The History of Hendricks County (Chicago: Interstate Publishing, 1885)--Liberty Township, pages 647-648
John Miles, a pioneer of Liberty Township, who has done much toward the development of this county, is a native of Pasquotank County, N.C., born Jan. 30, 1814, a son of Thomas and Sarah Miles. He was left an orphan at the age of seven years, when he was bound out to Thomas Pritchett, with whom he moved to Washington County, Ind. On account of the abuse he received from Pritchett he was released. He was bound out to another party to learn the blacksmith's trade, but not liking this pursuit he was again released. He then went to work on the farm of Thomas Irons for 25 cents per day, and at the end of three years he had saved from his earnings enough to enter eighty acres of land. He still continued to work for Mr. Irons, and at the end of four years became his partner, they engaging as contractors on what was the Clay County Canal, which they followed successfully about three years. He then bought 145 acres, on which he at present resides. He was married in the spring of 1840 to Elizabeth, eldest daughter of John and Mary Hollingshead, when he settled with his bride on the farm, where they have since resided, their house being a small log cabin. Mr. Miles has been very successful in his farming pursuits, and by his industry and economy he has acquired a large property. He has provided for his family of three sons and three daughters, and still owns 1,500 acres of land. His surplus means he loans out to his neighbors. Besides his farming pursuits he at the same time traded in stock, dealing in cattle, hogs and mules. This being before the days of railroads, his stock was driven to market on foot, over poor roads and in all kinds of weather. While not being a member of any church he has always been a liberal supporter of them, being among the most liberal contributors.