Samuel Miles Family

1Samuel Miles: Reminiscences, 1826-1881, photocopy in possession of Beth Davies of handwritten

original found in the Huntington Library. All information on Samuel Miles which is not foot-noted is taken from this

source.

2Obituary, Washington County News (St. George, Utah), Vol. III, #18, May 26, 1910, FHL film 1,486,766.

3Compiled Service Records, M ormon Battalion, FHL film 471,517 shows that Samuel enlisted at Council

Bluffs July 16, 1846. Company Muster Rolls for M arch-June 1847 show he had extra duty assisting the commissary.

He was mustered out on July 16, 1847 at Los Angeles.

4Gerry Avant, Church News (Salt Lake City), Feb. 8, 1997, p. 11, quoting Larry C. Porter.

©Beth Davies AG. Permission is granted to copy for personal use.1

THE SAMUEL MILES FAMILYBeth Daves AG

The story of Samuel and Hannah Marinda Colborn Miles parallels the history of theChurch of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and they participated in many of the major events inMormon History. Samuel completed a history of his life in 18811 which I can only brieflysummarize here. Samuel Miles was born April 8, 1826 in Attica, Genesee County, New York, theson of Samuel and Prudence Marks Miles.2 He tells of his family joining the Church in New Yorkin 1833 when he was 7 years old. In the fall of 1835 his family began their trek to Missouri. Theyspent that winter at New Portage, 50 mile west of Kirtland, Ohio. They had passed through Kirtland,and Samuel's father attended the dedication of the Kirtland temple. They bought land andestablished a farm near Far West. With the rest of the Saints, his family was driven from Missouriin the winter of 1838. In fall of 1839, Samuel's family moved to Nauvoo. There Samuel beganteaching school at the age of 15, something he would do at times throughout the rest of his life. Hepursued his own studies in Nauvoo in the following years while teaching terms of school in theoutlying communities of Blandenburgh, and LaHarpe. On hearing of the death of the prophet,Joseph Smith, he rode home by way of Carthage and attended the prophet's funeral. His family leftNauvoo in June of 1846 and arrived at Council Bluffs in July, just as the Mormon Battalion wasbeing recruited. Samuel volunteered for the Battalion and marched with them to San Diego.3 In SanDiego, "The battalion men also participated in community government. Because of his knowledgeof American jurisprudence, Samuel Miles helped the Mexican Alcalde (Justice of the Peace ormayor) to administer U.S. laws."4

When Samuel's enlistment ended, he traveled with a large group of other ex-Battalionmembers to Sutter's Fort, intending to meet his family in the Salt Lake Valley. While travelingtoward the valley, this group received word from President Young that provisions were short in thevalley and those who were single should plan to stay in California temporarily. Samuel and othersreturned to Sutter's Fort. Most of the men stayed there, but Samuel and Zadok Judd went byhorseback to San Francisco. Samuel worked in that area, chopping wood for two months, then foundemployment as a clerk in a store in Benicia. He writes of improving his Spanish while working here,since many of the customers were native Californians. He worked here for about six months, thenwent back to Sutter's Fort, where gold had been discovered, and served as a clerk for SamuelBrannan there for two months.

Samuel left for the Salt Lake Valley in July of 1848 and arrived there on Sept. 10th. Therehe found his brother Ira's wife (Ira had returned east) and learned that his father had died in St. Louis,

5Declaration for Widow's Pension, Mormon Battalion Pension Records, Samuel Miles, FHL film 480,141.

6Price Ward, St. George Stake, Records of Members, #16, FHL film 26,419.

7Frank Esshon, Pioneers and Prominent Men of Utah (Salt Lake City: Utah Pioneers Book Publishing

Company, 1913), p. 814.

8Albert E. M iller, The Immortal Pioneers--Founders of City of St. George, Utah (Albert E. Miller, 1946), p.

15, FHL 979.248/S1H2m.

9Washington County, U tah, County Court Minutes, Book A, 1854-72, p. 251, dated 2 Feb. 1872, FHL film

484,840.

10Washington County, Utah, Deeds, Book E, pg. 174, FHL film 929,326.

11Ibid., Book F, p. 67.

12Ibid., Book T, p. 182, FHL film 929,333.

13Ibid., p. 504-505.


Missouri in December of 1847. Samuel sent money to help the rest of his family come to the valley.He obtained a farm lot near Mill Creek and a city lot in the 3rd Ward. On Sept. 6, 1849, he marriedHannah.5

Hannah Marinda Colborn was born Dec. 29, 1831 in Rose, Wayne County, New York, thedaughter of Thomas Franklin and Sarah Bower Colborn 6 Thomas Colborn had served as a memberof Zion's Camp during the Missouri era of LDS history. Hannah came to Utah with her parents inthe Heber C. Kimball company which arrived Sept. 24, 1848.7 Samuel Miles mentions visits to orfrom Hannah's family frequently in his journal. Samuel got "gold fever" and left for California that November. He returned home about ayear later with not much to show for his efforts. He and his family resided in the Salt Lake area until1862, at which time he received a "call" to go to St. George. Five children were born to Samuel andHannah in Salt Lake: William Gustavus in 1851, Samuel in 1853, Thomas Colborn in 1856, Ira in1859, and John Talmai in 1862

Albert Miller, in The Immortal Pioneers say, ""The Call," which consisted of reading inconference the names of those selected to found the "Dixie Mission," which was now deemednecessary, was issued during the October conference, 1861." A foot-note taken from the journal ofCharles L. Walker adds that "A second call was made in Salt Lake City at conference October 19,1862, when 250 additional names were read in meeting."8

Samuel and Hannah resided in St. George and neighboring Price (originally calledHeberville) for the rest of their lives and most of their children remained there. Samuel farmed andalso taught school. Four more children were born in St. George: Franklin Godbe in 1865, JamesEdwin in 1867, Charles Henry in 1870, and their only daughter, Hannah Marinda, in 1874.

Washington County records show that Samuel served as a Justice of the Peace.9 Land recordsshow Samuel owned Lot 4, Block 2 in Heberville10, Lot 8 Block 17, Plat C in St. George11 (this wassold in 1883)12. He and his sons bought for $1600 in 1881 the following property in Price (formerlyHeberville): lots 2 and 4, Block 2, Plat B; lots 7 and 8, Block 5, Plat B; lot 3, Block 6, Plat B; lots3 and 4, Block 1, Plat C, Lot 6, Block 2, Plat C; Lot 8, Block 2, Plat 3; Lot 2, Block 4, Plat C; Lot1, Block 6, Plat C; Lot 9, Block 2, Plat C. In 1883, he bought 80 acres of land described as the easthalf of the south-east quarter of section 35, Township 42S, Range 16W.13 He sold portions of this

14Ibid., p. 357, 363, 632.

15Washington County, Utah, Assessment Roles, 1865, p. 16; 1866, p. 48; 1867, p. 90; 1868, p. 124; 1869,

p. 160; 1871, p . 218; 1872, p. 10; 1873, p . 56; 1874 , p. 92; 1875, p. 136; 1876-77, p . 10; 1877 , p. 52; FHL film

484,841

16Washington County, Utah, Probate Record H-3, p. 453, FHL film 484,832.

171900 U.S. Census, Bloomington Precinct, Washington Co., Utah, E.D. 173, sheet 8, dwelling #124, FHL

film 1,241,688.

18Camp Sunflower D.U .P, Utah Pioneer Histories and Biographies (Provo, Utah), p.156-157, FHL film

363,044.


land over the next few years. 14 Washington County tax assessment roles show Samuel's property inSt. George increased in value from $200 in 1865 to $800 by 1872. He usually owned at least 2 cows(in 1867 he had 8). In various years he owned mules, horses, sheep or goats, and swine and someyears indicated he owned either a clock or a watch.15 Probate records filed nearly 10 years after hisdeath show that Samuel owned nearly 100 acres of land when he died.16

By the 1900 Census, all of Samuel's children had left home and he and Hannah were livingin Bloomington Precinct.17

In his "Reminiscences" Samuel wrote in 1865, "My boys are a great comfort to me and I hopeto teach them that they grow up intelligent and as good in the Kingdom of God. I pray that I mayacquit myself well as a parent. "Minnie Miles Mathis, in a DUP history, recorded that her fatherwrote in 1887, "Feel a determination to keep the commandments of the Lord and be more faithfulthan ever. I realized the Lord is blessing me with his spirit in answers to my prayers. I am seekingto be careful to keep the word of wisdom and observe all the commandments. I have much comfortin the Spirit of the Lord shed forth on me in my labors." She says that he tells of going to Salt Laketo the dedication of the temple in 1893, that in 1899 he and Hannah celebrated their 60th weddinganniversary with 6 children and 23 grandchildren present, that in 1905 her parents moved to St.George to work in the temple, that in 1908 Samuel was ordained a Patriarch. Amongaccomplishments of her father she mentions he was "Supt. of Sunday School, Ward Clerk, Highcouncilman, Clerk of St. George, High Priest, Justice of the Peace, Adjutant in Nauvoo Legion, Sec.of Price Irrigation co. At the time of death, he was oldest school teacher in Wash. Co. and attendedteachers institute even after he quit teaching."18

A lengthy obituary appeared in the Washington County News when Samuel died in 1910,giving the highlights of his eventful life. It read:

"Samuel Miles died at his home in this city, Sunday, May 22 in the 85th year of his age. Hewas a veteran of the Mormon Battalion and had had a remarkable career. The following sketch ofhis life is furnished by his son, W.G. Miles of this city:

Samuel Miles was born, a son of Samuel and Prudence Marks Miles, at Attica, New Yorkstate, April 8, 1826. In the winter of 1833-4 Elders Orson Pratt and John Murdock of the Latter-daySaints church preached the gospel in Caattarangus Co., N. Y., and the Miles family were amongthose who heard and believed. In the fall of 1835 he, together with his father's family, started for thegathering place of the saints in Missouri; they passed through Kirtland, O., and camped for the winterat New Portage, O., where he was baptized by Elder Solomon Warner in April 1836. The familycontinued its journey the same year and settled near Far West, Caldwell Co., Mo. Samuel Miles was

19Miller, The Immortal Pioneers (Albert E. M iller, 1946), records on page 123 "Samuel Miles records in

his journal: "I commenced to teach in the First Ward, St. George, December 4, 1866.

When the people had located on their city lots in 1862, the town was organized into four wards, each having

its own board of school trustees. Through the cooperation of the ward organizations and the trustees, three other

school and church buildings were soon erected.

Of these houses, the First, Second, and Third Ward buildings were used five days a week for school and

Saturday and Sunday for church activities."

20Price Ward, St. George Stake, Record of Ordinations, #4 &#39, FHL film 26,419 shows that Samuel was

ordained a Seventy on Jan. 18, 1851 and a High Priest on Aug. 18, 1867.


present at the laying of the corner stone of the temple at Far West in July 1838. He often said thatacts of the mob militia ordered out by Gov. Boggs in devastating the fields, destroying the crops ofthe saints, abusing aged and peaceful citizens, their hideous yells and cries when they had theProphet Joseph and other brethren prisoners in their camp, near his father's house, were all indeliblyimpressed upon his mind. These incidents together with the sufferings endured before they reachedNauvoo formed a chapter in his life never to be forgotten. The family finally settled at Nauvoo, andhad the privilege of attending the University of Nauvoo and receiving instructions from Prof. OrsonPratt, Lorin Farr and others. At the age of fifteen Samuel Miles taught primary school in Nauvoo andlater taught school in the eastern part of Hancock Co. After the death of the Prophet Joseph he rodefifty miles, passing through Carthage on the way, to attend the funeral. He also took an active partin defending the city of Nauvoo against the mob.

In June, 1846, he left Nauvoo for the west, and on reaching Council Bluffs, Ia., enlisted inthe Mormon Battalion. He often said the experiences from July 16, 1846 to July 16, 1847, when hewas discharged at Los Angeles, Cal., formed a notable year in his life. Upon the Mormon Battalionreaching California, that country, then Mexican territory, was taken possession of in the name of theUnited States by the officer in command of the battalion, and Samuel Miles through his knowledgeof United States law was enabled to make out the proper papers and forms relating to the transactionwithout the assistance of books. Soon after his discharge Samuel Miles together with otherdischarged soldiers started for Great Salt Lake, but received word from Pres. Brigham Young toremain in California for a while longer. During his stay in California he acquired a knowledge ofSpanish from the Mexicans of that country and could speak that language quite fluently. He was thefirst alcalda (justice of the peace) to administer United States law in California.

Returning to Utah in Sept., 1848, he settled in great Salt Lake City, and was married in thatcity to Hannah M. Colborn Sept. 6, 1849. In the same year he went east for his mother, his fatherhaving died during his absence. He was ordained a Seventy Jan. 18, 1851 and in 1857 fulfilled amission in California. In October 1862 he was called to help colonize the southern part of theterritory and settled in St. George, where he engaged in school teaching.19 He was ordained a highpriest by apostle Erastus Snow May 12, 186720, and set apart as a high councilor in the St. Georgestake and also as Stake Supt. of Sunday Schools. In 1875 he moved his family across the Virgin riverto Price and farmed land there, continuing to do so until within five years of his death. He movedback to St. George about five years ago. He held the position of patriarch in the church at the timeof his death.

He enjoyed a U.S. pension up to the time of his death for his services with the Mormon

21Mormon Battalion Pension Records, FHL film 480,141, show that Samuel received $8 per month in 1887,

which by May 9, 1907 had been raised to $20 per month. After Samuel's death, Hannah received $12 per month.

22Samuel Miles Dead; W as Mormon Battalion V et., Washington County News (St. George, Utah), Vol. III,

#18, May 26, 1910, FHL film 1,486,766.

23Samuel Miles: Reminiscences, pp. 21-22.


Battalion.21

A wife and eight children besides a host of grandchildren survive him, the children consistingof seven sons and one daughter, as follows: W. A., Samuel, Ira, John, Frank G., and Mrs. W.B.Mathis, all of this city: Thomas Miles of Mesa Arizona, and Charles Miles of Salt Lake City.

Funeral Services were held in the Tabernacle at 3 p.m. Tuesday under direction of Bp. JamesMcArthur, of whose ward deceased was a member. A sketch of the life of deceased was read byElder James G. Bleak, after which remarks bearing on the eventful and useful life of deceased weremade by Elder Rufus C. Allen, the sole survivor of a number of St. George members of the MormonBattalion; Elder D. H. Cannon, president of the St. George temple; Stake Pres. Ed. H. Snow, ElderDavid H. Morris, and Bp. Jas. McArthur. Some beautiful singing was a feature of the services. Atthe conclusion of the services in the tabernacle, the remains were followed by relatives and friendsto the city cemetery, where interment was made."22

In 1865, Samuel Miles wrote about Hannah, "My wife has always been a faithful companionto me and has always labored assiduously for her children. She has been faithful to this mission."23

Hannah lived only a year and half after Samuel's death. Her obituary in the WashingtonCounty Times read:

"Hannah Marinda Colborn Miles (who passed peacefully away Oct. 18, 1911, at the homeof her son, Wm. G. Miles, this city) was born at Rose, Wayne county, N.Y. Dec. 29, 1831. Shemoved with her family (who had previously joined the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints)to Kirtland, Ohio, about 1833, and gathered with the Saints at Nauvoo shortly before the exodusfrom that place. As a girl and young woman she took an active part in the struggles and privationsincident to the migration westward, also the early settlement of Salt Lake City from 1848, when shearrived in the valley. She was one of the early settlers of Utah's "Dixie, " coming here with herhusband, Samuel Miles, in response to a call from President Brigham Young in 1862, in the fall ofwhich year they settled in St. George. In a public capacity she has acted as ward president of theRelief society and was for many years a member of the stake presidency of the Relief society. Untilthe end, she was a consistent and faithful Latter-day Saint, a devoted mother, and a faithful friend.She was the mother of nine children and is survived by 7 children, with 44 grandchildren, 44 alive,and 19 great-grandchildren.

Funeral services over the remains of Mrs. Hannah M.C. Miles were held in the tabernacleFriday, October 20. The stand was nicely decorated with flowers and the casket containing the mortalremains of the good and aged woman was also covered with a variety of beautiful flowers. A greatnumber of people were present to pay a last tribute to the one returned home. A duet was sung byMamie and Viola McAllister, and solos by Mesdames W.O. Bentley, Jr. and W.R. Pike The openingprayer was offered by Elder Joseph Orton and closing prayer by Elder Geo. F. Whitehead. Thespeakers were Elders D.H. Morris, D.H. Cannon, Ed. H. Snow and James McArthur, all of whompaid warm tribute to the worth of the departed sister while here, and extended consolation to the

24Obituary--Mrs. S. Miles, Washington County News (St. George, Utah), Vol. IV., #40, Oct. 26, 1911.

25Price Ward, St. George Stake, Records of Members, #17, FHL film 26,419.

26Price Ward, St. George Stake, Record of Ordinations, #25, #49, & #64.

27Samuel Miles: Reminiscences, p. 24.

28Ibid, p. 25.

29Washington County, Utah, Deeds, Book E, page 169--Land Certificate, FHL film 929,326.

30Ibid., Book F, p. 385.

31Samuel Miles, Reminiscences, p. 27.

321880 U.S. Census, Price City and Precinct, Washington Co., Utah, E.D. 93, sheet 37, dwelling #3, FHL

film 1,255,339.

33Miller, The Immortal Pioneers, p. 134.

341900 U.S. Census, St. George Precinct, Washington Co., Utah, E.D. 175, sheet 10, dwelling #178, FHL

film 1,241,688.

351910 U.S. Census, St. George, Washington Co., Utah, E.D . 210, sheet 3b, dwelling #49, FHL film

1,375,623.

361920 U .S. Census, St. George (City and Precinct), Washington Co., Utah, E.D. 231, sheet 7a, dwelling

#109, FHL film 1,821,869.

37Mrs. Mary M. W. Leany, compiler, St. George, Washington County Utah Cemetery Records 1861-1935,

p. 82.


relatives. Interment was made in the city cemetery."24

THE CHILDREN

William Gustavus Miles was born Sept. 13, 1851 in Salt Lake City25 . He was ordained aTeacher Jan. 31, 1866, an Elder Nov. 15, 1869, and a High Priest Nov. 20, 1881.26

Samuel Miles recorded in his "Reminiscences" in 1869, "Gustavus went to Salt Lake Cityon a working trip & visit in June; he received his Endowment.."27 In 1871, he wrote, "Gustavus alsocommenced Feb. 28 to learn Stone cutting at St. George Tabernacle."28 Washington County landrecords show that William G. Miles own Lot 1, Block 1 in Heberville (later called Price) by 1873.29

In 1876, he bought lots 3 and 4 of Block 4, Plot D in St. George for $50.30

Gustavus married Paralee Amanda Church at the Endowment House in Salt Lake on May25, 1874.31

William Gustavus first appeared as a head of household in the 1880 census. His occupationat that time was "stone cutter".32 William helped build the foundation and did part of the stonecutting for the first school building in St. George in 1897-98.33 In the 1900 census, he was acarpenter,34 but the 191035 and 192036 census list him again as a stone cutter.

William Gustavus Miles died 6 May 1927 and is buried in the St. George cemetery as is hiswife who died 29 July 1929.37 His obituary in the Washington County News states in part, "...Hewas formerly justice of the peace in this city and performed the duties of that office without fear or

38William G. Miles Dead, Washington County News (St. George, Utah), Vol.. XX, Number 18, May 12,

1927, BYU film W27 #6.

39Price Ward, St. George Stake, Records of Members, #18.

40Price Ward, St. George Stake, Record of Ordinations, #26.

41Samuel Miles, Reminiscences, p. 24.

42Ibid., p. 25.

43Ibid., p. 27.

44Washington County, Utah, Deeds, Book F, p. 387, FHL film 929,326.

45Ibid., Book T, p. 124, FHL film 929,332.

461880 U.S. Census, St. George City and Precinct, Washington Co., Utah, E.D. 93, p. 352, dwelling #115,

FHL film 1,255,339.

471900 U.S. Census, St. George Precinct, Washington Co., Utah, E.D. 175, sheet 7, dwelling #116, FHL

film 1,241,688.


49Ibid., p. 50.


favor. He was a patriarch in the L.D.S. church at the time of his death and had been very active ingenealogical work. He worked as a mason on the St. George temple, Manti temple. St. George Staketabernacle and other public buildings. He was a man of his word, scrupulously honest, a kind andloving husband and father.....Elder Brooks said....Brother Miles was a producer. He worked for andearned all he ever had and maintained and reared his family up in honor by diligent labor.....ElderMorris said he knew Brother Miles first as an officer in the Y.M.M.I.A. of St. George Stake, thesecond such organization in the Church...Brother Miles taught his children correct principles byprecept and by example, and there has not lived in this town a more charitable woman than SisterMiles.38

Samuel Miles, Jr. was born 23 Dec. 185339 in Salt Lake City. He was ordained an ElderNov. 14, 1875 and a Seventy Oct. 30, 1887.40

In October of 1867, Samuel went north to Weber Valley to live with his grandfather, ThomasColborn. He returned home the next fall.41 His father wrote in 1871, "On the first of Jan. Samuelcommenced to learn the harness and saddle trade in St. George with Bro. Platt." 42 Samuel marriedLouisa Worthen on Dec. 6th 1875. 43 He bought lot 5, next to his brother Gustavus, of Block 4, PlotD, in St. George in 1876 for $25.44 He bought lot 6, Block 30, Plot A in 1883 for $700. 45He is firstlisted as a head of household in the 1880 census. His occupation at that time was "harness maker".46

This was still his occupation in 1900.47 The Immortal Pioneers records, "One of the indispensabletradesman was the harnessmaker. Without him there could be no teaming. This need was filled byHenry Platt, who plied his trade, to turn into harnesses the leather tanned. After the completion ofthe Temple many reverses came to the people in St. George. Conditions looked bright elsewhere, andmany moved away, among them the harnessmaker. However, there remained one who had learnedthe trade in Platt shop, Samuel Miles, Jr., who acquired and operated the harness business. Later, hisbrother, Frank G. Miles, followed the trade. 48 On Jan. 4, 1896, Samuel Miles, Jr. became a citycouncilman for St. George.49

50Leany, St. George Cemetery Records, pp.21, 22.

51Samuel Miles is Called, Washing ton County News, Vol. XIV, #22, June 9, 1921, BYU film W27 #4.



54Sevier County Marriage License Book 1A, p. 12, FHL film 482,036.

55Alice H . B. M iles, The Salt Lake Tribune (Salt Lake City, Utah), April 18, 1947, p. 19.

561900 U.S. Census, St. George Precinct, Washington County, Utah, E.D. 175, sheet 13, dwelling #218,

FHL film 1,241,688.

571910 U.S. Census, St. George, Washington County, U tah, E.D . 210, sheet 15b, dwelling #271 , FHL film

1,375,623.

58Leany, St, George Cemetery Records, p. 82.


Samuel Miles Jr. died 5 June 1921 and is buried in the St. George cemetery with his wife,Esther Louise Worthen, who died 17 June 1920.50 His obituary tells us, "Samuel Miles of this citypassed away last Sunday at the home of his daughter, Mrs. George Judd, at La Verkin of cancer ofthe face. He had suffered for years from this disease which first started in 1888. Soon after it wasapparently cured but broke out again later. He tried specialists but obtained no permanent benefit.Since the death of his wife last July the trouble became more aggravated until at last he had to taketo his bed and give in to it. He did not suffer the last two days of his life...He is survived by twodaughters, Mrs. George Judd of La Verkin and Mrs. Ralph Phillips of Salt Lake City....He has servedas a member of the St. George City council; had performed two missions, one in North Carolina, theother in California. He was superintendent of the West Ward Sunday school for several years andhad been active in M.I.A. work.

Owing to the nature of his trouble, which made him very sensitive, he had not taken part inany of the above activities for several years, and had become reticent. He was a straightforward man,not hesitating to speak his thoughts, and was upright and honorable. He was a devoted husband andfather. He bore his affliction with fortitude though his suffering must have been intense..51

Thomas Colborn Miles--see History of the Thomas Colborn Miles family

Ira Miles was born Dec. 17, 1859 in Salt Lake City.52 He was ordained an Elder Jan. 25,1877. 53 Ira married Alice Henrietta Bell on 9 Jan. 1989 at Manti, (then Sevier Co.), Utah.54 She wasborn in Ephraim Aug. 19, 1868, a daughter of Thomas and Euphemia Lindquist Bell. 55 He is listedas a farmer in the 190056 and 191057 census of St. George.

Ira died 8 June 1910 and is buried in the St. George cemetery.58 His obituary in theWashington County Times reads:

"Death came to Ira Miles Wednesday, June 8, after an illness of about a week's duration withpneumonia. His father, Samuel Miles, a Mormon Battalion veteran, preceded him to the spirit worldMay 22, this year....He was married in the Manti temple to Alice H. Bell of Elsinore, January 18,1889. Seven children resulted from this union, five of whom are living, namely, a married daughter,Mrs. Ernest Nelson, three boys, Harold, Ivan and Vern and Leona, a daughter; all residents of thiscity.

59Ira Miles is Called, Washington County News (St. George, Utah), Vol. III, #20, June 9, 1910.

60Washington County, Utah, Probate Record H-3, p. 450, FHL film 484,832.

61Washington County, Utah Probate Record H-4, pp. 154-155, FHL film 484,833.

62Ibid., p. 164.

63Obituary Index, Salt Lake Tribune and Deseret News, FHL film 821,674.



66Washington Co., Utah, Marriage Book A , p. 25, FHL film 484,821.

671900 U.S. Census, St. George Precinct, Washington Co., Utah, E.D . 175, sheet 3, dwelling #35 , FHL film

1,241,688.

681910 U.S. Census, St. George, Washington County, U tah, E.D . 210, sheet 2b, dwelling #35, FHL film

1,275,623.

69Leany, St. George Cemetery Records, p. 82.

70Obituary, John T. Miles, Washington County News (St. George, Utah), Jan. 15, 1920, BYU film W27 #4.


Funeral services will be held this (Thursday) afternoon in the tabernacle, commencing atthree o'clock."59

For unknown reasons, Ira's widow did not file a petition to be appointed administratrix of hisestate until 1919.60 It wasn't until 1923 that she received a court order giving her an allowance forfamily support. The court record says: "...it appearing that at the time of the death of said deceased,he left five minor children, for his widow to care for and support with practically nothing to do itwith in the way of financial support, that the said widow has labored to perform said obligation sothat her health is broken and she is without means of support or a home of her own to live in, thatthe children who have reached their majority have consented in writing that her petition for anyallowance from said estate be granted and that the sum of two dollars per month from the death ofsaid deceased is a reasonable amount for said purpose.."61 Ira did not leave his family withoutproperty. This same court record shows Alice's petition to sell the property which consisted of

Lot 3, Block 81, Plat B, St. George City Survey, Lot 16, Block 6, containing 4 acres and 135 perches of landLot 1, Block 6, R.C. Lund's Entry of the NE 1/4, Sec 3 Tp. 43 South Range 15 West,

containing 1.5 acres.62

Alice outlived her husband by many years, dying on April 15, 1947 in St. George.63

John Talmai Miles was the last of Samuel and Hannah's children to be born in Salt LakeCity. He was born May 7, 186264, so would have been only a few months old when the familymoved to St. George. He was ordained an Elder Sept. 13, 1877 and a Seventy Oct. 30, 1877.65

John Talmai Miles married Myrza Alexander Whitehead on 23 May 1889 in St. George,Washington Co., Utah.66 He first appears as a head of family in the 1900 census in St. George. Hisoccupation at that time was "day laborer".67 In 1910 he was a laborer at odd jobs.68

John died Jan. 7, 1920 and is buried in the St. George cemetery.69 A short obituary reportedthat "He was a frugal and industrious man until stricken with illness several months ago.70



73Washington Co., Utah, Marriage License Records, 1887-1892, p. 24, FHL film 484,421.

74Washington County, Utah, Deeds, book T, p. 631, FHL film 929,333.

751910 U.S. Census, St. George, Washington Co., Utah, E.D . 210, sheet 10A, dwelling #161, FHL film

1,275,623.

761920 U.S. Census, St. George city, St. George precinct, Washington County, Utah, E.D. 231, sheet 13a,

dwelling #207, FHL film 1,821,869.

77Washington County News (St. George, Utah), Vol. 1, #1, Jan. 30, 1908, FHL film 1,486,766.

78Leany, St. George Cemetery Records, p.81.


Franklin Godbe Miles was born April 7, 186571 in St. George. He was ordained an ElderJune 18, 1880 and a Seventy Oct. 23, 1880. 72 He married Ellen Frances Moss on April 7, 1887 inSt. George, Washington Co., Utah.73 He bought Lot 6, Block 8, Plat A, in St. George in 1888 for$150.74 The 191075 and 192076 census list Frank as a harness maker. Frank ran an ad in theWashington County News for a number of issues which read, "F.G. Miles Dealer in the CelebratedAskew Saddles and Manufacturer of High Grade Harness

A full line of supplies Always on handSend here for Cowboy HobbiesPrices Right--Satisfaction Guaranteed"77

Franklin died 10 May 1932 and is buried in the St. George cemetery.78 His obituary in theWashington County Times tells us,

"Franklin G. Miles, former bishop of the St. George East and South wards, died at 8:30Tuesday morning following a five months' illness with Bright's disease, kidney trouble, a light stroke,and other complications.

He was born in St. George on April 7, 1865, a son of Samuel and Hannah Miles, earlypioneers of this region. His entire life has been spent here with the exception of one year at Parowanwhere he lived shortly after his marriage.

On his 22nd birthday, April 7, 1887, he was married in the temple to Miss Helen FrancisMoss. To this union were born eight children, five of whom died in infancy. The others, with hiswidow, survive as follows: Mrs. Edith Smith, Payson; Mrs. Helen Douglass, Long Beach, Calif.;Mrs Maude Seegmiller, Frank and Edward Miles of St. George....

He was devoted to his religion and was ordained a counselor in the bishopric when a youngman. Later he was made bishop of the East ward which office he held for five years, until the Eastand West wards were divided and the South created, and he was then placed at the head of the latterward. After five years of active work he was obliged to retire on account of ill health. He underwenta gland operation four years ago.

He was a member of one of the first bands in Dixie, playing the horn. He served in the citycouncil for one term, and was a member of the high council of the church.

Funeral services will be held in the tabernacle at 3 p.m. today under the direction of Bishop

79Death Ends Suffering of Bishop, Washing ton County News, May 12, 1932, BYU film W27.


81Leany, St. George Cemetery Records, p. 82.


83Price Ward, St. George Stake, Record of Ordinations, #31 and #65.


85Salt Lake County Marriage Licenses, Book 3, #823, FHL film 429,062.

86Minnie M . Miles, The Salt Lake Tribune, June 2, 1964, p. 26.

87Salt Lake City Directory (R.L. Polk), 1910 and 1911 , FHL film 1,612,159. T he 1910 census for Salt

Lake (E.D. 124, sheet 13A, dwelling #183, FHL film 1,375,620), shows Charles' family living at house 105 on North

2nd West.

881920 U.S. Census, Precinct 4, Salt Lake City, Salt Lake County, Utah, E.D . 80, dwelling 377, FHL film

1,821,865.


Harold Snow of the South Ward."79

James Edwin Miles is the only child of Samuel and Hannah who did not live to adulthood.He was born Oct. 26, 1867 in St. George80. He died just a year and a half later, May10, 1869, andis buried in the St. George cemetery.81

Charles Henry Miles was born July 2, 1870 in St. George.82 He was ordained a Deacon Jan.8, 1882, an Elder Oct. 7, 1894, and a Seventy June 26, 1896. 83 He began early to follow in theschool teaching footsteps of his father. The Immortal Pioneers tells of the establishment in 1888 ofthe St. George Stake Academy with Nephi M. Savage as the teacher for five years. At the end of thattime, the district school system was established and Professor Savage was employed by the schoolboard with Charles Miles as one of his assistants.84

Charles married late. He was 35 when he married Minnie L. Mangum on Aug. 2, 1905 inSalt Lake City (she was 21).85 She was born June 23,1884, Nephi, to Harvey and Amy LorettaBigler Mangum. 86 Salt Lake directories for 1910 and 1911 show Charles as a high school teacher.In 1910 he lived at 105 North 2nd West and had a Frank Miles living with him. By 1911, he hadmoved to 750 E. 8th South87 where he still lived when the 1920 census was taken.88

Charles died Nov. 24, 1940 in Salt Lake. His obituary reads, "Charles Henry Miles, 70, ateacher at West High School and the old Salt Lake High School for 36 years, died yesterday at hishome, 75 O Street after a long illness.

During his service in the schools, which he terminated in 1938, Mr. Miles taught German,Spanish, French and social sciences. At one time he was president of the Salt Lake City High SchoolTeachers' Association and later a member of the association's executive committee.

He was active until recently in Church organizations, serving on the Sunday School boardof Liberty Stake and as a teacher in the First Ward Sunday School. He served a mission in Germanyfrom 1896 until 1900. Prior to going on the mission he taught school in St. George and in Littlefield,Ariz.

Mr. Miles was born at St. George July 2, 1870, a son of Samuel and Hannah Colburn Miles.

89"C.H. M iles Expires at 70" , Deseret News (Salt Lake City, Utah), Nov. 15, 1940, p. 3.


91Washington County, Utah, Marriage License Records, Book A 1888-1909, p. 125, FHL film 484,821.

92The Salt Lake Tribune, April 8, 1965, p. B9.

93Hannah M. Mathis, The Salt Lake Tribune (Salt Lake City, Utah), Sunday, June 30, 1963, p. C13.

94The Salt Lake Tribune, April 8, 1965, p. B9.


He is survived by his wife, Mrs. Minnie Mangum Miles; two sons, Dr. Burke Miles of Detroit, Mich.and Donald M. Miles of Salt Lake, a daughter, Mrs. Marjorie M. Murdock of Salt Lake and fourgrandchildren.

Funeral services will be held Wednesday at 3 p.m. in the Twenty-seventh Ward Chapel, 185P Street. Friends may call at 36 east Seventh South Street until Wednesday morning and at thefamily residence Wednesday from 11 a.m. until the time of services."89

Hannah Marinda Miles was born Aug. 14, 1874 in St. George.90 Hannah, who was knownas Minnie, married Wallace B. Mathis on March 22, 1897 in St. George.91 He was born May 3,1877, in St. George, to Henry and Barbara Bryner Mathis. 92 Minnie died June 28, 1963. Her lifewas spent primarily as a wife and mother as expressed in her obituary:

"Mrs. Hannah M. (Minnie) Miles Mathis, 88, St. George, died Friday, 9:30 a.m. in a SaltLake hospital after surgery. Born Aug. 14, 1874, St. George, to Samuel and Hannah M. ColburnMiles. Married Wallace B. Mathis March 22, 1897, St. George Temple, Church of Jesus Christ ofLatter-day Saints. Active, LDS Church, civic clubs. Survivors: husband; sons, daughters, Gordon,Carl, Reed, Mrs. Robert (Blanche) McComb, all St. George; Mrs. Frank (Melba) Gates, Ogden; Mrs.Garland (Lillian) Andrus, Salt Lake City; Mrs. Don (Norma) Lott, Walla Walla, Wash.; 18grandchildren, 19 great-grandchildren. Funeral Tuesday, 4 p.m., St. George Second LDS WardChapel. ...Burial, St. George Cemetery.93

Her husband lived an additional 2 years. His obituary indicated that he had been a bankerand state representative, active in city, county, and state affairs, and an original member of the UtahWater and Power Board.94

Samuel Miles Family

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