Hooper S. Miles
Hooper Steele Miles | |
|---|---|
| Born | Template:Birth date Cambridge, Maryland, U.S. |
| Died | March 8, 1964 (aged 69) Baltimore, Maryland, U.S. |
| Occupation(s) | Lawyer, banker, politician |
| Years active | 1916–1963 |
| Known for | Treasurer of Maryland (1935–1963) |
Hooper Steele Miles (January 27, 1895 – March 8, 1964) was a distinguished American lawyer, banker, and political figure from Maryland. He represented Wicomico County in the Maryland House of Delegates during 1925 and held the position of Treasurer of Maryland from 1935 until 1963.
Early life
Miles was born in Cambridge, Maryland to Agnes (née Hooper) and Alonzo L. Miles. Shortly after his birth, his family relocated first to Baltimore and subsequently to Salisbury, Maryland. He completed his legal education at the University of Maryland School of Law in 1916 and gained admission to the bar that same year.
Career
Starting his legal career in 1916, Miles joined his father’s practice in Salisbury at Miles and Miles. Following his father's passing in 1917, he continued practicing law on his own before establishing partnerships that resulted in the firms Miles, Baily & Williams and later Miles, Whealton & Miles alongside Clarence W. Whealton and his brother Clarence W. Miles. His involvement in law extended until 1937.
As a member of the Democratic Party, Miles served a term in the Maryland House of Delegates in 1920 and participated as a delegate at the 1920 Democratic National Convention. He was appointed Salisbury’s city solicitor in 1925 and fulfilled this role until 1932. In 1931, he joined the state banking commission. His tenure as Treasurer of Maryland spanned from 1935 to 1963.
Within the banking sector, Miles presided over Eastern Shore Trust Company from 1932 to 1937. This institution later transformed into County Trust Company of Maryland before evolving into Maryland National Bank of Baltimore. He held positions as director and executive vice president between 1937 and 1948, then advanced to chairman and CEO from 1948 onward. Additionally, he served on the boards of U.S. Fidelity and Guaranty Company, Eutaw Savings Bank, and Maryland Shipbuilding and Drydock Company.
Miles authored the publication The Maryland Executive Budgeting System, 1916–1941 in 1942. His community engagement included trusteeships at Sheppard and Enoch Pratt Hospital and Roland Park Country School, acting as treasurer for Johns Hopkins Hospital, and serving as vice president of the Baltimore Chamber of Commerce. He was affiliated with professional organizations such as the American and Maryland Bankers Associations and the Association of Reserve City Banks.
Personal life
On February 20, 1919, Miles married A. Frances Williams, daughter of L. Ernest Williams. The couple had three children: Hooper Steele, Mary Frances, and Catherine Louise.
Miles passed away on March 8, 1964, at Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore. His final resting place is Druid Ridge Cemetery located in Pikesville.