Charles R. Miller

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Charles R. Miller
Charles R. Miller
In office
January 21, 1913 – January 16, 1917
Preceded by Simeon S. Pennewill
Succeeded by John G. Townsend, Jr.
Born September 30, 1857(1857-09-30)
West Chester, Pennsylvania
Died September 18, 1927 (aged 69)
Berlin, New Jersey
Political party Republican
Spouse Abigail Morgan Woodnutt
Residence Wilmington, Delaware
Alma mater Swarthmore College
Profession lawyer
Religion Episcopalian

Charles Robert Miller (September 30, 1857 – September 18, 1927) was an American lawyer and politician from Wilmington, in New Castle County, Delaware. He was a member of the Republican Party, who served in the Delaware General Assembly and as Governor of Delaware.

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[edit] Early life and family

Miller was born September 30, 1857 at West Chester, Pennsylvania, son of Robert & Margaretta Black Miller. He graduated from Swarthmore College in 1879 and the University of Pennsylvania Law School in 1881. Shortly afterwards he came to Delaware as a lawyer for the Wilmington Malleable Iron Company. He had married Abigail Morgan Woodnutt in 1874 and they had three children, Thomas W., Clement W., and Mrs. Forest Willard. They were members of the Episcopal Church.

[edit] Governor of Delaware

Miller served one term in the State Senate, during the 1911/12 session, and was elected Governor 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. Miller served one term as Governor of Delaware from January 21, 1913 until January 16, 1917.

During his term ferry service was initiated between New Castle 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.

[edit] Death and legacy

After he left office Miller practiced law in Wilmington and was President of the Wilmington Farmer's Bank. He died September 18, 1927 while visiting a friend at Berlin, New Jersey and is buried at the Wilmington & Brandywine Cemetery, in 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 tempore		 House Majority Speaker
1913-1914 97th Republican George W. Marshall Republican Chauncey P. Holcomb
1915-1916 98th Republican John M. Walker Republican Charles H. Grantland

[edit] 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 Elected Term began Term ended notes
State Senator Legislature Dover 1910 January 6, 1911 January 6, 1913
Governor Executive Dover 1912 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. Hynson		 Democratic
Progressive		 21,460
3,019		 44%
6%

[edit] 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. 

[edit] Images

[edit] External links

[edit] Places with more information


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Government of Delaware