2. Genealogy
  3. Richard Miles

Richard Miles

Claim Value Date Age Reliability
ID I11227      
User ID Reference 7B8CA2FC674249F6A701526B33BC2C263376      
User ID Reference LDB9-WSC      
Gender Male Gender    
Name Richard Miles    
  • IMMIGRATION: Richard immigrated in 1683, shortly after his land purchase and located in Radnor Township where he settled as a farmer. LAND RECORDS: Richard Miles was one of the first to purchase land from Richard Davies in Wales (one of the seven Welsh Land Companies, or real estate agents to sell the Welsh Tract of 40,000 acres which Wm. Penn had alloted to his Welsh friends). Deed dated Jun 19, 1682, 100 acres;--recorded in Phila., 1 mo. 12, 1684). He also held 49 1/2ft foot Lot No. 2 on south side of Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, the warrant dated Nov. 22, 1683. In the above deed he is described as of parish of Llanvihangel Helygen, in the County of Radnor, weaver and Welsh Friend. Once in America, he bought 50 acres additional from his brother Samuel and 20 acres from Ellis Jones and sold his lot in Philadelphia to David Powell on March 12, 1695. The Welsh Tract was surveyed in 1684, but it was not until 168__ that the boundaries were known and Richard supposed up until 1701 that he had 170 acres in Radnor, but the re-surveys showed he had 325 acres. He bought the excess of 155 acres from W. Penn and paid interest on the cost of the others from date of grants. The highway known as Radnor St. or Rd. was laid out in 1683 and the first settlements were made there during the same year. Richard Miles is mentioned as one of the first to settle in Radnor. All were Welsh Friends and all domiciled therein less than four years from the date of Wm. Penn's first arrivla in the Province October 29, 1682. Richard Miles sold his Philadelphia land to David Powell 12 Mar 1695. OCCUPATION: Weaver, farmer & miller by trade RELIGION: ("Miles Ancestry" by Thomas Allen Glenn) Richard was probably one of the Keithian Quakers, who later became Baptist. About the years 1701 and 1702, several families from Wales arrived and settled in the east end of the valley, one of which was James Davis, a member of the Baptist Church at Rhydwilliam, under the ministry of John Jenkins, in Carmarthenshire, Wales. He lived near Richard Miles in Radnor. These two families met together and invite ministers from other parts to preach at their homes. By this means several were baptized, among them William and Margaret Davis, Joan and Jane Miles and Margaret Evans. Richard and his wife were baptized, shortly before 1701 by William Beckingham in Upper Providence, and meetings were often held at his house. In June, 1706, a conference was held there by deputies from the Pennepack and Welsh Tract churches, to adjust some differences in ordinances of the church. Griffith and David Miles attended this conference. In 1710 Rev. Hugh Davis, an ordained minister John Evans and Margaret his wife arrived from Wales. Thus strengthened they began to think of forming a church. Up to this time they had been supplied by the ministers of the Welsh Tract (New Castle County, Delaware) church of which they were considered a branch. In April, 1711, the Great Valley Baptist church was formed, with Rev. Hugh Davis chosen as their first minister and with Richard Miles, Sarah his wife, and daughters Joan and Jane, among the constituent members. They continued to meet mostly in the home of Ricahrd Miles in Radnor until 1722, when a log church was built in Tredffryn--28 ft. square--and a branch church (later Vincent Baptist Church) was located at Yellow Springs. "From this time on, he and his family were identified with the Baptists. His five sons-in-law were Baptists of standing and influence. After his death (or more probably the death of his oldest son Richard Miles, 1734) his widow Sarah seems to have gone to Plymouth township, where her son-in-law John Davis "of Plymouth" lived." ("Baptist Penepak Records" Philadelphia Archives) "Richard Miles and wife Sarah of Radnor, in the years of 1701 and 1702 invited many persons to worship with them in their home. Richard & Sarah's families came from Wales, and married in April 1688. Being of the Friends persuasion, there was a ceremony at the home of John Evans of marriage. Sarah's family came from the Wales Church of Rydwilim in Carmarthewshire. Together they formed the First Baptist Church along with the family of James Davis on April 22, 1711. They continued to meet in the house of Richard Miles until 1722. In that year a church building was built, contained "galleries and a stove". It was twenty-eight feet square. Over the years, the church increased to 22 families. Then a school house and stable was built. Later 92 families were enrolled, and in the year 1770, ninety-nine persons were then baptised." TAX RECORDS: 1693, Radnor Township--Richard Miles 2 shillings 10 pence NOTES: Richard Miles died in 1713, leaving a large family to raise by his widow Sarah (Evans). His brother-in-law, William Davis, was named guardian. She continued at the family farm. Richard and Sarah had a ninth child born after father Richard died. James is not mentioned in his father's will, but was a large beneficiary in his mother's will. Edward Jones, Esq. of Radnor Twp. (will 28 April 1792-23 Dec 1793) One half profits on estate to wife Abigail until her death. Abigail Miles daughter of Richard Miles of Tredifferin to have property in Radnor and Tredifferin townships now in possession of Richard Miles, also to Sarah sister of Abigail 2 pounds; also legacies to Evan, Samuel and John--children of Richard Miles. Richard Miles was an executor.
Number Same As Name Reliability Path

2 Total Ancestors
Generation 1
[1.01  2]   Richard Miles (1654-1713)
Generation 2
[1.02*  ]   James Miles (~1622-1702)
unsupported
[2.01*  ]   Katherine Brimer (1626-1712)
unsupported
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