Stephen Boyd Miles
Stephen Boyd Miles | |
|---|---|
| Born | Error: Invalid birth date for calculating age Delta, Pennsylvania, U.S. |
| Died | 30 October 1898 (aged 76) |
| Occupation(s) | Stagecoach entrepreneur, cattle rancher, banker, philanthropist |
| Known for | Development of American frontier; mail transport; ranching; banking in Nebraska and Midwest |
Colonel Stephen Boyd Miles (January 9, 1822 – October 30, 1898) was a prominent figure in the development of the American frontier, known for his roles as a stagecoach entrepreneur, cattle rancher, banker, and philanthropist throughout Nebraska and the broader American Midwest. His obituary in the Falls City Journal highlighted his sharp business insight and the fortune he amassed through diligent effort on newly settled lands.
Early life
Miles was born in Delta, Pennsylvania to parents Thomas and Sarah Boyd Miles. His grandfather, Joseph Miles, emigrated from Liverpool, England in 1732 and served during the American Revolution. Raised on a family farm, Stephen began working at sixteen within his uncle’s mail delivery business. By the age of 22, he had secured his own contract to carry mail between Baltimore and Washington, D.C.. In 1845, he married Hannah Scarborough, with whom he had four children. For a decade, he maintained the Baltimore–Washington mail contract while also handling mail transportation across Pennsylvania and Maryland.
Mail transport
Utilizing his connections in Washington, D.C., Miles expanded his mail delivery operations into the western territories. By 1854, he managed routes that carried mail, freight, and passengers from Independence, Missouri to Salt Lake City, Utah. His business employed numerous workers and oversaw a large fleet of horses, mules, wagons, stagecoaches, and several stage stations.
In 1855, Miles established his base in Richardson County, Nebraska, at Grant Precinct—later recognized as the extensive Miles Ranch. Positioned strategically along the Overland Trail, this ranch became one of the earliest significant ranching enterprises west of the Missouri River. The property operated as a largely self-sufficient complex featuring barns, bunkhouses, silos, residences, a water supply system, post office, general store, blacksmith shop, sawmill, and accommodations for travelers.
After the Mormon Rebellion (1857-1858), President James Buchanan granted Miles an exclusive $32,000 mail contract covering the route from Independence to Salt Lake City. He further expanded by establishing subsidiary stage lines throughout southern Nebraska, northern Kansas, central Missouri, and Iowa. Part of his compensation included "mail grant land," which he sold to enlarge his ranch holdings and finance other business interests.
Through these varied enterprises, Miles accumulated considerable wealth and political stature. In 1859, he was selected to represent Nebraska Territory at an inter-territorial committee alongside Kansas Territory delegates to discuss creating a new state between the Platte River and Kansas River. This proposal ultimately failed due to conflicts over slavery.
Ranching
Following the Civil War in 1866, Miles obtained a four-year mail contract extending to Texas. During this period, he increasingly focused on cattle ranching to satisfy growing demand for beef in eastern markets. Additionally, he became a shareholder in the National Bank of St. Louis.
Foreseeing that railroad expansion would diminish mail and stagecoach operations, Miles exited these industries by 1871. He then used his influence to promote railroad development in southeast Nebraska. This advancement enabled quicker and safer cattle transport to Chicago markets, significantly enhancing ranch profitability.
Together with his sons Joseph and Samuel, Miles drove thousands of cattle from Texas to their sprawling ranch—covering roughly 42,000 acres—and employed hundreds of workers.
Banking
In addition to his ranching ventures, Miles expanded his interests into the banking sector. In 1872, he played a pivotal role in establishing the Commercial Bank of St. Louis and held a directorial position there for several years. By 1876, he had become co-vice president of the Democratic State Convention held in Omaha and took ownership of the Falls City Press.
Miles went on to create the First National Bank of Falls City in 1882, marking it as the inaugural bank in Richardson County. He served as its president until his passing. From 1884 onward, he also founded and led the Bank of Rulo as its president. In 1890, he launched the Miles National Bank located in Delta, Pennsylvania, where he remained president until transferring ownership to his son Joseph in 1894. Furthermore, he was instrumental in founding Chicago’s Bankers' National Bank and retained shares there until his death.
Renowned for his benevolence toward both employees and the local community, Miles provided housing accommodations for workers’ families and generously supported organizations such as the International Order of Odd Fellows. Notably, one year before his death, he gifted a brick commercial building to their lodge in Falls City.
His compassion extended to children on the ranch as well; he was fondly remembered for offering raisins from his pockets and giving them delightful carriage rides.
Miles passed away on October 30, 1898, at the age of 76, leaving behind a considerable fortune and a legacy as one of Nebraska’s most affluent individuals.