Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1919-01-02
H|NESBURC MAN NEARS .
THE CENTENARY MAR K
DR.. John Fay Miles Observes To-
day His 99th Anniversary in
Town Where He Was Born
Town Clerk and Treasurer
Nearly Half of His Life

An event of more than usual interest,
not only to the immediate family, but
TO the people of his native town and a
large circle of friends and acquain-
ances throughout the State Is the ninety
ninth anniversary of the birthday of John
Fay Miles, NJ. D., of Hinesburgh, YER
mont
For person to reach this age with an
appreciation of what has happened in
the nation and world In the lapse of al
most century Is significant 1t is doubly
SO when one has been an active partici
pant in important events of those years,
and Is now mentally alert to the worlds
change at the present time.
There are lives concerning which the
truest and most eloquent things to be
said are plain statements of the facts.
Such life is that of Dr. Miles, and hero
is the statement:
Born In Hinesburg, Vermont, Janu-
airy 2, 1920, on the farm now owned by
Miss Mary Gaffanny, the son Of
Nathalel and Roxalana Bishop Miles.
Attended public school at Hinesburg
and Hinesburg Academy,
Received his medical education at
Woodstock, Vermont, in 1889: studied
WIFI MS uuCltt Ut. Y hTlplOn Mics, IOT
two years; atteiled medical lectures at
Castleton, 1912; received degree of NJ. ID.
from University of Vermont. 1856; hon
orary degree from Dartmouth College,
1868.
Began the practice of medicine al
Wllliston. Vermont, January 2, 1913.
Married Fidelia Boyntun, January 80
1913.
Began the practice of medicine al
Hinesburg with his uncle, j. w. Miles
April 1913. They were in company fol
three years.
Moved to his present residence in 1913
Town clerk, treasurer and trustee
from 1855 to 1865.
Represented the town in the Legisla.
ture in 1862 1863
Elected one of the examiners o
militia for Chittenden county, 1863
Called as special surgeon from Yer
mont to care for wounded soldiers a
Fredericksburg and Port Royal, 1864.
Again elected to the offices of towr
clerk, treasurer and trustee, 1880, which
offices he now holds. his daughter, Mis-
Mary A. Miles, being his assistant in lat
years.
Delegate from Hinesburg to Constitu
tional Convention at Montpelier. 1870
Cast his first vote for president 70
Henry Clay in 1874; after that he vote,
the Wing ticket until the Republican
| party was formed, since which time h
has been a republican and has neve
missed voting for president since h.
became of age.
Member of the Masonic fraternity
| Independent Order of Odd Fellows, Chit
| tenden County Medical society and Yer
mont State Medical association.
DR.. Miles gave up general practice il
| 1890
| AS a professional man and citizen It
clearly evident that he has contribute
| not merely his bit" but his best as
public servant.
DIR. Miles has ever been a strong ad
vocate of temperance and to his tenn
perate habits is due in large measur
! his long life. With all he has added t
these latter years that peculiar CHAIR
of growing old gracefully.
His mental facilities and interest /
current events are preserved to a re
markable degree, and he is most in
| terestng conversationalist not only abou
events of the past century but down t
the present minute. He lives with hi
daughter, who has devoted her life t
| him.
1t is said that person is no older tina
his spirit. In spirit DIR. Miles Is still c
the morning. To-day he Is ninety min
years young. A large circle of friend
desire thus to express their apprecia
ton Of these long years of service. an
offer their heartfelt congratulations.