The Western Times/1881/The death of William Miles, Esq, J.P.

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The death of William Miles, Esq, J.P.

It is our painful task to record the death of one of our oldest friends connected with the City of Exeter—William Miles, Esq., of Dixs Field House. The deceased gentleman expired on Saturday evening, after only two days' illness, at his villa residence at Budleigh Salterton, where he had been spending some months. Though at the advanced age of 81 years, he preserved to the last his bright and clear intellect and the amiable and patient disposition which ever characterised him. Mr. Miles, who in his early life was in the 1st Life Guards, came to Exeter in 1831. He married first Dorothy Rose, daughter of John Rose Drewe, of the Grange, Honiton, and secondly, Louisa daughter of the Rev. H. Grylls, of Cardynham, Cornwall, who survives him, and who by her unceasing devotion was helped to cheer and comfort his declining years. Mr. Miles was a form and ready supporter of all good and charitable institutions and his aim through a long life has been to help his fellow neighbours. Tender to his sympathy, lowly in the estimation of himself, warm in his affections, a firm friend, ever ready to help the distressed by advice and sympathy, and to hold out the hand of charity in a most liberal yet ostentatious manner. As an author and amateur artist he was well known, and as a magistrate and in all public business (until prevented by advancing years and increasing weakness) he tool his full share. In the words of the poet, of him may we not justly say—

Such calm old age as conscience pure,
And self-commanding hearts ensure;
He waited his summons to the sky
Content to live, but not afraid to die.

—Communicated