faithful and conscientious manner. He was also a true friend, always ready and willing to lend a helping hand to those in need or distress, and his demise was sincerely mourned by many whom he had befriended in their hour of trouble. He died August 12, 1885.

Mr. Miles married Anna Broades, who was born February 20, 1822, a daughter of Richard and Mary (Holland) Broades. Their children were: Mary B., born February 7, 1853, died September 12, 1879; and Margaretta, born July 13, 1858, died October 29, 1863.