Orleans

MILES, Willard Wesbery

Men of Vermont: Illustrated Biographical History of Vermonters & Sons of 
Vermont. Ullery. Brattleboro: Transcript Publishing Company, 1894, p 275 
(portrait p 275)

Willard Wesbery MILES, of Barton [Orleans County, Vermont], was born 06 
February 1845 in Albany [Orleans County, Vermont], son of Orin [Orrin?] and 
Eunice (CLARK) MILES. His ancestors were among the early settlers of this 
country and his father's and mother's grandfathers were Revolutionary 
soldiers and settled in Vermont at the close of the Revolutionary War. Mr. 
MILES, after a course in the public schools in Albany, fitted for college at 
the Barnston and Hatley academies in the Province of Quebec, at the time 
intending to complete his education at college, but being compelled to rely 
on his own resources and financial means, he finally decided to abandon 
taking a college course, and devote the time to the study of law.

Previous to entering an office, he took private lessons in Greek and Latin of 
Rev. S. K. B. PERKINS. For some time he taught in the common schools in 
Albany and Craftsbury, employing his leisure time in reading law. In 1866 he 
entered the office of Charles I. VAIL, Esq., then of Irasburgh [Orleans 
County, Vermont], where he remained for two years. He then went to Ann Arbor 
[Washtenaw County], Michigan, for the purpose of entering the law school at 
that place, but on account of ill health was compelled to return to Vermont. 
In the fall of 1871 he entered the office of Hon. William W. GROUT, at Barton 
[Orleans County, Vermont], where he remained until the September term of 
Orleans County court, 1872, when he was admitted to the bar and was appointed 
master in chancery.

He commenced the practice of law at South Albany [Orleans County]; remained 
until June 1873; removed to North Craftsbury [Orleans County] and opened a 
law office; practiced law there until April 1881; and then removed to Barton 
and formed a copartnership with Gen. William W. GROUT, under the name of 
Grout & Miles. That firm did a large and remunerative business during its 
continuance, and was engaged in many of the important suits in that part of 
the state. In 1888, on account of congressional duties, General GROUT 
withdrew from the firm, since which time Mr. MILES has that business alone at 
Barton, where he is now located; since the dissolution of the firm of Grout & 
Miles, he has retained and continues to hold the clientage of that firm.

Republican. was town clerk of Craftsbury several years until his removal to 
Barton; in 1872 represented Albany in the Legislature, serving on the 
committee on elections; in 1878 represented Craftsbury, serving on the 
judiciary committee of which Judge POLAND was chairman; in 1890 was elected 
state's attorney for Orleans County, which office he still holds. Member of 
Meridian Sun Lodge No. 20, Free & Accepted Masons. Member of Congregational 
church at Barton. On 29 September 1872 he married Ellen M., daughter of 
Luther and Lavinia (DEWEY) DOW, of Albany [Orleans County, Vermont]; they had 
three children: Ida M., Mabel A., and Orin L. (deceased).

Submitted by Cathy Kubly