Willey, Edward, 1854-1910

WILLEY, WILEY, SHAW, SPENCER

Posted By: Lydia Lucas - Volunteer (email)
Date: 1/23/2012 at 22:44:49

BODY FOUND FLOATING
Edward Willey Meets Mysterious Death at Omaha

The body of Edward Willey, for many years a well known resident on the Plymouth county line, twelve miles southeast of Hawarden, was found floating in the Missouri river, three miles below Omaha by a fisherman on Monday of last week. A letter on his person with a Beresford postmark led to his identification. The last seen of him was at Missouri Valley on the Saturday previous where he took the train for Omaha. At that time he had about $70 in money and a watch and chain. These were all missing when the body was found and it leads to the theory that he met with foul play and was robbed in Omaha and his body was thrown in the Missouri river.

The deceased was born in Canada in 1854. He located on a homestead southeast of Hawarden in 1874 and continued to make his home there until after the death of his wife which occurred a few years ago. For some time he has been with his brother Fred at Ames. The remains were brought to Ireton, where the funeral was held Saturday.

Source: Hawarden Independent, June 16, 1910.

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The body taken from the Missouri river at Omaha May 30th and since held by the coroner in that city has been identified as that of Edward Wiley of Ireton. The identification was made by a nephew of the dead man, Ernest Wiley, of Beresford, S.D., who believes that his uncle was murdered and thrown into the river.

Source: Rock Valley Bee, June 17, 1910.

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Edwin M. Willey of Ireton met death by drowning at Council Bluffs on May thirtieth. His body was found by fishermen in a net a mile or so below Council Bluffs. He had been with his brothers on a trip into Nebraska a few days previous and had been visiting with his brother at Missouri Valley. He intended going to Omaha on the thirtieth so he was not missed.

The deceased was fifty-six years and four months and sixteen days old when this accident overtook him. He was a Canadian by birth and came to the United States in 1864 and to Plymouth county in 1874. His wife Flora Shaw Willey preceded him several years ago.

He is survived by one daughter, Mrs. Mary House of Missouri Valley and three brothers and one sister. W. W. and A. W. Willey and Miss Clara B. Spencer reside at Delmar and F. Willey makes his home at Ames.

Funeral services were held at Ireton from the M. E. church--conducted by Rev. E. C. Richards. Interment was made in the Township cemetery five miles south of Ireton. Mr. and Mrs. F. B. House of Missouri Valley, F. Willey of Ames and Mrs. Cora B. Spencer of Delmar attended the funeral.

Source: Alton Democrat, June 18, 1910.