Miles: The Name, The Race, The Family

WHAT’S IN A NAME?

Dear Andrew, Catherine, Roderick and Grandchildren

Knowing our heritage is a very important part of one’s life, I would be derelict in my duty If I did not make my little knowledge available to you and posterity.

I have attached a typed version of the book written by your Great, Great Grandfather Edward Arthur Miles finished in 1917 towards the end of the First World War. I am sorry about the inadequacies of my knowledge of ancient names and have literally written my best guess of names and places that go back to times before Christ. The purpose is to have a digital version easier to read as the original fades over time and to have a base on which you can add your own stories for posterity.

Below is a synopsis of our family race and name based on his book “what’s in a Name” and again copied by me for greater clarity as not easy to read. The sheet is kept with Edward Arthur Miles’ bound book. Loose sheets of paper are also in the bound book giving a very detailed family line of hundreds starting in 1157 and finishing in the XX Century. The only way to replicate digitally is by scanning. Perhaps I will try to do as inevitably over time, the handwritten pages will become illegible.

It is generally assumed that the name Miles came from the Latin miles or soldier. But the very early explorers of Ireland came from Greece before the dawn of the Roman Empire, this assumption may not be plausible.

One writer suggests as a root Milo in Doomsday book. The man bearing this name was a French landowner, a follower of William the Conqueror. Milo follows the French Mile and arrives a thousand years too late.

Another gives Milo the Crotonian Athlete, but lacks line of connection.

Long before Milo, the Crotonian made his name famous at the Olympic contests, long before any Latin Mi-les marched forth with shield and sword, to spread the name, and to herald the power and splendor of Ancient Rome. The Hebrews were familiar with the name Michael and that is the word given to “Patronynica Britannica” as the root of Miles as an alternative to Milo. There is also given Mileson as son of Miles or Michael.

The revelations X11.7. the Apostle John writes “ and there was war in heaven: Michael and his angels going forth to war with the dragon.

Daniel at book of numbers X.13 refers to Michael, one of the chief princes of Persia under Darius and Cyrus. To the Medes, the Persians and the neighboring peoples including the Scythae, the name Michael was a great name.

The Old Testament gives four synonyms,

viz: Micah, Micahia, Micaiau, and Miccaichu. The meaning of all these is given as – “who is like God”

Through the Byzantine, Russian and German empires, through Greece, Italy, France and Spain, through the Hebrew Race and the churches, Eastern and Western, the name Michael comes on to us.

In Germany, dropping the (a) it has become Michel, the typical name for the peasantry.

In Spain it has been softened into Miguel.

In France, the hard middle consonant disappeared entirely and we find the word as Michel. Here we see both identity and progression. Then the “hi” was dropped and we get Jan Miel with much the same sound. This man was born in France in 1599 and became eminent as a painter of the Flemish school. In 1642 lived Jean Milé, a Frenchman who came to England and changed his name to the established equivalent of Miles. A book of his lies in the British Museum, written under his adopted name.

In England, Michael still holds, we have had Mighel, Mihill, Mile and Miall. In some rural parts, Michaelmas Milimas ((Somerset to wit) Butlaer in his Hudibras ( Part 3 Canto 2 ) uses Michael as a rhyme for “trial” thus: “ At Michaels term had many a trial, worse than the dragon or St. Michael”

Last but not least in this connection, we come to Ireland. From very ancient times there was Michael from the Nedes and the Scythians, Miguel from Spain, Mike and Miles. The prevalence of this last, In Ireland is too notorious to need demonstration.

The name of Mug Mundat, a great King, supplies a valuable link to the chain. It is translated “Servant of Nadu” (Pagan God) as against Michael “like unto God” Can anyone doubt the identity of thought inspiring these two versions?

MILES

THE NAME, THE RACE, THE FAMILY

1917 ARTHUR EDWARD MILES (MY GREAT GRANDFATHER)

This is a subject, which bearing upon the longer habits and pursuits of our country- men in bygone days——concerns every man who feels an honest pride in being called by his father’s name.

vide:notes and 2queries vol 1 page 201

“ i do beseech you (chiefly that i may set it in my prayers) what is your name?

tempest act 3 scene 1

PREFACE:

In the fifth month of the seventy first year of my life, being in good health of clear mind, and in possession of a fairly good memory, I now commit to writing such particulars of the history of my line as I have been able to gather and to verify in the hope that my posterity may feel a pleasure, or at least an interest at reading them.

I please my fancy with the idea that they may like to continue the story after I have finished

Edward Arthur Miles.

Born December 9^th 1845 at Pancras Lane in the Parish of St. Pancras Goper Lane in the city of London.

THE NAME

Is very generally assumed that the word Miles as a name comes from the Latin Milés-soldier. But as the very early exploiters of Ireland came from Greece before the dawn of the Roman Empire power, the assumption does not seem very plausible. 

One writer suggests the root Milo in the Domesday Book. The man bearing this name was a French landowner, a follower of William the Conqueror. Milo follows the French Milé and arrives a thousand years too late.

Another gives Milo the Crotonian made his name famous at the Olympic Contests long before any Latin miles marched forth with shield and sword and spear to spread the name and to  herald the power and splendor of ancient Rome. The Hebrews were familiar with the name “Michael” and that is the word given in Patronymica Britannica as the root of Miles as an alternative to Milo. There is also given Miles-on or son of Miles or Michael.

In revelations X 11.7 the apostle John writes “and there was a war in Heaven: Michael and his angels going forth to war with the dragon.

The apostle Jude writes at verse 9

“ But Michael the Archangel when he contended with the devil, he disputed about the body of Moses”

In the Book of NumbersX111-13, we read that the son of Sechur, the son of Michael, being the prince of the tribe Ashorr was among the men sent by Moses to spy out the land of Canaan.

Daniel at X 13 refers to Michael one of the chief princes of Persia under Darius and Cyrus. To the Medes, the Persians the neighboring peoples including the Scythae therefore, Michael was a great name. 

The Old Testament  gives four synonyms. Viz Micah, Micaiah, Micaichu. The meaning of all these is given as-

“who is like unto God”

Through the Byzantine, Russian and German Empires, through Greece, Italy, France and Spain through churches Eastern and Western, the name of Michael comes on to us. 

In Germany, dropping the a it has become Michel the typical name of the peasantry.

In Spain it has been softened into Miguel.

In France, the hard middle consonant disappeared entirely and we find the word Michel. Fort St. Michel stands on the Meuse near the town of St. Michel, often mentioned in this war. Here we see both identity and progression. Then the hiel are dropped and we get St. Miel with much the same sound. This man was birn in France in 1599 and became prominent as a painter in the Flemish school. In 1642 lived Jean Milé, a Frenchman who came to England and changed his name to the established in England Viz: Miles. A book of his lies in the British Museum under his adopted name. 

In England, Michael still holds and from it we have had Mighel, Mihill , Mile and Miall. In some rural parts Michaelomas is called Milomas. (Somerset to wit) Butler in his Hundibras uses Michael as a rhyme for trial thus-

At Michael’s term had many a trial, worse than the dragon of St. Michael.

Last but not least in this connection, we come to Ireland from  very ancient times (Par 3 Canto 2 U51/2)

A Table of Variations:

HEBREW       FRENCH                  ENGLISH      IRISH.         SPANISH

Micah            Michel                    Mighell        Miled.         Miguel

Micaiah.        Mihel.                     Mihill           Miletins

Micaiahu.      Miel.                      Michel.        Milesius

Micaiehu.      Mile or Milette.   Mile             Mog

                                                       Miall            Mug

                                                       Miles           Muig

                                                       Mills            Mike

                                                       Milles.         Miles

                                                       Miller 

The vowel U to be pronounced oo in all cases

So far we have seen Miles develop from Michael as a personal name. It’s further history now becomes merged in that of a very remarkable people called the Milesian Race.

THE RACE

The serious study of Irish Philology only dates from 1853, and much of the most important material has not yet appeared in print.(Emy, Brit, Ireland) and write in a proper state of awe of threatened revelations on coming centuries. (E.A.M.)

The Irish chroniclers were great in traditions. When the monks arrived at the end of the fourth century, they  collected the records and translated them into Latin. There would be conflicting statements to be reconciled, gaps to be filled and some editing required. The frequent references to Latin equivalents as links between the native and the later accounts, but, as already stated, the early exploitation of Ireland came from Greece, not from Rome. 

My authorities are the articles on Iran, Scythia and Ireland in the Encyclopedia Britannica. Editions 9 and 11, mainly the latter. Also, Lower’s Parm?? Britannica and Lee’s  Dictionary of National Biography and some others.

THE LEGEND NEMED

About the year a.m. 2850, a warrior named Nemed, from Sychia, landed, conquered and reigned in Ireland. This dynasty lasted until a.m. 3066 when it was overthrown by bands of sea rovers called Formorians. 

It’s adherents were massacred with the exception of thirty of the chief men who escaped in one boat. Among these were three of Nemed’s descendants. They proceeded to Greece where the three separated going each his own way. Simon Borec settled in Greece and prospered. 

In time his progeny increases so greatly in numbers and power that the Greeks became alarmed and reduced them to slavery. But they fled and retired to Ireland via Scandinavia and Scotland. a.m. 3266. This tribe was called the Firbolgs. They recovered the power lost by their ancestors and held it for a long time. Eventually they had to yield to another people called the

TUATHE DÉ DANNAN

(THREE TRIBES OF THE GOD DANU)

These also claimed descent from Nemed. They enjoyed the undisturbed possession of Ireland for two centuries and then were conquered by Milesians. It is stated that they then fled to the haunts of the fairies. The Firbolgs remained under the rule of the Milesians

 THE SCYTHIANS 

A tribe from Iran (Aryana the land of the Arians) named the Scythe, were connected with (Pliny says descended from) the Medes and spoke the same language (Strabo). At one time they conquered and ruled the Medes for twenty eight years ( Herodotus ) We may assume that from the statements they were familiar with the name of Michael, the great prince of Persia ( Daniel’s friend)

They were a nomad race and presently migrated westward, whether by their own will or  reason of pressure from successive hordes of barbarians from the East or North East is not known. They wondered through many lands and at length arrived and settled on the shores of the Euscine and in the Dobrya; thus they became Lords of the Steppe (Herodutus) Carpathians to the Don. This district was henceforth known as Scythia. Assyrian evidence confirms this.

Here they rested and decayed. (Hippocrates) He says that a large proportion of the ruling classes but not the slaves, suffered from an extraordinary affliction which came upon both sexes, but especially among the males by reason of which each became indifferent to each other. Herodotus called the sufferers “Enarees”

From the Scythae (time uncertain) one family known as Milesians arose into prominence and departed for Egypt.

But whence came the name Milesians?

They had the name Michael. They had a great chief named Miled when in Spain or at home they were in close touch with Miletus the greatest city of Greece, which city held almost a monopoly of the Black Sea trade. To this city they would probably go to fit out for heir journey. Sea-going boats they would want and perhaps Greek mariners to guide them. These Greeks could be Miletians. Under these circumstances the travelers would naturally be looked upon as Miletians coming from Miletus. The title and the presence of the Greeks among them would surely facilitate their passage through Greek lands and waters through which they might have to pass on their way to their destination. The foregoing, I offer as a suggestion. I have no definite authority to quote beyond the fact they bore the name under conditions described. (note they may even have been Greek colonists settled in Scythia from Melitus)

After a stay in Egypt, they went to Crete and then back to Scythia and afterwards to Spain where Miled was born. 

Have to jump to page 86a appendix in book

THE MILESIANS IN IRELAND

“At length the 8 sons of Miled set forth a.m. 3,500

Note to page 11 of book.

There is a difficulty about these a.m. dates

What is the equivalent in B.C for a.m 3500

Encyclopedia Britannica does not help much.

If we deduct 3500 from the conventional 4004 we get B.C. 404. Would this fit?

“Darius conquered the Thrace in B.C. 512. On his way home he attached the Scythians. Emigration may have been stimulated . Eight years for them to move from Scythia to Spain, then on to Ireland seems workable? This is only a guess. 

From Miled’s birth to his youngest of 8 sons to reach military age, would be at least 50 years.

See Irish history for English readers Chapter 1 paragraph 7 W.S. Gregg

There they found the Twatha Dé Dannanan in possession. They joined the tribe of Lugaid the originators of the Ogam Inscriptions. 

DIAGRAM OF STONES PAGE

With these they overthrew Tuatha, who fled as already indicated. The Milesians then became the rulers of Ireland. 

Eber Find took east west Munster

Eremen his brother took Seinster and Connaught 

Eber grandson of Miled took Ulster

Eber Find was soon killed in battle with his brother Eremen. The bitterness which still exists between the North and South of Ireland dates from this point in history.

The old historians agree, was ruled by a succession of Milesian Kings until the death of Roderick O’Connor, the last native king of Ireland. A.D. 1195.

In A.D. 90, the Firbolgs rose against them and massacred many and the rest fled.

But within 40 years, i.e. A.D 130, the line was restored in the person of Tuathal Techtman, the second word signifying the legitimate. He reigned supreme until A.D. 160. It was he who levied the Boroma (cow tax) on Leinster Tribute an impost which Leinster paid during 5 years. It was remitted in the seventh century on the request of St. Moling on account of the constant feuds attending it’s collection.

In the same century there reigned also a king, Eogan Mor afterwards called Mog or Mug Nuadat. See page 5 of the race of Eber Find. He was remarkable, not only for his military genius but the fact that he foresaw a famine, and like Joseph, laid up large stores wherewith to meet it. By his forsight, he not only saved his own people, but was able to supply other tribes- at a price naturally

About 358/366 the Mileisan kingdom was set up and firmly established at Tara. It was a supreme kingdom overall.

Note to page 12 of book

The Milesian kings were crowned on a stone called the Stone of Destiny

The removal of the coronation stone to Scotland is now generally admitted. 

Fixed under the coronation chair in Westminster Abby is a large flat stone

I have always understood that this was the stone on which the Kings of Scotland were crowned before the union with England.

It would be interesting to know whether it is the very stone used by the Milesians from the time of Lugaid.

On the 16^th of August 1921, I called on the Abby and was told that the authorities held the opinion it is the very same.-EAM

PAGE 14 OF BOOK

The local and provincial kingdoms in Ireland.

This king (Niall) is thought to have been the captor of St Patrick. He founded colonies in Cornwall, Devon, Somerset and southern Wales. Literary evidence of this is preserved in both Welsh and Irish sources and is confirmed by the distribution of Ogam inscriptions in the South West of England. The supremacy was vested in the descendants of this man without interruption until the year (end of 12^th century) It is worthy of note the Milesians never, until there arrival in England became merged in the populations among whom they lived. 

Seeing that we have now traced the Milesian race to this country, we will leave King Niall and his descendants to the rest of their own and drop the Irish question, devoutly hoping that Carson and Redmond (or others) may succeed in ending the “antithesis” between the North and South of Ireland so fortunately began so long ago ( to the joy of all honest men)

Note on back of page 14

In the 8^th century The Ardin Pirian decreed that each clan should take the name of the founder or of some distinguished member of it’s line with he preface O or Mac to the descendants of. Thus his own became O’Brian King of Nialls, O’Neills, Coner O’Connor and so on. These families are with us now, conclusively proving the presence of the race. What more natural than that the primates of the clans, when compelled to take a surname should say I am a Milé. Scotland sent us her Mc in particular or her Scott in general, so far from the west, we received the O’ and Mac-in particular and Mile in general.

Note to page 5

Vide the Hebrew dictionary in “the exhaustive Concordance” by James Strong LLD 1894

The above written here in error. See back of page 4

Page 15

We have now come back to the end of the fourth century. There are the four colonies just mentioned. Milesian means pertaining to Miles, therefore every man in the tribe was a Miles, and as such, not likely to forget his connection with the ruling race of his old country. 

In England Michael would not be likely to appear until the church got to work. Mihill is declared to be Miclioeval and Milé is of course later. Patro Bibca favors the idea that Mighell or Mihill? became Miall, a name in use still, though not at all common.

The necessity of surnames for the commonality did not arise until the 12^th century. When the time came many a man decided to honor his father by taking his Christian name as the hereditary name of the family. In such cases it seems that the genitive was preferred. So John who’s father’s name is  Robin would call himself John Robins. i.e of or from Robin or designing a still more definite distinction – John Robinson i.e. son  of Robin. Whether or not any Mile was thus honored, I do not know; the previous suggestions as to Miall suggests doubt. It is possible that in some instances, there may have been an introduction of the name from the French Milé.

Now from which of these possible sources to the bulk of the living troops Mileses come? The four colonies (and others) or from the odd man, here and there? (Note that there were other colonies from Ireland, but those quoted are the best authenticated) I must confess that on this occasion I decided in favor of the bigger crowd. See note to page 16

There is clearly a double source for our name, viz: which attained to the hereditary honors in the 12^th century and the race name from time immemorial.

From which of these two, any individuals correctly possessed of the name Miles, Milles or Mills have received it, cannot be told. That is a question of pedigree. 

Well, what must we suppose became of these colonies? From their history, can we gather that they would sit down where they were dumped? They must have spread over the country though there are still Mileses in Somerset. They had gone as far west as they must perforce turn North, South or East, now wondering. Now settling, perhaps sometimes fighting. To obtain records of all this is out of the question. The records of their time were only for the very great people. We must therefore take our stand in the 12^th century, when surnames became common, to find out what happened. Need I say that Miles is still about?

A.D 1143 Miles of Gloucester          Lee’s dictionary National Beo

Earl of Hereford                                  Encyc. Britannica gives Milo

I append a list, showing from public records, the persistence of the name until now. There is no suggestion of relationship between the persons named.

I have no access to ancient Ma and could not read them if I had. 

The art of printing did not appear until about the year 1480. 

In 1470 Miles

Published a pamphlet 

Disputatis iter clericum et milite

In 1548 Jean Miles, a Frenchman who changed his name Milé to its nearest equivalent in English. Traicte la matière des revetement selon les ordennances droit & costumes.

In 1621/84 Miles or Myles lived.

Was a distinguished Baptist Minister, who became rector of Helston. Afterwards suffered ejection. 

In 1635 Thomas Miles published a ballad a wonderful wonder.

In 1662, Abraham Miles published the countryman’s friend and in 1668 the Dubbed Knight

In 1698 Rev. Henry Miles D.D. was born( presbyterian and independent minister  1763

In 1753 to 1817 Wm. Augustus Miles R.N. writer, politician and diplomat under Pitt.

In 1775 to 1798 lived Edward Miles of Great Yarmouth, pupil of Sir Joshua Reynolds, miniature painter to Queen Charlotte and the Duchess of York.

In 1800 to 1882 lived Sybella Elizabeth, who married Alfredo Miles Penzance Poetess. Her best known lines on Saint Michael’s Mount are still quoted in the topographical of West Cornwall.

In 1882 to 1891 G. F. Miles lived, was grandson of P.J. Miles M.P. of Leigh Court Bristol. Painted Ocean Coast Slangravin Curnaur. Also a “Flower Girl” for the Prince of Wales. He was the first to introduce Japanese flowers into pictures.

In 1860 died Major William Miles, eminent soldier and writer. Published details of Gengis Kalmand and other works.

In 1839 was born Nelson Appleton Miles. A civilian who volunteered on the outbreak of the civil war in America and rose to the position of commander in Chief U.S.A.

By the middle of the eighteenth century there were many families of the name in the eastern counties between Cambridge and the sea. An old gentleman, on being introduced to one of my sisters asked her if she came from Cambridge. She replied “yes” two generations back. He went on to say that when he was there as a boy, there were so many of the name thereabout that when some piece of juvenile mischief was discovered, and the victim asked who did it, the answer often given was a laugh and you had better ask Mile’s boy. Need I say that he was one of them, and so knew all about it ?

From one of these families settled in Cambridge, I and mine have come. 

20a BACK OF PAGE 20

From the foregoing statements I deduce-

Miles is a synonym for Michael

That it’s use as a family, tribal or surname though in a few cases it maybe of English-Norman. English is mainly due to the immigration from Ireland of the Milesians in the fourth century ( I am interrupted by another air raid at this point-September 24^th 8pm moonlight. Resuming, their very numbers would account for a large number of descendants already provided with the surname when it became necessary to use it. (another raid September 28, 7:45 pm 

Probably the scotch clans took a similar course and hence the presence of many Mc’s in England. Mills would easily arrive by any Miles not making the l tall enough or the e short enough in writing the name as many of us have reason to know. In the London Lewisham Blackheath and Sydenham directories. Army list of names continues page 21a (Back of page 21)

Officers only) There are recorded 290 of Miles and 499 of Mills, 792 in all. Some of these are duplicates. i.e. persons of two addresses must be placed the great unrecorded: viz: lodgers, minors, travelers, the rank and file of the army and the navy, the mercantile marine. The author has 8 near relatives whose names are not on any directory.

All this seems to point to Miles being a clan or race name in addition to its derivation from Michael. 

PAGE 21 THE FAMILY

A few words may be excused here with reference to the state of things in England in the year 1745.

Prince Charles Stuart, the young Pretender had landed to enforce his claim to the crown.

Proceeding, he gained a victory over the forces under Sir John Cope at the Battle of Preston Pans, then marched to Edinburg where he was proclaimed King under the title of James V111 of Scotland.

He soon started for London, passing through Cumberland and Lancashire.

He stayed at Manchester where he raised a new regiment, then went forth to Derby where he halted. 

The consternation in the country may, perhaps be better imagined than described. Fielding wrote in the “True Patriot” – In London there was a true terror incredible, all the shops were closed and there was a run on the Bank of England, which is reported to have met all claims in sixpences to gain time. The day was called Black Friday.

This being the state of things in London, 120 odd miles away, what would be in Cambridge, within something like 80 miles from the, so far victorious and still progressing army.

But the suspense was not for long. It soon became obvious that the Pretender could not prevail against the forces being gathered about him and he retreated.

He was followed by the Duke of Cumberland who forced him to give battle at Culloden, the result being a complete victory for the government. 

The duke behaved after his manner, gave no quarter and committed such that his name is a byword to this day. When it was afterwards proposed to present him with the freedom of the City of London, one asked “which company”? Let it be the Butchers growled an alderman. The name caught on and stuck to him “The Butcher Duke”

Then came the revenge. Trials and hangings went on until the beheading of Lovat in 1747. 

Almost 30 years before this, there was a similar attack on the peace of the country, as we know that the excitement must have been intense. Of the population, some took one side and some the other. The supporters of King George were called Hanoverians and those of the pretender King James the X111”th were known as the Jacobites. Both took the course usual to during such times and showed their sympathies in the naming of their children. The favorite names among the Jacobites were James, Edward and Charles while others crowded the registers with their Georges.

I now give the direct line of my family father to son

1 Miles from about 1735/40 probably Newmarket

2 James Miles about 1763 of Cambridge

3 James Miles about 1793

4 James Arthur Miles 1813 Feb 20

5 Edward Arthur Miles 1845 Dec. 9 City of London

6 Edward Pierpoint Miles 1874 March 19 Brockley

7 Philip Pierpoint Miles 1904 July 17 Lewisham

Remarks- Miles (1) lived though the troubles already described  and I infer, did so for political reasons One James Miles(2) was admitted from Newmarket to the Freedom of the City of Cambridge October 1788-the date fits. The name James appears in the three following generations the last being to honor it E.A.Miles- youngest son Harvey James

The finding of the baptismal register of James Miles would clear up any doubts there may be in the matter. Probably it is in one of the older churches of Cambridge.

Concerning James Miles (2) whatever the Christian name, whatever his position in life, there has been handed down to us of one good deed, and for that good deed, I desire to do him honor in this little history and the story I tell I know to be true as told to me.

In my very early days I heard, i.e. from my parents, it interested me greatly. I thought much about it, and often talked to them concerning it. 

He was living in Cambridge where in or about the year 1793, he had a son born to him named James. 

He was keeping a house where he could accommodate  coaching travelers whether an Inn, boarding house or hostel of any kind, I do not know. Some 2 years or so later there came to his house an elderly woman requiring shelter for the night, one being on a journey. She brought with her a female infant and very little else. In the night she died leaving no trace of her whence or wither, nor has any since been found. 

The child was adopted by James (2), she received the name Poppy and was brought up as one of the family.

When I was very young I told my father that I had just heard of a baby being placed on a doorstep with a paper pinned to its dress, asking the finder to take it in and care for it. Boy-like, I finished by asking him if he did not think this was cheek. Very quietly, but with great earnestness, he answered: If that had happened here I should have thought that God had sent her to me to save. 

I was astonished but know better now, though I thought his view very strange at the time..

To resume, I think that Poppy must have been a sweet girl, or James who might reasonably have regarded her as a sister would not after 16 years of home knowledge of her, have taken her as his wife (1811/12)

The family tradition is to the effect that James married during his minority, having set up in business at 50 Woodside Cheapside. That he took a six weeks honeymoon, leaving his affairs of a foreman who played him false and robbed him. Further that there his children were born. That he pulled through however, and engaged another foreman named John Packwood and presently died. His widow carried on the business shortly married John Packwood. 

The London directory confirms much of this but is at variance with it concerning the dates and place of residence. The issue of 1818 notes the first appearance of Miles Co Brass founders 8 Red Lion Street Holburn. (note that 1817 Directory denotes 1816 as the actual date) In the 1822( equals 1821) the styple? becomes Miles and Packwood and in the 1823(=1822) issue we find John Packwood at 53 Wood Street. At this time Jameson Jas Arthin would be 9 years old. The idea that he was born there is evidently a mistake. I am sorry to accept the idea that my father was born in Cambridge and not London, my own birthplace.

There were two children of the marriage James Arthur and Edward. Benoni which means son of my sons. It may then infer that his father had passed away. We hear no more of this child, the others were brought up by Packwood. Edward went to Canada and disappeared. 

Two relics had I of this generation. Viz.(1) a violincello of James’s (2) a book of Poppy’s. I liked to think that I could press the strings with my fingers on the very places where my grandfather, whom I had never seen had placed his hand and that I eagerly and lovingly read a book which was valued by my grandmother and bore her name. Soon after my father’s death the cello fell to pieces.

I did not know that a little glue and skilled handling would have restored it, so in real grief I fear that the pieces were burnt. 

The book was an English translation by John Hawksworth LLD of the adventures of Telemachus, the son of Ulysses from the French of Salignac de-la Motte Feenelon, Archbishop of Cambray with engravings (Longmans 1808) Like the cello, the book is no longer in my possession, but I have had the good fortune to come across another copy of the same edition, and that, in unused condition.

The Red Lion St. house( no.8) still stands. The Wood Street house has given place to Messrs Ryland’s & Co. warehouse.

Packwood of whom I have an uncertain memory of having seen on one occasion, continued in business which continued in Wood Street until 1845/6. I believe he was a good man but severe. I cannot think that my father’s apprenticeship to him was a path of roses. I remember answering the door to a stranger, one wet Sunday afternoon, who told me to tell my father that Mr. Packwood was dead.

Note: Since writing the foregoing, that the Telemachus has been found minus the cover but with the signature. 

                    JAMES ARTHUR MILES

Born Feb 20 1813 died March 13 1963. (Clive’s note This is 3^rd listed of the James’s.) almost with certainty, for the reasons given in the previous article. I say at Cambridge about 8 or 9 years old he caree under the guardianship of J. Packwood, served his apprenticeship to him and afterwards commenced business as a “wholesale Brass Founder and Iron Monger” at Pancras Lane E. L. in the year 1842. Here, he became agent for half a dozen prominent firms in hardware, China and most things required by the builders of inside by his side at the great inner door of Bow Church, while he held the offerings, and being admitted to the vestry to see the money counted. 

About the end of his second year in office, he removed his business to  40 Watling St.( see print in Cassells new and old London page 552 showing the house marked “Stationer”- B. Paradise the previous tenant’s name) The family which had been living at Homerton for two years came back to the City and stayed about the same length of time. Then were taken to Pecham, having suffered the experience of scarlet fever, the Russian war and bread at a shilling at 18 Warton.

Here my father added a new deposit meant for his business. Viz: electric plated goods, but was not very successful. The sciatica and the difficulty of walking were sadly against him and his anxieties told heavily upon him. His end came suddenly on March 13 1863. He was seized with a rigor in going to bed and passes away during the night. 

Busines, though important, is not “everything to a man”, so let me have something to say about his private life.

After he had worked out his apprenticeship, he set up bachelor quarters at the corner of Fore Street and Whitecross Street, where now stands the Cripple-gate Branch of the Union of London & Smiths Bank. Here he seems to have attracted young men around him for social and literary purposes. On one occasion, some of these friends, having obtained a copy of one of Dickens’s new books, paid him a surprise visit. He had gone to bed, but they made him sit up and read some of it aloud to them, by candle light of course. The gas light had not then arrived.

A few years later, it was advertised that on a certain evening, Long Acre would be favored with a display of street lighting with gas. There was an expectant crowd in which my father and a friend named Binner, a Birmingham manufacturer found. In due course the gas was turned on and lighted and went out again, to the amusement of many-

Friend Brinner said “so that’s the end of the gas”. But he lived to be a prominent maker of gas burners, and my father to be his London agent.

At the North East corner where London wall meets Mooregate Street, stood Albion Chapel (Presbyterian) the celebrated Doctor Alexander Fletcher being the minister. Here the Roope family were settled. Here my father became acquainted with  Ann Roope. Here the learned Doctor offended many of his people by a second marriage. He resigned, and carrying a large number of the members with him, built a larger place called Finsbury Chapel . It stood about the center of the west side of Circus Place, Finsbury Circus where Salisbury House now stands. 

Here on September 5 1844, J.A.Miles and Ann Roope were married and here in due course (1846) I was baptized with other infants one of them being a black baby.

The Roopes lived in Rotherfield St. Islington. I have waked the rout from the chapel to their home, and have to think of my mother coming down to Sunday School and returning in company with my father-Dear ones your footsteps have mad the way holy ground to me. I feels as though I had seen you there, and in another district I have followed your example. In the meeting with Maria Pierpoint, teacher and member of the choir at Lewisham High Road, in marrying her there in a union as sacred as own, and having child baptized there, I am sure that I have done as you would have wished me to do ( the day on which I write this page is the 47^th anniversary of our wedding day)

Oh memory in thy loved light, how sacred does life appear?

Later on Finsbury became linked up with the Synod. My parents left and joined the King’s Weigh-house chapel. Congregational then called “independent” then under the charge of  that eminent man Thomas Binney, author of hymn “eternal light” His biography by Henry Allan is worth reading.

About 1858 the family moved to Pecham. Here they attached themselves to Marlborough Chapel which stands on the site of the martyrdom of John Penny about a hundred yards west of the Surrey canal and on the North side of the Old Kent Road. There my father interested himself in a Mission Hall of Manor. Now called Justin St. not far off, until he was attracted to the church which I eventually had the happiness of 36 years of Choir mastership with the support of my mother, my wife, all my brothers, two sisters and my son and his wife. 

Apart from church work he was interested in political and social questions, particularly the educational problem. He took a prominent part with Samuel Morley and Mr. Harvey of Bartram and Harvey in running an effort called the Educational institute at 65 Aldersgate Street. This was a big thing. There was a school house of which I remember, two large rooms, another building, a theater with an organ, rising seats for singers and a platform for lectures. The auditorium was also was fitted also with rising seats. The building stood in a large playground. Services were held on Sundays in the theater my mother playing the organ, sometimes. I blowing for her or sitting beside her. I was present at a service for the deaf and dumb, interested, it may be but edified, I fear not very much. 

My father was keen on the education department. When the schoolmaster was ill A.M. would leave his business and take a class. I must say I never saw him looking happier than when so employed he was quit in his element. 

As a testament to his generosity,  I relate the following anecdote. 

He had a young clerk in his office. One day he saw him slip his hand into the till and take out some money. He called him up, taxed him with the theft and talked to him seriously, but kindly. The offender confessed and repented. My father forgave him, kept him at his post, and never had the occasion to regret his action. Thus he saved a man whom many would have broken, or let slide.

Among other asides, he deigned a very beautiful marble monument in Finchley Cemetery to the memory of Mary Rock my mother’s eldest sister. 

He was about middle height and well proportioned, had a good head with a most kind and pleasant face, hair originally early, showing signs of turning to sandy.

Largehearted, broadminded, altruistic, many sided, a gentleman indeed, with a large outlook on life he appears to have been, though he understood his business, deficient in grasp of daily routine and unable to manage the intricate details of accountancy necessary for his own business and half a dozen agencies conducted in one warehouse. Had his executive powers equalled his gift of  initiative, I think his career would have been a great one. At his death my mother was left with 8 children with ages from 17 downwards, to prepare to face the world. I cannot imagine anyone better fitted for such a task.

HIS 8 CHILDREN

1 Edward Arthur          E after uncle and A after father

2 Alfred Henry              H probably after Rick (FredRoope)

3 Ellen Mary                 The fourth of the name

4 Allice Annie               Unmarried

5 Miriam                       Died in childbirth 

6 Ernest Morley.         M after Samuel Morley

7 Florence (Mrs Lines)   Had eleven children 8 still alive

                                        and 5 grandchildren

8  Harvey James.         After Mr.Harvey last appearance              

                                       of James

A few days after his death, my mother was talking to me in her trouble and said “ whatever his shortcomings may have been, I am sure that he was a good man and a true child of God”. And I believed her although at the time I had become somewhat estranged from him.

Emphatically I say that this state of mind was not due to any overt act on either side-He was never unkind to me even when in fault, and I never intentionally gave him offence. As a child I was backward shy and dull but not too dull to be unaware of the fact that he was disappointed in me, and his occasional criticisms, though gentle, depressed me.

Some time after his death I dreamed as I lay on my bed, that I saw him enter, looking very worn and ill, walking as usual with a stick, and so passing by without taking any notice.

Later on the dream returned, with slightly different surroundings but quite similar action. I remembered the former occasion and never felt myself drawn towards him. Still he passed -a third time the dream came. Now I reappeared towards him and my feeling was that if he would only come home, I would try to help him all I could. He hesitated a moment and the disappeared. On each occasion I regarded him not as dead, but as still living, he had just gone away. Oft have I pondered on these things and asked myself “was it a dream or did his interesting spirit come to me for love and peace. 

In either case, I here and now grieve over the estrangement and turn to him again in loving regard and full sympathy. Greatly and reverently daring, I pray that his knowledge. If it has not done so already-

I have few relics of my father is a “Cruden’s Concordance” published in 1738. It bears his signature March 17^th 1838. It is in good condition.

THE LINE OF ANN ROOPE FROM SOLOMON AND MARY COCK OF PENZANCE

Rom a certified copy of Mary’s will, I gather that she was the second wife as Soloman (?) John and William Cock are referred to as “sons in law”, but as she had only two daughters, both married, those men must have been stepsons. One daughter Jennifer married Gibson, the other, Mary about 1776 married Frederick Roope believed to have been the “captain” of a tin man in Penzance. There is a bequest of portraits by our late children Henry, Richard, George and Elizabeth.

Frederick and Mary Roope had issue, two sons and four daughters. The elder son married Sarah Peterson and had issue Mary and Blanche-Mary man. Caleb Joseph Poerpoint had issue Josephine, Gwendoline. Muriel died in infancy and Joseph, , Frederick, William.(1) often his father (2) often F. Roope (3) often Mr. Roope, often Mr. Pierpoint.

The younger son, always delicate, died in 1844 at St. Thomas W. 1. His name was Richard H. (probably Henry after his Uncle) R.H. was a gifted artist. His portrait, life size in crayon, drawn by himself hangs before me as I write. The silhouette of his father (in album) is undoubtedly his work also. The eldest daughter Mary married Dennis rock of Penzance, but died without issue. Jane married Jane Eve and had tree children. James also a man of gifts, both artistical and mechanical. Henry very intimate and friendly to myself and helped me much in my early choir days, married Charlotte Pierpoint, my wife’s eldest sister, but died without issue. The sister Jane was taken into the Rock family on the death of her father. Neither James nor James Eve married.

The next daughter marries John Harper Wilson. They had many children of whom I knew Arthur, Richard Roope, Edward, Miall, Walter, Horace and Annie. Of these only Arthur married. Walter still lives I suppose in Chicopee Falls Mas. Walter unmarried as far as I know. No issue from any. Roope was my particular chum at school and in both the banks in which I served. He died on Christmas day 1872. I had great affection for him and felt his loss exceedingly. 

I regret to find that from page 44 I omitted the following paragraph.

Blanche, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Frederick Roope, was born at Blanchland Northumberland. Was very gifted in music from an early age, had the sense of “actual pitch” and could play, I should think any instrument she wished to. Did a good deal with the Conra Bass and excelled on the pianoforte and organ. She married C.H. Weatherley and has issue two son Frederick and Louis  both married with issue. I regret to say Mr. Weatherley was buried this afternoon May 17, 1917-at 66 years of age. 

To resume-

The youngest daughter of Frederick and Mary Roope married James Arthur Miles as stated. He is one who I love and revere by the sacred name of mother. 

She was born at Islington March 15, 1815 I believe at 10 Rotherfield Street. Before her marriage September 5, 1844, much of her time in teaching and in so doing had made many friends. She was a trifle above middle height, of fair complexion and perfectly healthy, had a sweet but not powerful voice and used it charmingly, could execute florid passages and command of a very good shake, sung with excellent expression and was a most pleasing pianist.

She drew well and some of her water colors are still in my possession, as are the remnants of the picture Bible with comments by her old minister Dr. Fletcher. Many of the engravings she colored and were always a delight to us children. 

Gentle and sympathetic and loving, yet firm and businesslike , she had the art of rule and management in high degree. After my Father’s death she worked hard to keep the family going and had the happiness of seeing her children turning out well. After 16 years of self-sacrificing love  and care, she passed away to her rest Xmas Eve 1879, in the presence of us all except Miriam who had already been called away.

In honor of her genius for motherhood I record two instances, both of them to my own discredit and severe sorrow.

At a time when I was quite little, I did something I ought not to have done . ( I remember not what) but I was put in the empty kitchen and the door was shut. I gave way to a violent fit of passion and shrieked out her name, with an offensive adjective as she closed the door. She came in again, looked at me and in shocked tone, just quietly spoke my name them left me. In a few minutes I felt the shame of it, and it was not long before I was around her neck, sobbing in a an agony of repentance . Through several years after, when I could not sleep, I would get thinking of it all, and, whem I could not bear my thoughts any longer, would call her up and just cry over her again. 

On one occasion I startled my parents by appearing in their sitting room while they were at supper- this on the old trouble.

I have never given way to such temper since, though more than 60 years have passed.

2) When I was about seven years old, I was amusing myself by (unnecessarily) blowing the kitchen fire. Alfred was there- without realizing what I was doing, I turned round to him and holding up the bellows said “feel that”. He did it with disastrous effect. His screams, the hurried appearance of everybody within earshot and the quick application relief of are all before me now. The visits to the doctor, the blisters, the bathing, strapping and the sad concern on her face, taught me a lesson I never forgot.

Shortly after, a letter came, which she opened, then looking at me said very kindly “ the doctor’s bill for 30 shillings” What a lot of nice things I could have bought with that!

By her gentle ways my brotherly sympathy and filial love were enhanced I was set against practical joking forever. Would harshness or violence have produced such a result? Alfred remembers nothing of the incident and I have kept these things to myself until now. 

The incomparable has gone to her rest. Her portrait is on my table as I write and a better one is enshrined in my heart-And my heart says 

“ I have a message to send her” If I send will she get it-I know not-but I send it-

Photo of I think  (Mother of E.A.M.)

I write that your posterity may reverence you for your great love of us. But fear my script must prove inadequate to voice the silence of my thoughts.

Dear one, from you I learned the Fear of God, through you I have my faith in Jesus Christ, and whatever little I possess of tempered ways – or any gentleness.

Your life, your love were our sweet heritage. Not one of us has failed to honor you. God set such Motherhood in all the earth that men shall say “ what happiness is here”

EDWARD ARTHUR MILES

1865 born Dec. 9^th at Pancras Lane London. Not well favored and life despaired of: nevertheless he was brought through the trouble and has had a healthy life.

1851 sent, with Alfred, in charge of Rebecca, a maid servant who some time before had rescued Edward from the sea into which he had fallen in Brighton to stay some six months at Clapton- sent to Priory House School nearby under Samuel Prout Newcombe (Pestalozzian) Remembers Reynard the fox there in effigy; and his absolute failure to see Kohinoor ( the model I suppose ) although it was persistently pointed out to him. The one thing he remembers well is he struck his shin on the step of the omnibus that took him there. 

1853 Left the City for Homerton, and for a short time attended Homerton College (now used for hospital purposes) afterwards returned to his old school.

1855 back to the City 40 Watling St. -see print from Cassels old and new London in box at bank.

1857 left Wattling St. for Pecham Attended middle school-Dr. Yeats

1859 May 3 engaged as office junior by H Kolle and Sons 65 Queen St. E. L. Cocoa fiber and horsehair manufacturers. Here learnt to write legibly. In fact, took on the style of one of the clerks. 

1861 Entered the London School of Photography, and was apprenticed to Mr. L. P. Newcombe, his old schoolmaster. This man controlled twelve large establishments, with the same facility and success which had marked the management of the Clapton School. 

E.A.M. had been taught chess by a genial next-door neighbor 

1861 Mr. Charles Pilfold. Here were found opportunities to practice which were taken full advantage of. He commenced a life-long friendship with Charles A Grandry who was the first to infect him with a liking for music. Mr, G was a good singer- a pupil of the noted Henry Phillips.

1864 Entered the Agra and Masterman’s Bank. Joined the Lewisham Highroad High Road congressional Church, and there met G.D. Spacey Thomas Wingham A.N.D. Maria Pierpoint. “This was the great year of my life”

1865 Entered “ Leslies Choir” ( see Groves Leslie ) by introduction of George Benson junior- son of the tenor by that name at Westminster Abby. Joined the London Riffle Brigade in which he served four years- A company no. 2333

1868 0n the introduction of G.D. Spacey, choirman of Lewisham High Road. There with others, started the original Brockley Coral Society and gave the first performance of “Messiah” heard in Brockley. The soloists were Anabella Smythe, Arnold Potter, George Perrem and J. Lander. The organ and two grands were in the hands of Mrs. Blanche Roope ( afterwards Mrs L. H. Weatherley ) and two others who soon made their names well known to the musical public. The chorus numbered 100. 

1869 This performance of Handel’s Acis and Galatea was the occasion of the first appearance of an orchestra in Brockley. After three seasons the Society moved to other premises where it was carried on for two more years.

1870 married Maria Pierpoint, who shortly shared all his schemes and labors, and has proved herself a loving, true and faithful wife unto this present.

1875 Entered the paid Choir of Christchurch. Lee Park with Ridley Prentice, organ as alto singer, afterwards transferred his efforts to St. Mary Abchurch under A.E. Bishop, who was trained by Hopkins of the Temple. Concurrently with these engagements he was conducting male voice societies, of which the chief were the “Sixteen” and the “Helicon”

1876 On June 1 he entered upon the choir mastership at Lewisham High Road Congressional Church, which had been offered him. He had long hoped, expected and prepared for this and joyfully accepted it, with the feeling that in so doing he should be able to work out his life’s destiny. He was given a much freer hand than was common in that day at congressional churches. He had the management of the choir and the entire initiative and direction of the music and the assistance of a professional organist.

The music was in the gutter. Pioneer work was commenced. The choir was reformed and more room provided for it. Eventually it and the organ was removed to the chancel, a much more effective position. Within a few months, mainly through the influence of a series of oratorial Cantatas and choral services, the congregational singing had reached a very satisfactory standard.

An annual program was set up as follows: (1) Harvest Festival (2) Choir Soirée in which the minister and deacons took part with the choir (3) an oratorio near Xmas (4) another on Palm Sunday or after Easter (5) a Flower Service with orchestra at 7 a.m. on May 1, and for nine months in the year, the last, afterwards altered to the first Sunday in each month was helped by extra music. In addition to these, about four visits a year were paid to the Mission Halls and to such churches who desired help of the kind. This course was continued until December 10^th 1911when he had resigned on the ground of failing strength. On that Sunday evening, he presented his last choral service, which included Mendelsohn’s “ O come let us sing” conducted by Edward Pierpoint Miles, son of the retiring choirmaster. E.A.M. then directed a work of a new form entitled Seena-Anthem specially prepared for the occasion by himself entitled “ Our mouth shall show forth Thy praise. (Pilman Hart) In this he had the assistance of Mr Sidney Hill, the organist of the church and there was choral service on Xmas morning with orchestra and at the organ, with the pleasure of the presence of Mr. A.B. Lindall the organist at the Brockley Baptist Church at his side: Mr. W. Naylor organist of St. George Brockley, took the pianoforte and Miss Lizzie de Feur gave an ideal rendering of the somewhat exigent soprano solo part. With the choir the total number of ecoutants was eighty two. The congregation numbered about eight hundred in spite of a terrific gale of wind and rain, which raged all the evening and far into the night. For all that, the music was most successful and the kindness from the minister, deacons, musicians and congregation was such as to make the farewell as happy as it could well be to one who had been with them so long. Edward. A. Miles continued in office until December 31 1911. That day falling on a Sunday, his friend A.W. Tagg kindly deputized for him. Mr. Tagg, a member of the choir to whom E.A.M owed very much for long and efficient service, was appointed choirmaster during the following week. The statements in this paragraph are true and exact and notwithstanding a different account which appeared in print at the time.

During his service of nearly 36 years, he worked with four Ministers and five organists produced 34 different Oratorios and Cantatas besides many small m.s.s. of his own. His tune for “here Lord we offer Thee” was accepted for the May service in 1887 and has been used ate every anniversary of that service till now. His Vesper in I ran for six years without a break. Appended is a list of the works alluded above:

Long list—–

The x indicates the works were repeated several times. His own m.s.s. he will not destroy 

He gives thanks to all who have helped him and to God who has led him through this delightful, and as he likes to think, useful path. Notwithstanding the wear and tear of it, he would gladly tread it all over again.

                     MARIA ( NÉE ) PIERPOINT 

                Born March 3, 1841 at 1:45pm

As already stated, the writer had married Maria Pierpoint. This was done on May 14 1870 at L.H.R.

The ceremony was conducted by the Reverent George Martin (now in his 90^th year) Her father William Pierpoint was on of the first deacons at that church and took part in the ceremony of fixing the vane to the top of the steeples, in company with Mr. Travers Wire, son of the Founder and others. Maria witnessed the act from an opposite window. She collected weekly, sums of money for the building fund, became the first infant class teacher, beginning with one child and carried on the work for ten years; then with 84 children in attendance, had to resign on the occasion of her marriage. 

She was a member of the choir from the beginning and continued to be so until the retirement of her husband from the choir mastership – a period of about 48 years. She was devoted to the church, had a good high soprano’s voice, great energy, vivacity and earnestness. Was gifted in the art of making friends  and interested them in the work of the choir. The lineage of the Pierpoints is fairly well known. The name is from Pierrepont, not from the town of that name in the arrondisment Coutance in Normandy, as stated by Grenville in mem Soc. Antig Normandy, but from the castle of that name on the southern border of Picardy and Diocese of Laon, which continued in the family down to the time of Richard. Domes day book mentions Robert and Godfrey de Pierrepont as holding Lordships in Sussex and Norfolk. The genealogy makes Robert one of the conquerors Lt. Generals.

He gave his name as suffix to the town still called Hurst Pierpont 

A later introduction of the name occurred after the Revocation of the Edict of Nante when John and Henry Pierpoint of Normandy, aged 19 and 20 respectively, arrived in London and joined the English army as troopers(1687) I have not found any further record of them 

In the latter part of the 18^th century lived William Pierpoint of Sussex. He had issue, five sons viz: William of Leives, the deacon born 1801. David, John, Joseph, Thomas and daughters. William married Ann M. Barker. They had issue eleven children of whom only three survive: viz William of Brockley, Maria and Ebenezer. William married Rosa M. Williams and had issue Liliam R who became Mrs. H.  Harmsworth and mother of four sons -Leslie in Canada, Walter married to Grace Humphrey. They have two children- Edwin in the A.S Corp but laid aside by injury and & Harry B. longing to be of age to join the army.

William of deacon Lewes had a son, Caleb Joseph who married my cousin Mary Roope. Their issue is referred to on page 44. In the consequence of early death (about 40) and no provision having been made for the children, my wife took into our family and brought him up. He was of an adventurous disposition and on coming of age gave us a photo album and wrote us a letter of thanks which pleased us very much. Also he told us of his intention to go to Canada. 

We gave him what assistance we could and he went forth to that colony. First he went farming but afterwards secured an appointment with Tees & Perase and with whom he has since risen to a seat on the board of directors. This in Winnipeg. In other ways he has done well viz: as organist to several churches, as Superintendent  of a Sunday school and as Secretary Treasurer of the Winnipeg General Hospital and other public work.

He married Florence Harling of Brockley; they have issue Grace Miriam, Evelyn, Lionel and Ernest Miles. ( the last after us -from William Pierpoint of Leives I learned that his brother Joseph spent much time and money of tracing his pedigree with a view of property, that he went back 250 years ( from about 60 years ago ) but though he traced the family he did not fix the property.   He gave up the quest because of the expense but succeeded in showing the persistence of the family in Sussex, back to, it would seem to about 1600. ( Further reference to this family is made on page 82.

The writer ( A.E.M.) and his wife had issue. Four children.

1. Harold Edward born March 17 1871 died December 5 1872. Had bronchitis just as his mother was preparing for Ethel, he appeared to recover, but he had a relapse and passed away when Ethel was only 37 days old. It was a terrible shock, so unexpected. He was a beautiful child and supposedly quite strong-

Ethel Maria born October 29, 1872. Always delicate, she was carried off in an epidemic of diphtheria. She had a great love for her Sunday school and her teacher, Miss Worringham also for the missionary idea. She collected for the L.M.S. and received several books in recognition of her efforts. She had a wonderful insight of things spiritual, as was shown in the manner of her death. 

When she was obviously about to depart, I, after much prayer and thought, decide to tell her my fears- I said to he “ Dear child, you are very ill, I think Jesus is coming for you very soon” She seemed a little surprised but answered me without  hesitation or tremor “is he Papa dear? “I know he will take me to heaven but I did not know it was tonight” — “I like living here but let Him do as He thinks best” Then after a short silence – “ I think I had better go to Sleep”

Of course we left her for a few minutes.

On returning she handed me a silver chain purse to keep for her sake. I looked at in dismay. She noted this and took it back, saying, perhaps that is’nt very suitable for a gentleman and gave it to her mother with “ you take this and give Pa that” (another childish treasure). I thanked her and put it in my breast pocket and resolved to wear it there always. Alas it came to feel like a stone to my heart and I was obliged to put it away.

She then gave us a book saying “give that to Pier” Tell him to be a good boy and come to heaven. You will dear Pa and Ma, I know.

She passed away the next evening at the age of 8 years and 9 months. 

In spite of our intense natural grief, we felt that the honor which God has placed upon us of giving us such a child was a gift worth having lived for. 

3. Edward Pierpoint Miles (born March 19, 1874) for whom I reserve my last article.

4. Herbert Edgar (born March 16 1879 and died September 9^th. Whom we lost through trouble in teething at the age of six months. He had unusual muscular power. At the age of four and a half months, he drew himself up to stand by the furniture and his intelligence was as remarkable as  his physical strength.

THE YOUNGER CHILDREN OF JAMES ARTHUR AND ANN MILES (HIS WIFE) MY BROTHERS AND SISTER

Alfred Henry, was from early very good to me. Energetic, bright, cheerful, good natured, good tempered, leader of our games, inventor of some of them, and a general favorite. On May 3 1859 when I was going to business for the first time, he rose before me, hurried downstairs and surreptitiously cleaned my boots for me. I never forgot it, fifty years afterwards, on the day of his youngest daughter’s wedding, I found and took the opportunity to do him a similar service; “ con amore” and in spite of the protests from the kitchen.

He went into literature and his books have had a great circulation. His “Poets of the 19^th Century” is I believe his best work. He made many good literary friends and the British Museum knows him well. 

Ernest Morley-Soon after his birth, my father told me that his name was to be Ernest for he had so longed for an earnest boy. The wish was fulfilled. Earnestness has dominated his life in business, religion, philosophy and music, and particularly in his generosity to those needing his help, with whom he came into contact. He is at present unmarried.

Harvey James( born 9.8.1859). A jolly little boy. Playing with him one day, the thought came to me, that if I should grow up and marry, I should like to have a little boy like that. Strangely enough, in due course, my infant Pier arrived and reminded me, by his appearance and manner of the incident.

Energetic, determined and persevering. At an early age, took the certificate of the Bankers Institute, and since has been very successful in commercial life. Is a good musician, has acquired great proficiency on the violin, both in solo and orchestral work. Has given me much help in that way, besides singing in the choir for a year or more, married Annie E. Dugan who has proved herself a blessing and an ornament to the family. 

Ellen Mary -a dear quiet girl, very thoughtful, reserved. She met an early death through the explosion of a paraffin lamp as she was retiring to bed. She bore her suffering with great fortitude for a few days, then passed quietly away. Born December 3, 1849 and died March 8, 1889.

Allice Annie- an active and energetic who has done much service to the family, particularly in assisting to “mother” the younger children of Alfred H. Always a good worker at her church and other spheres of useful action. For 7 years secretary of the Eastbourne Literary Association.

Miriam born 6 .5.1858 and died April 1868 – When quite young was of a violent temper, causing us some anxiety. She went to school in the country, and while there quite altered. On her return she seemed a different child, gentle and kind. A letter in my mother’s writing telling of the testimony of the teachers to her sweet and amiable bearing is in existence. In it she adds her own testimony to the same effect. She passed away, most happily, at the early age of nearly 15, while still at school. 

Florence-a very affectionate girl, good wife to Robert Lines and faithful mother of 11 children, of whom 8 still live. She passed away in her 56^th year through hear trouble. Born 28 October 1856 and died August Bank holiday 1911.

EDWARD PIERPOINT MILES

Was born March 19, 1874. He had diphtheria at the same time as Ethel, but recovered, then had a serious relapse. We were instructed to keep his mind alert. The next day, it came in my way to buy a tortoise-there was no more tendency to apathy, true incessant watching of the creature of the extraordinary antics one of whose tricks was to climb on to the chairs and fall of again, generally on to his back! I feels sure that this course was by God’s grace, the means of saving his life.

He is now 43 years of age, six feet high and well proportioned. 

He has been, and is, a son of whom his parents are proud, of whom any parents would be proud. By his love and care for us, his success was taxing my strength he took the entire management and conductorship of the orchestra off my hands and worked that department to a sizable state of excellency since had not been known in Brockley before, nor has been since. This part of his work is duly set forth in the printed record of the church from 1893 to 1898 inclusive.

He married Mary Ann Clayton. Daughter of George Clayton and Lucy Harriet née Rollason of Edgecombe , Wickham Road Brockley on April 29^th 1899 at St. Gorge’s Church, Bloomsbury. His wife has made herself our very own and has proved herself a blessing indeed to us in our advancing years. During my severe illness in 1910, she, by her constant attention and help was as an angel of mercy to my wife and me.

They have issue- Lionel and Philip. Lionel, was born July 4 ^_1901 and was taken away at 24 hours notice by appendicitis at nearly six years of age. He was a bright and happy child, showing signs of beautiful disposition and left many fragrant memories which are still with us. 

“you may break you may shatter the vase if you will, But the scent of the roses will hang round it still”

Philip Pierpoint born July 17, 1904 is now in his 13^th year and is a most promising lad. God bless him and grant that he may live to be a blessing to his parents and an honor to his family.

                                       MILES

Gen 1) of the young Pretender’s time about 1735

2) James Miles of Cambridge and possibly Newmarket about 1765

3) James Miles of Cambridge, afterwards of London born about 1793

4) James Arthur Miles ( father of Edward Miles) Believed born at Cambridge, but of London from infancy born February 20 – 1813

5) The children of J.A. and Anne Miles

1845 Edward A, Alfred H, Ellen M, Alice A, Miriam, Ernest, Florence, Harvey

June 14. I have written so far in the unrest and terror of the war about which I did not want to think. Three Zeppelins have fallen in flames within sight of this house, there have been many aerial raids over the house and I counted on one occasion, forty shells fired across in 10 minutes at midnight. The Zep’s have been mastered but the planes still worry. I could not write anything yesterday for there was a raid at 11:40 a.m. in brilliant sunshine. Thermometer at 81 in the shade causing a slight heat mist, which protected the invaders. In a quarter of an hour they killed 97 and injured 439, including 120 children, more than 50 of them at one school. When and where the next will come from 

, who can tell? But we know that the Lord reigneth. Let the earth  be never so unquiet.

GEN 6)

EDWARD A/  ALFRED H/ HARVEY JOS/  FLORENCE LINES

Harold Edw   Alf Peniston  Wilfred H      Robert Wobble

Ethel Maria   Ernald Wing  Margaret.     Arthur Ernest

Edward Pier  Frank W         Marion B      Ruby

Herbert Edg  Arthur Ratch                       George Stuart

                        Edith                                     Ernest Percy

                        Gertrude M                         Wilfred Leonard 

                        Mabel                                   Mabel

                                                                      Winnie

                                                                      Alice 

                                                                      Bessie

                                                                      Connie

GEN 7)

EDWARD P M/ ALF PENISTON/    GEORGE LINES 

Lionel                 Paul                      Reginald A

George              Phylis                    Eileen

Philip Pier         Gerald                  Edith

                           Geoffrey              Boy infant

                           Bernard               Joyce

                           Mabel

                           Kathleen

                           Mary

FROM PAGE 67

William Pierpoint Deacon, a good and just man. In business a builder, and appeared to build “for eternity” not regarding the temptations of the leasehold system. He built a chapel in Boone Street Lee S.E. and ran it, often conducting the service himself. He married Ann M. Barker daughter of Joseph Barker head of the mast house, opposite of the Deptford Dockyard. He lived to a great age over ninety.

Ann was a dear soul, a great helper of our courtship and a standing contradiction to the prevalent vulgar conception of the Mother-in law of fiction. She met her death by falling off a chair on which she was standing. Result a compound fracture of the ankle which proved fatal in a few days. This happened shortly before the birth of our firstborn. Her daughter Charlotte born 7 12 1828 died 2 Jan 1908, having married my cousin Henry Eve. She was a very amiable woman and a most benevolent sister to Maria who was always a favorite of hers. She failed at the age of 79 from senile decay, suffered much with fortitude, patience and resignation. Kind and generous to the last, she passed away in her 80^th year.

Her sister Jane, born 31/5/1833 was a great and constant help to us through her devotion to our children, upon whom she lavished much love and attention. Was living with her sister Charlotte and her brother Ebenezer when the former (Charlotte) died. Two days before the day fixed for the funeral, Jane who was ill with bronchitis also died. The burial of Charlotte was postponed, and the two were buried together in the same grave. Jane had not married. Died 7 January 1908.

Ebenezer, still living a bachelor, had a very fine baritone voice, of which we had much benefit in our choir and glee work, and has done some acceptable solo work. He was the support of his father’s declining years, and of both the sisters mentioned above. Born 9/1/ 1849

Reference was made on page 59, to expeditionary efforts of the choir.

Of these, the most notable was the visit to the City Temple on April 3, 1906.

In that year the Reverent W Justin Evans, Minister of Lewisham High Road Church, was the Chairman of the London Congressional Union. He appointed E.A.M. his own choirmaster to organize the music for the annual meeting, leaving the entire shaping of the musical portion of the program in his hands.

The occasion was a great one – Balfour’s Educational  Act had been passed- a vigorous resistance had been made-ministers had been imprisoned and thousands of homes raided for the benefit of the Anglican and Roman Churches’ schools. A general had been held, which dismissed the Balfour government and gave a large majority to the other side, and it seemed that a clarion call should be given to the friends of religious liberty. The program was framed as such, and with Song and Speech enthusiasm was roused to a very satisfactory degree.

The Program: Organ solo in Eb Smart Mr. Sidney and Hill.

Anthem:

The Lord is my strength and my song by choir of 86 voices

Chorus

We never will bow down to the rude stock or the sculptured stone. We worship God and God alone.

Solo: Miss Annie Dew-Mendelsohn. Jerusalem thou that killest the prophets 

Solo: Mr. William Naylor -Mendelsohn. The sorrow of death.

Chorus: Mendelsohn 

The night is departing the day is approaching. Hymn

“let all men praise the Lord”

The speakers arrive and fill the platform.

All rise and sing:

Soldiers of Christ arise

Prayer by the Reverent F.W.J. Merlin

Address Reverent W. Justin Evans

Introduction of the chairman, vice chairman

Chorus Rise up arise, rise and shine! Mendelsohn

Address Mr. David Williamson

Address Reverent Hardy Hardwood

Hymn Rejoice the Lord is king

Benediction E.A.M.

Vesper in F 

O may my soul on Thee repose

                                MILETUS ( appendix page 86 a )

About the year 1000 BC certain Ionis Greeks Meleus the Argivel left Pylos Navarino, crossed the sea to the mainland of Asia Minor, and landed on the southern shore of the Latmic Gulf near the mouth of the River Macander. There they found Miletus which was built by the Cretans long before, which had lapsed to the Carcicans. They conquered it, killed the men, appropriated all else, burnt the town and built another of the same name, but nearer the sea. They made four separate harbors, all protected by a group of islands, and built many ships. They became rich in flocks and became noted for the production of excellent woolen fabrics-Milesia Vellera. 

The city became a port for the great hinterland, which included the whole Southern Phryigia. Relics show that Miletus had relations with the Aegean in the latest Minoean Age.(Homer 11X1 681 OD 111.

The people became very strong on the sea, soon created Ephesus and Iasus from the Caricans and captured Smyrna BC 700. Early in the seventh century they began to colonize and eventually and built 60 cities between the deltas of the Nile and the Danube and the shores of the Euxine.. Expanded is a list of the best known-

Abydos, against Niagra point on the Hellespont. Hers Xerces built his bridge of boats. Here occurred the Hero and Leandra Incident. Here was made a vigorous resistant Philip 5^th of Macedon B.C. 200.

Sinope, with 2 harbors was restored to a new colony from Miletus B.C. 632. Here Diogenes and Mithridates were born. The latter became the King of Pontus, of which Sinope was the capital.

Naucretis, on the delta of the Nile, (early 7^th century?) which remained a city of refuge for the Greeks in times of danger. Herodotus gives a list of its temples-ruins of two of these and of the Hellenion, a fortified storehouse and factory, 870 feet long by 746 feet wide, with walls 50 feet thick. One of their generals, an Egyptian, became King of Egypt under the title of Amasis B.C. 572

Cizicus, B.C. 675 was built as the emporium of their Euxine trade. It was famous for its gold coinage, which became almost a monopoly, by permission of the Persian King (5^th to 4^th Century B.C.)It was destroyed by earthquakes the last of which occurred in A.D. 1063.

Discurias called by the Romans Sebastopolis

Odessus (Varna) in Thrace on the Pontus Euxinus B.C. 599

Pointeccepaeum on the Cimmerian Bosphorus which became the capital of the Crimean Kingdom. Art relics found here are now mostly in St. Petersburg. The city was also called Bosphorus.

Boryschenes also called Albia and Miletopholis 

It was the most important Milesian city north of the Euxine.

Istropolis near the mouth of the Danube on the coast.

Fomi on the western shore of Euxine. It became the capital of Scythia and was the place of Ovid’s banishment (Trist 111-9-33-197 and Strabo 1211-319)

Apolonia, also called Syzopolis (Sizeboli) in Thrace on the Euxine(Strabo page 319-541)

In no country inhabited by the Hellenic race except at Athens were the refinements of civilization more highly cultivated than by the Ionians The restless energy and free spirit of their race, their riches, and geographical position combined to advance with great rapidity. The intellectual progress and social development of its people.

Did Miletus contribute it’s share? We shall see.

Thales ( BC 636 ) The first of the seven sages of Greece was the founder of Greek Philosophy. Was first to ignore the mythologies of and to look for a physical origin of the Earth. He taught that water was the cause of all things, that the earth floated on it, and incidentally, was in motion. He was referred to by Aristotle for meteorology, Foretold an eclipse which actually happened May 28, B.C. 585. Sir George Ainy confirms the date. It commenced in the middle of a battle. Awe-stricken the parties ceased to fight and became friends. Pliny agrees with this, but there is a doubt as to Thales being able to name the exact day. He also instituted a Federal Council which brought about the Ionic confederation and brought about the union of twelve powerful cities. He also introduced abstract Geometry into Greece. His record in the Encyclopedia Britannica ( 2500 years later ) occupies over four columns. 

Page 88 a

Anaximander, (B.C. 610-547) the second of the sages was great in Astronomy, Mathematics and Geometry, made a map of the Earth, a sun dial and introduced the gnomon into Greece. He taught that the Infinite, everlasting and Devine, although not attributing to it a spiritual or intelligent nature, was the first cause of the Earth, but appears to have thought of it as endless unlimited mass subject to neither age or decay, but perpetually yielding fresh material and receiving back into itself all things on their dissolution. He named it a p x n

Cadmus (B.C.540) The earliest Greek historian, wrote a book on the foundation of Meletus, and the earliest history of Ionia, generally in four books (Strabo page 18)

Anaximines (B.C.544) considered Air to be the first cause. Everything was air and differing densities subject to heat and cold. In this way was formed the Earth, floating in Air, Similarly the sun the moon, their flaming state being due to the velocity of their motion. He was the teacher of Anaxagorous ( not of Meletus who taught that intelligence alone, pure and unmixed, had two powers- to know and to move on the chaotic mass, in which caused a rotary movement. 

Hecateus ( B.C. 476 ) Statesman, travelled much, wrote descriptions of Europe, Asia Egypt and Libya (still quoted) Also poetical fables and traditions of the Greeks, and a more important work on Geography, besides correcting the maps of Anaximander. Heroclotus knew some of these works an controverted some of the opinions but (e.b.x.1) is indebted to him for facts, method and general scheme. Was made the Ambassador to Persia and introduced to the King to allow the restoration of the Ionic Federation (B.C. 494). Probably in this man’s time, other Milesians were founding their dynasties in Ireland. 

Dionysius (no five of Miletus) was contemporary with Hecatoeus- He wrote a history of Persia.

Timotheus (B.C 446-357) Poet and musician. At his first recital at Athens, the audience offended by his bold innovations, hissed him off the stage. At once Euripides told him he would soon have all the thearre at his feet. The prediction was soon fulfilled, and the Ephesians granted him 1000 gold pieces on the recital of his Hymn to Artemis. To improve his music he added several strings to the cithara. 

Aspasia of Miletus went to Athens, where one where she became popular with the philosophical set. Socrates visited her. She attracted the notice of Pericles who had divorced his wife. Barred by law against marriage with an alien, he took her to be his mistress and she bore him a son. After the death of Pericles B.C. 429 and of his legitimate sons, her son was. By special decree mad legitimate and entitled to his father’s name. She exercised a great confluence. Some of her sayings have been preserved. Eventually she allied herself with one, Lysicus, a cattle dealer and by her tuition, enabled him to become a first rate orator. 

Page 89 a

Such was Miletus, such its people. Strong in defensive war, although it never produced a great soldier, stable in government, great in commerce, extraordinarily successful in colonization and renowned  in Literature, learning and art.

But it had it’s reverses. It fell to Croesus, was conquered by Cyrus, B.C.557 but under the Persians, reclaimed its prosperity until the Ionian revolt, of which it was the center. It was then destroyed by the Persians. After the battle of Mycate it recovered its liberty, and eventually was strong enough to offer a stern, though vain resistance to Alexander who ruined the place. Again it arose, fell again to the Romans under whom it received a visit from the apostle Paul. (Acts 20.17) and remained a place of some consequence until its final destruction by the Turk.

In this way its sixteen centuries of history came to an end. The river has been silted up and changes have taken place in the land, so that excavations have not been very successful because of the difficulty in determining the exact site. From Beeton’s classical dictionary, I gather the following:

                       Verdict of Prosperity

Euxinus Pontus (the hospitable sea) anciently Axinus Pontus (the inhospitable sea) from the Lavage people on its coasts. The savage tribes were gradually softened by commerce and the plantation of colonies! It is now called the Black Sea. But we have not done with the citizens. They had founded many colonies in Scythia. From that country, Milesians went forth to Egypt, perhaps thinking to found another Naucratis, but they failed and so turned back to Crete, and afterwards returned to Scythia. We next hear of them in Spain where Miled was born. This man’s brother Ich was murdered in Ireland while on a peaceful mission. At last the eight sons of Miled set out to conquer Ireland. They were joined by their cousin Lugaid (son of Ich) and his tribe, and succeeding, set up a dynasty which numbered 197 Kings and lasted much more than a thousand years. What were these Milesians? I answer, Descendants from the Sons of Miletus, Ionic Greeks who were kinsmen of Homer and spoke the tongue!

Not Scots though they may have come via Scotland as the Firlogs did, not Spaniards though they may have came through Spain nor Scythe though they set out from Scythia. 

Page 90 a

I gather from Lippincotes new Gazeteen of the World(publisjed by their firm in London and Philadelphia) that widely spread over the U.S.A. maybe found sixteen instances of “Miles” as place-names. Here is a list:

Miles Talladega C     Ala                       Milespoint Missouri        R

Miles Jackson    C.     Iowa                   Milespond Essex              Va

Miles Renville   C.     Minni                  Miles Station Macoupin Ky

Miles Center     C.     Pa                        Miles Station Runnels     Tex

Milesburok       C.      Pa                        Milestown  St.Mary’s     Ma 

Miles City          C      Mont.                  Milestown Philadelphia Pa

Mileses Sullivan       N.Y.                      Miles River

Milesgrove Lakeshore Mich                and in Canada

Miles Pass                Alaska                   Miles Cañon

Does the ancient passion for colonization still hold sway over 

The old Race in the New World?

(Please return to page 11)

Page 91

Conclusion

I now set down in order an account of a remarkable experience through which I have passed. Were I to refrain from so doing, I should feel guilty of a lack of duty.

It is about the end of March 1910, The scene sick room- The time early evening-the dreaded night is coming on. The day nurse is preparing for her release from duty. She draws the blinds makes up the fire and lights the incandescent gas lamp which hangs over the center of the bed.

The foot of the bed faces the fireplace which is surmounted by a circular mirror fixed in a square panel-the head of the bed is against the opposite wall the bay window parallel with the bed. I in my 65^th year lie seriously ill- anxious and weary and restless for bronchitis relapse, pleurisy, pneumonia and phlebitis have claimed me.

The light overhead distresses me. I ask for a shade and it is soon in place. I presently find that the reflection in the unshaded side of the lamp from the mirror is very painful. Again I ask for relief and the nurse looks around for the wherewithal to satisfy me.

Lying near is a parcel containing some soft material enclosed in brown paper which is rolled around it and made fast by the screwing up of the overlapping ends in the usual way. 

She opens the parcel, takes the brown paper, spread it out flat and lightly smooths it with her hands, then fixes it over the mirror, and I am relieved. She leaves on the arrival of the night nurse- when all is quiet I take notice of the paper-there are markings all over I caused by the light from the lamp as it falls on the creasings and corrugations. At first these are indistinct, but as I become accustomed to them, I see distorted figures and grotesque like ancient gargoyles, also awkward curves and lines, a curious chaos. I am not worried, on the contrary I amuse myself by trying to trace the absurdities. I think the effort keeps me quiet, and, in the morning I look for the chaos.

But chaos is not there! In it’s place is a lovely picture of beauty and peace. The daylight streaming through the window at a right angle to the course of the beams to the night, shows a life-size head and face in profile. In astonishment I gaze upon it. In awe I say (like the fishermen of old) “it is the Lord”. I call the attention of others. They add their testimony to mine in the following declaration.

                                   Declaration 1917

I therefore being in good health and of sound senses and clear memory, do firmly and solemnly declare that the picture appeared on the paper in broad daylight, that I saw it and knew it as a presentation of the head and face of the Lord Jesus Christ and that my recovery commenced that day-

In witness of the same I hereby sign my name 

                              Edward A. Miles

Then of Tyrswhill Road

Brockley S.E.

Maria Miles

I, the wife of the patient saw the picture constantly and came to the same conclusion as my husband.

Mary A. Miles 101 Breakspeers S.E

L, daughter in law of the patient saw the picture constantly and came to the same conclusion as did he and his wife. 

We the undersigned declare that we saw the picture and looked upon it as a presentation of the head and face of our Lord Jesus Christ

Ernest Dowsette Then minister of the Lewisham High Road Church

Clayton B. Hall 100 Tyrswitt Road Brockley S.E.

Deeacon church secretary 

Jeanies Hall same address

Perry L. Hall same address

Ernest M. Miles Cornwall House, Forest Hill S.E.

PAGE 96

The effect on me is great. My spirits rise, hope revives, my condition improves.

A few days pass-The picture remains but a change comes over me. I notice the face is not turned toward me and that it wears a sad look. I wonder is it a warning?

The fever rises- I ponder much on my life’s history. I remember much that I would fain forget. I am not happy. In the small hours I stumble against the doctrine of the unpardonable sin. I agonize, for how long I do not know. I have known good men who have lost their reason and died in misery thus. I say this way lies lunacy- Lord grant me Thy peace. Spare me a little while where I go hence and be no more seen. “ give me sleep I will trust Thee until the morning. 

Sleep comes to me – I awake in the morning exhausted, but glad to find myself alive. But doctor and nurse are very quiet and serious, my wife agitated. 

I say to the doctor you think my body is bad, so it is. But I know that it is my spirit that is bad. I tell him my experience -we converse. He is more cheerful says “ you thought that in the night, do you think it now?” I answer no. “ then you need not worry”

The spell of the picture gradually regains its sway over me- I begin to improve. Soon I hear that I am over it, and that one of the nurses can leave as my “case” is no longer interesting.

I feel that my first thoughts of the picture are right- the night and day presentations never alter but continue to appear in notation as at first.

Several years have passed- the picture has faded- The memory remains and I pass the story on.

                                      To Memory

O memory, thy changeful face I know. At times though art Lover and anon art Judge. Thy love is mine in deepest gratitude, Thy judgements bring discomfort to my Soul.

Unlike a helpful song, whose subject sweet, broken by sudden clash of stressful chords, comes quickly back and bids me rest again. Though stayest long, Thy brow still dark and stern. 

Still I have Hope and Hope engenders Faith. And faith moves mountains, clouds of Doubt and Fear. When doubt has fled and penitence meets Grace. Assured! Why should I fear thee Memory?

Though, Thou has troubled me, may’st trouble me yet. Though canst not bind the Soul by Christ made free.

PAGE 99

My title to the character of amateur historian here lapses.

I now deliver unto my dear son Edward Pierpoint Miles, the little book in the earnest hope he will carry on the story in, and of his generation, for the benefit of the next.

May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit rest upon the Line forever. Amen

Edward Arthur Miles 

160, Lewisham High Road S.E.