Wiley, Dr. Edward Bentley *1858-1934

WILEY, BUTLER, DERIOUX, WALTERS, BLUMER, DELK

Posted By: Marilyn Holmes (email)
Date: 12/7/2011 at 09:48:55

The Grinnell (IA) Herald

A GOOD LIFE, WELL LIVED
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Dr. E.B. Wiley Had Lived and Labored in Grinnell Over a Span of Fifty-Two Years
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FUNERAL SERVICES ARE HELD WEDNESDAY
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Are Conducted by Rev. Robert Inglis; Masons Are in Charge of Services at Grave
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A man who for fifty-two years had played his part in the life of Grinnell reached the end of life's pilgrimage last Monday night, when Dr. E.B. Wiley passed away. He had passed his seventy-sixth birthday last January.

Coming to Grinnell as a young doctor just out of medical college, Dr. Wiley built himself into the community which he had chosen as his home. A man of positive characteristics, of strong physique and unlimited willingness to work, he made for himself a large place in the life of a growing community.

Dr. Wiley practiced medicine in Grinnell before the days of automobiles and of surfaced roads. Much of his time was spent on the country roads behind his fine horses. Rain and snow, mud and wind, did not daunt him. He was always ready and performed to the full the duty which so many country physicians have performed of carrying their mission of healing and help to a wide circle of patients with self-denying devotion.

Edward Bentley Wiley was born in Mifflintown, Pa., the son of Mr. and Mrs. John Wiley. His father died when he was ten years old. He spent his boyhood and young manhood in Pennsylvania and New Jersey, and took his medical course at the Hahnemann Medical college in Philadelphia. He came to Grinnell almost immediately following is graduation and established the practice which rapidly grew to large proportions.

Although of late years he has not been so active, he maintained a downtown office until only a few months ago and until recently continued the care of some of his old patients.

He was married first to Ida Mary Butler, in Saratoga Springs, N.Y., and she was his devoted helpmeet during the years of his greatest activity. To them were born five children, all of whom survive him. They are Mrs. Mary Derioux of New York City, Mrs. Deborah Walters of Winnetka, Ill., Dr. Charles E. Wiley of Maywood, Ill., George B. Wiley of New York City and Mrs. Lucille Blumer of Cleveland, O. Mrs. Walters and Dr. Charles Wiley were able to reach Grinnell in time for the funeral.

Mrs. Wiley died in 1917 and Dr. Wiley married later Mrs. Gertrude Delk, of Valley Falls, Kans., who also survives him.

Dr. Wiley found time, in addition to his arduous medical duties to take an active part in the life of Grinnell. He served several years on the city council and was mayor for one term. He was a Mason for many years and until a few months ago was a member of the Elks lodge and enjoyed greatly the fellowship which he found there. At the time of his death he was president of the Mutual Home Loan & Savings Association.

Funeral services were held Wednesday afternoon from the Congregational church, conducted by Rev. Robert Inglis. Professor H.W. Matlack played softly at the organ as the company assembled and at the close of the services. There was no other music. Pallbearers, all old friends and close associates of Dr. Wiley, were F.P. Marvin, Phil Streck, John Mehlin, George Clifton, A.M. Burton and Ross Coutts.

The Masons attended the services in a body, as did the physicians of the city and the nurses from St. Francis hospital.

The Masons were in charge of the services at the grave in Hazelwood cemetery.

Transcriber Note: Birthdate Jan. 1858 taken from 1900 Poweshiek Co. Iowa census. Death date 5 Mar 1934 taken from WPA Records.