ST. JOHN'S, N.L. — This province has a connection with Donald Trump’s right-hand man.
Gen. Mark Alexander Milley — the highest-ranking officer in the U.S. military and the 20th chairman of the Joints Chief of Staff — has family roots in Newfoundland.
Milley, 61, was born in Winchester, Mass., but both his great-grandparents and grandparents were from Newfoundland.
His great-grandparents were Elijah Milley (1854-1923) of Western Bay and Mary Agnes Garland, whose family lived in Old Perlican.
Garland’s parents were Benjamin Garland, whose siblings James Garland, John, Henry and William were all born in Old Perlican, and Rachel Garland (1833-1873). Records don’t show where Rachel Garland was born.
Elijah and Mary Agnes’s son was Peter Milley (May 29, 1897-Feb. 11, 1976), who married Mary Theresa Milley (Aug. 24, 1901-April 20, 2003) of St. John’s.
Peter and Mary’s son was Gen. Milley’s father, Alexander Milley (born 1924) — a marine who fought in the Battle of Iwo Jima during the Second World War and married Mary Elizabeth Milley.
It’s not known where Mary Elizabeth was born.
Mark Alexander Milley was born June 18, 1958, in Winchester, Mass., the same state where his parents were born.
A four-star army officer with multiple combat tours during his 39 years of service, Gen. Milley has gained respect for his years of serving his country and has been honoured with many medals, including distinguished service medals and humanitarian service medals.
While criticized by many for his close relationship with Trump, he has “an ebullient personality” and “an instinct for finding common ground with different types of people,” according to The New York Times.
It’s not known if Gen. Milley still has relatives in this province. However, there is a long list of Milleys in Western Bay.
Kevin Milley, 62, has lived in Western Bay his entire life and was surprised when told about the connection.
“I had no idea,” said Milley, who isn’t sure if his family is related to the general’s. “I’ve often heard the name on TV and wondered (if there was a connection), because most people say, ‘Miley,’ like Miley Cyrus. I thought it was something that he had the same spelling.”
While attempting to contact Milley, The Telegram received this reply from Lt. Col. Allie Weiskopt, public affairs officer of the Office of the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff in Washington, D.C.
“Ma’am, this is definitely something to consider and we’ll be in touch.”
Twitter: @TelyRosie
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