John David Miles, M. D.,
Honorary Past Grand Commander, which occurred at this home at Vicksburg, Mississippi, on March 27, 1916.
Sir Knight Miles was born in Natchez, Mississippi, on March 15, 1820, being the third son born to David and Eleanor (Borwnjohn) Miles, the farmer who was born in South Wales, came to the United States and settled in Natchez, Mississippi, in 1816. The mother was born in London, England, the daughter of John Brownjohn, and in 1816 came with her people to the United States.
Mr. David Miles was a civil engineer and laid out many of the streets of Natchez, where he died in 1830. Sir Knight Miles' mother, after the death of her husband, married Dr. R. C. Chambers and was removed to Illinois, where they resided until 1850.
Sir Knight John D. Miles resided in Illinois until he was sixteen years old, where he received the principal part of his education. He then went to St. Louis, where he studies dentistry and practice. In 1852 he married Miss Hattie Paine, a daughter of Thomas Paine. In 1855 he moved to Vicksburg, Mississippi, in which place, he is a skilled operator, his patronage was large and lucrative. In 1873 he, with six other dentists, organized the Mississippi State Dental Association in his office in Vicksburg and was its first president, and on two different occasions afterward was elected to fill the president's chair. He also served as a member of the Mississippi State Board of Dental Examiners for five years and served one term as president of the Board. He took a deep interest in his profession.
Sir Knight Miles was initiated, passed, and raised to the degree of Master Mason at Natchez, Mississippi, in 1854, in Andrew Jackson Lodge, No. 2. In 1855 he emitted, moved to Vicksburg, and joined Vicksburg Lodge, No. 26. He took the Royal Arch Chapter Council and Templar Degrees in the local bodies in Vicksburg and being a very zealous, active Mason filled all the chairs in all the bodies up to and including Eminent Commander of Knights Templar. He served as Master of Vicksburg Lodge for several terms and was one of about thirty members who demitted from Vicksburg Lodge, No. 26, to revive the charter of W. H. Stevens Lodge, No. 121, of Vicksburg, and was an exempt member of that Lodge. He was an Honorary Past Gran Coman der of Mississippi, and a member of Hamasa Temple, Ancient Arabic Order of the Nobles of the Mystic Shrine, of Meridian, Mississippi.
Sir knight Miles was a member of the Holy Trinity Episcopal Church, of Vicksburg, Mississippi.
He died at his residence on South Cherry Street in Vicksburg, Mississippi, on March 27, 1916, surrounded by his devoted wife and other relatives and friends. The funeral took place Wednesday afternoon, March 28th, from his residence, Rev. Dr. Charles Woodson, of Christ Episcopal Chruch, and Rev. Dr. T. B. Holloman, of Crawford Methodist Church, officiating. He is survived by his wife, one daughter, and one son, to whom the knightly sympathy of this Grand Commandery is extended.
"I cannot say, and will not say that he is dead. He is just away. With a cheery smile and a wave of the hand, he has wandered into an unknown land And left us dreaming how very fair It needs must be since he lingers there. And you - o you, who the wildest yearn, Think of him faring on, as dear In the love of There as the love of Here; Mild and gentle, as he was brave - When the sweetest love of life he gave To the simple things: - Where the violet grew Pure as the eyes they were likened to. The touches of his hand have strayed As reverently as his lips have prayed; Think of him still as the same, I say: He is not dead, he is just away."
As a tribute of respect to our deceased Sir Knight, let this memorial be read at the head of the lines at the next Stated Conclave of each Commandery in this Jurisdiction, and a minute thereof he made in the record.
Given under my hand and the seal of the Grand Commandery, Knight Templar of Mississippi, the day and year above written.
Attest:
OLIVER L. McKAY GRAND RECORDER.
