Paul Wiley of Neodesha, Kan., publisher of the "Neodesha Register," began at the bottom of the ladder in newspaper work over twenty-one years ago, as a printer's apprentice, and by steady and persistent effort has become the owner and editor of one of the most successful papers in Wilson county. Trained from boyhood in a rugged school his character was molded at an early age into firmness and determination, characteristics that have marked his whole subsequent career. At the age of fourteen years he quit school and at once entered the newspaper office of the "Citizen" at Fredonia, where he mastered the printer's trade and remained an employe of increasing ability and efficiency for sixteen years. He saw a good business opening in 1905 and availed himself of it when, on September 9 of that year, he purchased the "Neodesha Register." By energetic and able management he has built up a large circulation for his paper and has made it a very profitable business. In return his readers are supplied with an interesting and carefully edited news sheet, the pages of which are devoted to local interests and to the dissemination of matters of general interest and of measures for the public good.

Mr. Wiley was born at Fredonia, Kan., Jan. 21, 1876, his parents being James and Nancy J. (Brinkley) Wiley. James Wiley was born in Yorkshire, England, in 1810, and immigrated to the United States in 1822, settling in Newark, Ohio, where he was a liveryman. From there he came to Kansas, in 1874, and resided at Fredonia until his death, Feb. 14, 1890. He was a Republican in politics and was a justice of peace at Fredonia for many years. His widow now resides in that city.

On Nov. 27, 1898, Paul Wiley married Miss Minnie Cutter, daughter of Mrs. Alice Cutter of Fall River, Kan. Mrs. Wiley died Oct. 14, 1906, leaving a daughter, Pauline, five years of age. She was a member of the Christian church.

On Oct. 1, 1911, Mr. Wiley and Miss Caroline McDaniel, daughter of Mrs. Mary McDaniel of Neodesha, were united in marriage. Miss McDaniel was employed in Mr. Wiley's office for four years preceding their marriage.

Mr. Wiley has prospered in his business and has acquired valuable town property. An ardent Republican he has always taken an active interest in the political work of his party and has been a delegate to all the leading conventions, county and state, and has served as a member of the Wilson county central committee. His fraternal membership is sustained in the Knights of Pythias and the Modern Woodmen of America. He is a past chancellor commander of his lodge, Knights of Pythias, and was its representative in the grand lodge of that order two years. Though a resident of Neodesha but six years he has already attained a high standing in the esteem of its people.