Edward Hardin Wiley (1825 - 1905)

HARDIN, WHITE, NEWMAN, CANNEY, BLANCHARD, SHINN, HUFFMAN

Posted By: Barry Mateer (email)
Date: 11/8/2024 at 18:16:20

November 23, 1905
Osceola Democrat
Osceola, Iowa

Edward Hardin Wiley was born in Wayne county, Indiana, October 4th, 1825, and died at his home in Osceola November 18th, 1905, aged 80 years, one month and fourteen days. He was the fourth child of Edward and Nancy Wiley. Of the family of six children he is the last, all having preceded him in death.

He lived in the county of his birth until 1859, and grew to manhood upon a farm, and was educated in the common schools of that day. Here he was married to Ellen J. White, May 20th, 1847, with whom he lived a long and happy life, until she was removed rom his side by death, January 22, 1904.

To this union were given four children, two sons and two daughters, all of whom are living and were present to show their honor to a faithful father. They are Nathan E. of Green Bay township this county; George W. of Hutchinson, Kansas; Mrs. Nancy E. Newman who lived with her father; and Mrs. Dora B. Canney of Lone Tree, Iowa. He also gave a home to two children which they raised to manhood and womanhood, Aaron Blanchard who is not living, and Cora B Shinn, now Mrs. Cora B. Huffman of Platte Center, Nebraska who could not be present at the funeral services. Bro. Wiley was grandfather to sixteen living children, and twelve living great grandchildren.

After the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Wiley, they lived on a farm in Wayne county, Indiana for three years or until 1850, when they came to Mahaska county, Iowa, where they settled upon a farm and lived for one year, returning to Indiana in 1851, to care fo an invalid father until his death, which occurred in 1859. Then they returned to Clarke county, Iowa, settling in Fremont township upon a farm where they lived until 1881, when they moved to Osceola where they have ever since resided.

Soon after the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Wiley, they united with the Christian church, at old Bethel church Indiana, under the preaching of Elder Valentine Harlan. Their lives were given to the Master as few people give themselves to him. Brother Wiley was a member of the church for over 57 years and he never faltered in his faith, and as the years brought him to the time when he realized that death was not far distant, his faith seemed to grow more eager to be with its object, the client whom he had served so long and well. Few men have lived more stainless lives than did he. Upon every hand he was spoken of as Elder Wiley, having served the church in the capacity of Elder for many years, until he was released from this duty at his own request.

His accustomed place in the church where he was always present unless hindered by sickness will know him no more, yet it will speak to us, of the saintly life of one gone to his reward. Well could it be said of him, “He has fought a good fight, finished his course and kept the faith.” He rests from his labors, and his works do follow him. Today his children rise up and call him blessed and they are not alone in this, as the large concourse of people at his funeral attested.

Brother Wiley was a good citizen, honest, industrious, sober and loyal. He always spoke for that which was for the public good and civil righteousness. He served the country as a member of the Board of Supervisors, for four years, and faithfully discharged his duty. He also served Fremont township as trustee for two terms, and assessor one. He had a wide acquaintance in the county. At one time it could have been said that he knew every man in the county. As a friend and neighbor, he was loved, trusted and respected. He lived in peace with all men, and was a peacemaker among his neighbors and in the church. His long life speaks of a man who was clean in his habits. He was a remarkably healthy man, only having one or two attacks of fever. He was active to the last, and daily went about his duties. On last Saturday, he was sawing and splitting wood, and dropped dead with his ax in his hand. It was at the noon hour, and he was found where he had fallen in his place, by Everett Jones, who reported to the family and friends who quickly summoned help, but it was too late. He had gone from his labors. Tenderly the body was carried into the house and prepared for burial. Thus ends another life’s chapter.

Personally, the writer wishes to add his testimony to the richness of this man’s life. Our fellowship was sweet and tender. He had often expressed his desire to go home to his loved wife and friends. His prayer is answered and life more abundantly has been given him. He speaks to us all, to be faithful until death.

After services at 2 p.m. in the Christian church in the presence of a large audience, the sacred ashes were laid to rest in Maple Hill cemetery

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