- Charles R. Miller
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This article is about a lawyer and politician from early twentieth century Delaware, for others see Charles Miller
Charles R. Miller Governor of Delaware In office
January 21, 1913 – January 16, 1917Preceded by Simeon S. Pennewill Succeeded by John G. Townsend, Jr. Personal details Born September 30, 1857
West Chester, PennsylvaniaDied September 18, 1927 (aged 69)
Berlin, New JerseyPolitical party Republican Spouse(s) Abigail Morgan Woodnutt Residence Wilmington, Delaware Alma mater Swarthmore College University of Pennsylvania Profession lawyer Religion Episcopalian Charles Robert Miller (September 30, 1857 – September 18, 1927) was an American lawyer and politician from Wilmington, Delaware. He was a member of the Republican Party, who served in the Delaware General Assembly and as Governor of Delaware.
Contents
Biography
He was born on September 30, 1857 in West Chester, Pennsylvania to Robert Miller and Margaretta Black. He graduated from Swarthmore College in 1879 and the University of Pennsylvania Law School in 1881. He had married Abigail Morgan Woodnutt in 1874 and they had three children, Thomas W., Clement W., and Mrs. Forest Willard. Charles and family were members of the Episcopal Church. Shortly afterwards he came to Delaware as a lawyer for the Wilmington Malleable Iron Company. Miller served one term in the Delaware State Senate, during the 1911/1912 session. After he left state office he practiced law in Wilmington and was President of the Wilmington Farmer's Bank.
Governor of Delaware
Miller was elected Governor of Delaware in 1912 by defeating Thomas M. Monaghan, the Democratic Party candidate. 1912 was a Democratic sweep, except for Miller's narrow victory, perhaps attributed to the fact that Monaghan, his opponent, was a Roman Catholic.
During his term ferry service was initiated between New Castle, Delaware and Penns Grove, New Jersey and the Lewes-Rehoboth Canal was built. Women were also first admitted to Delaware College. The major event, however, was the outbreak of World War I in Europe and the effect in Delaware of the rapid expansion of demand for gunpowder. At the war’s commencement, Miller and his wife were on a German passenger ship, and after an exciting chase up the English Channel, he and others persuaded the German captain to give up his ship to his British pursuers.
Death and legacy
Miller died while visiting a friend at Berlin, New Jersey and is buried in the Wilmington and Brandywine Cemetery at Wilmington. His son, Thomas W. Miller, was the U.S. Representative from Delaware during the last two years of his term. His grandson, Clement W. Miller, was a U.S. Representative from California from 1959 until 1962.
Delaware General Assembly
(sessions while Governor)Year Assembly Senate Majority President
pro temporeHouse Majority Speaker 1913-1914 97th Republican George W. Marshall Republican Chauncey P. Holcomb 1915-1916 98th Republican John M. Walker Republican Charles H. Grantland Almanac
Elections are held the first Tuesday after November 1st. Members of the Delaware General Assembly take office the second Tuesday of January. State Senators have a four year term. The Governor takes office the third Tuesday of January and has a four year term.
Public Offices Office Type Location Began office Ended office notes State Senator Legislature Dover January 6, 1911 January 6, 1913 Governor Executive Dover January 21, 1913 January 16, 1917 Delaware General Assembly service Dates Assembly Chamber Majority Governor Committees District 1911-1912 96th State Senate Democratic Simeon S. Pennewill New Castle 1st Election results Year Office Subject Party Votes % Opponent Party Votes % 1912 Governor Charles R. Miller Republican 22,745 47% Thomas M. Monaghan
George B. HynsonDemocratic
Progressive21,460
3,01944%
6%References
- Carter, Richard B. (2001). Clearing New Ground, The Life of John G. Townsend, Jr.. Wilmington, Delaware: The Delaware Heritage Press. ISBN 0-924117-20-6.
- Hoffecker, Carol E. (2004). Democracy in Delaware. Wilmington, Delaware: Cedar Tree Books. ISBN 1-892142-23-6.
- Martin, Roger A. (1984). History of Delaware Through its Governors. Wilmington, Delaware: McClafferty Press.
- Martin, Roger A. (1995). Memoirs of the Senate. Newark, Delaware: Roger A. Martin.
- Sobel, Robert; J. Racino (1988). Biographical Directory of the Governors of the United States 1789-1978. Westport, CT: Greenwood Press. ISBN 0-930466-00-4.
Images
- Hall of Governors Portrait Gallery ; Portrait courtesy of Historical and Cultural Affairs, Dover.
External links
- Biographical Directory of the Governors of the United States
- Delaware’s Governors
- Find a Grave
- The Political Graveyard
Places with more information
- Delaware Historical Society; website; 505 North Market Street, Wilmington, Delaware 19801; (302) 655-7161
- University of Delaware; Library website; 181 South College Avenue, Newark, Delaware 19717; (302) 831-2965
Government of Delaware U.S. Senators • U.S. Representatives (Delegations) • Governors • Lt. Governors • Attorneys General • State Senators • State Representatives • Judges • MayorsCategories:- 1857 births
- 1927 deaths
- American Episcopalians
- People from Wilmington, Delaware
- Swarthmore College alumni
- University of Pennsylvania Law School alumni
- Delaware lawyers
- Delaware Republicans
- Delaware State Senators
- Governors of Delaware
- Burials in Wilmington, Delaware
- Republican Party state governors of the United States
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