James Warley Miles papers
Collection Overview
Papers consist of correspondence, transcripts of Miles' sermons and addresses, notes for a sermon, clippings, and biographical materials. Letters and notes include a letter (1852 March 5) to Miles from Henry D. Lesesne asking Miles to preach at Calvary Church, a note (1870 May 26) from C.G. Poyas regarding the transmission of a gift volume to Miles, and a typescript copy of a letter (1857 April 1) from Miles to Mr. [Robert Newman?] Gourdin concerning the number of volumes in the College of Charleston library, a deposit of valuable scientific books at the College Library, and Miles' personal library. Writings consist of handwritten transcripts (n.d.) of a sermon and an address by James Warley Miles, a typewritten transcript (carbon) of a sermon entitled "The Messiahship of Christ" (published in the News and Courier May 14, 1875), and [holograph?] notes for a sermon. Clippings include an address entitled "Woman's Education" delivered by Miles at the closing exercises of a women's seminary, and a newspaper article (ca. 1874) concerning Miles' "farewell discourse before taking his departure for Camden."
Dates
- Creation: 1852-1970
- Creation: Majority of material found within 1852-1875
Creator
- Miles, James Warley, 1818-1875 (Person)
Language of Material
Materials in English.
Access Restrictions
This collection is open for research.
Copyright Notice
The nature of the College of Charleston's archival holdings means that copyright or other information about restrictions may be difficult or even impossible to determine despite reasonable efforts. Special Collections claims only physical ownership of most archival materials.
The materials from our collections are made available for use in research, teaching, and private study, pursuant to U.S. copyright law. The user must assume full responsibility for any use of the materials, including but not limited to, infringement of copyright and publication rights of reproduced materials. Any materials used for academic research or otherwise should be fully credited with the source.
Biographical Note
Minister, educator, theologian, and librarian. Miles was born in St. Matthew's Parish, South Carolina, studied theology at the General Theological Seminary (N.Y.), and was ordained as an Episcopal priest in 1843. In the same year Miles became a missionary to Mesopotamia (Armenia and Constantinople), where he remained until returning to South Carolina in 1848. He officiated briefly at St. John's Church, Colleton (John's Island, S.C.) and from May to October 1849, in St. Michael's Church (Charleston, S.C.). In 1849 his sermons were collected and published as "Philosophic Theology: or, Ultimate Grounds of All Religious Belief Based in Reason." In 1850 Miles accepted the Chair of the History of Intellectual Philosophy and Greek Literature at the College of Charleston, and in 1855 he took the position of Librarian of the college. Appointed Professor of Ancient Languages in 1865, Miles resigned this post in 1871 due to poor health. In 1874 Miles retired to Camden (S.C.), where he assumed the rectorship of Grace Church.
Extent
0.25 linear feet (1 slim document box)
Subject
- Miles, James Warley, 1818-1875 -- Library (Person)
- Gourdin, Robert N., 1812-1894 (Person)
- Poyas, Catharine Gendron, 1813-1882 (Person)
- Lesesne, Henry Deas, 1810-1886 (Person)
- College of Charleston (Organization)
- Episcopal Church -- South Carolina -- Clergy (Organization)
- Title
- Inventory of the James Warley Miles Papers, 1852-1970 (bulk 1852-1875)
- Status
- Completed
- Author
- Processed by: Special Collections staff; finding aid created by: Special Collections staff
- Description rules
- Dacs
- Language of description
- English
- Script of description
- Latin
Repository Details
Part of the Special Collections Repository
Special Collections
College of Charleston Libraries
66 George Street
Charleston South Carolina 29424
(843) 953-8016
(843) 953-6319 (Fax)