JAMES MILES, farmer and stock-dealer; P.O. Petersburg. Son of George U. and Jane (McCoy) Miles, who were among the first settlers of Menard Co.; George U. was born in St. Mary's Co., Md., March 20, 1796, and came with his parents to the Territory of Illinois in 1816; they first settled in what is now St. Clair Co., where they remained for a time; thence to White Co., and there George U. married Miss Jane McCoy in 1821, and Nov. 25,1822, James was born. In 1825, they removed into what is now Logan Co., where they remained until 1836, when they removed into Sangamon Co.; thence, in 1840, to Petersburg, where James and his father have since lived. James' mother having died Dec. 15, 1850 (she left three children), Oct. 21, 1851, his father married Mrs. Catharine Early, of Sangamon Co.; he still survives, and now, at the ripe age of 74, resides with James, who is a prominent farmer and stock-dealer. His farm consists of 166 acres of fine land, adjoining the town of Petersburg. His wife is Miss Anna Smith, of this county; they were married Jan. 5, 1845, and have a family now living of five children. Mr. Miles is one of the well-to-do and enterprising farmers of Menard Co., always assisting in such matters as pertain to the welfare of the community.