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James E. Hickson Miles, Sr.

Posted 2018-05-18 by Judy Wight Branson
Weekly Journal-Miner, Prescott, Arizona Territory
Wednesday, June 22, 1910, page 8, column 5

Nonogenarian Is Finally Summoned

(From Tuesday's Daily)

Sunday night at 8 o'clock, death claimed one of the respected
pioneers of Arizona, when James H. Miles passed away at this home in
this city. His death was due to old age, and was superinduced from
a hemorrhage of the kidneys. He was 91 years of age, last January,
and up to a few months ago was in the best of health, and frequently
was seen on the streets, mingling with his friends. The death of
this man is one that will be received with universal feelings of
sorrow and regrets, from his long residence in Prescott and his
genial fellowship on all occasions. His long life on this earth at
this time will prove interesting, from his well known personality as
a resident of this city for over thirty-four years, never leaving
the county after once he set his foot on its soil.

he was born in Ireland, on January 11, 1819, and with three
brothers, all under age, arrived in New York City, when but a lad of
17 years. After one year he went to Boston, and reaching his
majority, was admitted to citizenship. He was married in that city,
in 1850, and when his beloved wife passed away in this city, a few
years ago, their union had been blessed with fifty-five years of
wedded life. From Boston, a few years later, the deceased went to
Indiana, when the Western spirit seized him, and later he was found
plying his vocation as a contracting carpenter, at Wichita, Kan. He
erected with his own hands, the first building in that city, and up
to a short time before his death, while in a reminiscent mood,
frequently mentioned this circumstance.

In 1876 he arrived in Prescott, when it was but a hamlet, and here
his ability was immediately recognized as a builder. He erected
many homes all of which are standing today. He followed his
vocation up to within a few years ago when his age would not permit
of further duty in his line. Mr. Miles was also a taxidermist of
the highest skill, and at intervals would apply himself in that
work. In all lines that he pursued he was regarded as one of the
most conscientious artisans in the city, and his excellent service
was generally admitted when he was the leading architect of the
county.

The deceased enlisted in the Union army at the breaking out of the
Civil War, but through the serious illness of his wife at the time,
his services were dispensed with by the commanding officer in his
district. Another striking feature in connection with the longevity
of his brothers in their life, was the death of the remaining one
only last January, when at the age of 94 years he passed away on the
identical day on which the deceased was born. This sad occurrence
also weighed heavily on his mind, and is believed to have been the
reason why he began to decline so perceptibly.

Mr. Miles leaves two daughters and two sons to mourn his death.
They are Mrs. W. R. Stone and Miss Annie Miles, Willia, and Andy
Miles, all residents of this city. During his married life eight
sons and daughters were born to this union.

The funeral will take place from the old home that he built over
thirty years ago, and services will be held under the ritual of the
Episcopal church, Rev.. Jenkins officiating.

Friends and acquaintances of the deceased are respectfully invited
to attend.

Transcriber's note: Mr. Miles is buried at the Citizens Cemetery in
Prescott, Arizona.

See Also: Arizona Gravestone Photo Project




Note: These obituaries are transcribed as published and are submitted by volunteers who have no connection to the families. They do not write the obituaries and have no further information other than what is posted within the obituaries. We do not do personal research. For this you would have to find a volunteer who does this or hire a professional researcher.

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