Man Found Dead Under Tractor

WILEY, KIES

Posted By: Marilyn Holmes (email)
Date: 3/23/2013 at 17:06:46

The Grinnell (IA) Herald-Register; Aug. 13, 1959

MAN FOUND DEAD UNDER TRACTOR;
DEATH LISTED AS HEART ATTACK

Mathew S. Wiley, 69, was discovered dead Monday evening under his tractor in a water-filled ditch on his farm about two miles south of Carnforth.

After an examination of the circumstances, Poweshiek county coroner Rex Bramer listed the cause of death as a probable heart attack. Bramer said that Wiley apparently passed out from a heart attack or other cause while driving the tractor, and was dead or unconscious when the tractor entered the ditch.

Bramer said he was led to this verdict by the fact that the tractor tracks into the ditch were gradual, showing no sign of a mishap and by the discovery of Wiley's cap back along the tracks. Bramer continued that, had Wiley been conscious, he would have had plenty of opportunity to jump off the tractor. An autopsy was not performed.

Wiley was discovered about 6;30 p.m. by Allen Kies, a friend who was summoned by Wiley's wife when he failed to return from fixing some fence. Bramer fixed the time of death at about 2:30. Kies summoned the coroner and Sheriff Bill Welsh. Bramer arrived first, and had the body removed at once.

Funeral services were held for Wiley this afternoon in the Methodist church at Malcom, with burial in Ivy Hill cemetery at Malcom.

Wiley was born in Poweshiek County, and lived here all his life. He is survived by his wife Hazel, one son, Chester of Torrance, Calif., three brothers, four sisters, and three grandchildren.