Legislator Details
Image Description:
Portrait captured from Find-a-Grave.com 2/21/2026
Judge Aaron Wetzell Miles
Number of sessions served 3
Gender: Male
Age at election: 44
Vital Records Information:
Birth
Date: 12/6/1874
City: Watsontown, PA
County: Northumberland County, PA
Country: US
Death
Date: 3/1/1965
City: Stanwood, MI
County: Mecosta County, MI
Country: US
Type of Burial:
Burial
Date: 3/3/1965
City: Big Rapids, MI
County: Mecosta County, MI
Country: US
Cemetery: Highland View Cemetery
Marital Information:
married Emma Knopf, dau. of Carl and Mary (Sourski) Knopf, 3/10/1903 in Big Rapids, MI; children: 1, Robert L.
Number of Children: 1
Background
Religion:
Military Service:
Occupation: cigar manufacturer, businessman
Race: Caucasian or White
Education:
Big Rapids Public schools.
Biographical Sketch:
Of German-Irish parents. He came to Michigan with his parents, George D. and Caroline (Wetzell) Miles, in 1879 and located at Big Rapids. He worked ina a meat market, laundry and cigar factory before establishing his own cigar manufacturing business in 1923. Has also served as chairman of the board of supervisors, city commissioner [6 years] and postmaster [16 years]. He was probate judge for Mecosta County from 1937-56. Member of the Elks
Notable Facts:
In his legislative experience, he introduced the first "equal pay for women" bill, which was passed in 1919, and he authored the "fourteen jury" bill which was passed in 1923. Known as 'Paddy' and 'Judge'.
He started the Thomas Carlisle Memorial Fund at the Ferris Institute.
Sessions Served:
Committees Served On: City Corporations , Fish and Fisheries , Labor , Michigan Soldiers' Home
City of Residence: Big Rapids
County of Residence Mecosta
Reason for Leaving Office: N/A
End of Term Status: Departed
Committees Served On: Fish and Fisheries , Labor , Local Taxation , State Library
City of Residence: Big Rapids
County of Residence Mecosta
Reason for Leaving Office: N/A
End of Term Status: Re-elected
Committees Served On: Kalamazoo State Hospital , Local Taxation , Revision and Amendment of the Statutes , State Capitol and Public Buildings
City of Residence: Big Rapids
County of Residence Mecosta
Reason for Leaving Office: N/A
End of Term Status: Re-elected
Bibliography:
Manual 1919 p.822-23; Manual 1923 p.747; PolGryd; MIMarRec 1867-1952; USCen 1900, 1910, 1920, 1930; Find-a-Grave.com, includes portrait & obit.
