SHEBOYGAN HISTORY

William Miley, Page 724

WILLIAM MILEY, Street Commissioner of Sheboygan for the South Side, is a native of Sheboygan County, and was born in Lima Township, April 17, 1853.  His parents, Martin and Mary (Lynch) Miley, were born in Ireland.  The father, who emigrated to America in early manhood, worked on public works in Boston, and was married in that city to Miss Mary Lynch, who had come to the United States when but two years of age.  In 1847, they came West and settled in the town of Lima, Sheboygan County, where they were among the early pioneer settlers.  Mr. Miley, Sr., was a farmer in that town during the remainder of his life.  His death occurred October 18, 1888.  His good wife died December 31, 1886.  Both were highly respected.

    Our subject was reared on his father's farm and attended the country schools.  At the age of sixteen he went to the great pine woods of Wisconsin to work at lumbering.  In 1872 he began railroading as brakeman on the Peninsular Division of the Chicago & Northwestern Railway, where he was employed until July 26, 1876.  During his service he met with a serious accident while in the discharge of duty.  On the 21st of August, 1873, he was crushed between the cars while making a coupling, receiving injuries in the hips and body from which he never fully recovered.  The accident was caused through the carelessness of another employe and through no fault of Mr. Miley.  In consideration of surgical treatment and a verbal promise of being provided for, he waived claims for damage.  He was able to resume work in March, 1874, and was promised a train to run, but never got one, and retired from the service of the company in July, 1876.  From that time until the fall of 1882, he was engaged in farming, when he removed to Sheboygan and was engaged in contracting on public works until made Street Commissioner in the spring of 1890, which position he has held continuously since.

    Mr. Miley was married in the town of Lima, on the 14th of August, 1876, to Miss Elizabeth Keating, whose birth occurred near Chicago, Ill.  Mr. Miley bought his home at No. 1122 Walnut Street, which he has improved until it is a fine property.  He also owns two other houses, which he rents.  He and his wife are members of the Catholic Church.  Mr. Miley belongs to the Catholic Knights of Wisconsin.  In politics, he is a Democrat.  He has made an efficient Street Commissioner and is deservedly popular.