Biography of

Benjamin S. Miles, Co D

Benjamin S , born the son of John D. Miles, entered this world in January, 1841. The 1860 census lists him as working as a farm laborer. With the advent of the civil war, he followed the example of several of his relatives including his uncles, David and Noah Miles, and cousin, Osmer Miles.

He enlisted in Company D of the 18th Ohio on September 23, 1861 at Camp Wool, Athens, AthensCounty, Ohio for a three year period. He saw service with this unit until he received a disability discharge on April 20, 1863. After a period of recuperation, he continued his service by joining Company C of the 141st Ohio Infantry. He remained with this unit until he was mustered out on September 3, 1864 at Gallipolis, Ohio.

Upon his return from the war, he wasted no time returning to his past endeavors. On February 4, 1865, he married Martha DeCamp in Athens County. Of his seven children, Myrtle O. was born in 1866, Ossie E in 1867, and Etta in 1869. The information available says he was working as a carpenter between 1870 and 1880. During this decade, he continued to add to his family when Jessie was born in September, 1873, Elbert in 1878, and Addie on January 15, 1888. During 1888, he also served as a Justice of the Peace for Athens County. Benjamin received a pension for his civil war service with the 18th Ohio and 141st Ohio Regiments.

Benjamin S. Miles departed this life on September 30, 1915, leaving his widow to continue collecting his Civil War pension. He was laid to rest in West Union Street Cemetery, Athens, Ohio.

As a note of interest, Benjamin was the greatgrandson of Noah Miles of Pauling, Dutchess County, New York. The elder Noah served in Abraham Brinkerhoff's Regiment of Minute Men of the New York State Militia in the Revolutionary War.

(Information provided by Will Slater who has graciously granted permission to post this biography to the website.)