Charles R. Miller (politician)

This article is about a lawyer and politician from early twentieth century Delaware. For other people, see Charles Miller.

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.

Charles R. Miller
54th Governor of Delaware
In office January 21, 1913 – January 16, 1917
Lieutenant	Colen Ferguson
Preceded by	Simeon S. Pennewill
Succeeded by	John G. Townsend Jr.
Member of the Delaware Senate
In office January 6, 1911 - January 7, 1913
Personal details
Born	Charles Robert Miller (1857-09-30)September 30, 1857 West Chester, Pennsylvania, U.S.
Died	September 18, 1927(1927-09-18) (aged 69) Berlin, New Jersey, U.S.
Political party	Republican
Spouse	Abigail Morgan Woodnutt ​ ​ (m. 1874)​
Residence(s)	Wilmington, Delaware
Alma mater	Swarthmore College University of Pennsylvania Law School
Profession	Lawyer
Signature

Life and career

Miller was born on September 30, 1857, in West Chester, Pennsylvania, the son of Margaretta (Black) and Robert Miller. 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 and 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 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

Almanac

Elections are held the first Tuesday after November 1. 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. Hynson	Democratic Progressive	21,460 3,019	44% 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
• Charles R. Miller at 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