Wiley, Henry 1860-1931

WILEY, STRONG, NEVILLE, TITCOMB, SCRUBY, MILLER, HUGHES

Posted By: Marilyn Holmes (email)
Date: 3/21/2011 at 09:22:44

The Grinnell (IA) Herald; Oct. 13, 1931

AN OBITUARY OF HENRY WILEY
(From the Malcom Leader)

Henry Wiley, son of Foster and Rachel Wiley, was born in Rock Island county, Illinois, August 6, 1860.

He was the eldest child in a family of six brothers and two sisters. When a boy of 12 years, he came with his parents to Poweshiek county, and settled on a farm in Scott township, April 4, 1873.

At the age of 18, he, with his brother John was baptized and confirmed in the Episcopal church at Brooklyn.

On Nov. 4, 1888, he was united in marriage with Ida Strong and began farming for himself. He continued in this occupation until February 1922, when he moved to Malcom and became government messenger.

To Mr. and Mrs. Wiley were born nine children: Matt, Blanche, Mrs. Wilma Neville, Raymond and Mrs. Edna Titcomb of Malcom, John of Searsboro, Delmar of Marshalltown, Mrs. Elizabeth Scruby of Hale Center, Texas, and Ida Helen who died in infancy.

For the past year he had been in poor health, but a week ago he was forced to give up his work. After intense suffering he passed away Thursday morning, Oct. 1, 1931 at 3:00 o'clock, aged 71 years, 1 month and 27 days.

Left to mourn his passing are his wife and eight children, 14 grandchildren, two sisters, Mrs. Elizabeth Miller of Malcom and Mrs. Margaret Hughes of Des Moines, three brothers, Robert A. of Malcom, Joe of Newton and James of Grinnell.

We might perhaps express his life best in the words, "he was a friendly man," for many are the friends and neighbors who will miss the cheerful greeting as he met them in the daily duties of life.

His definition of "friend" meant more than the greeting--it included the "doing unto others" the kindly, helpful acts to any whom he could help.

Funeral services, conducted by the Rev. Pier Aldershof, were held in the Methodist church last Saturday afternoon at 2 o'clock.

Pallbearers were Messrs. John Jones, Jas. Nowak, Tom Sanders, Press Shaw, Tom Robertson and W.T. Ferneau.

A male quartette, composed of Messrs. Tom Smiley, Wilfred Smiley, C.C. Richardson and George Torrey sang three beautiful hymns.