Sedgwick County KSGenWeb

Portrait And Biographical Album of Sedgwick County, Kan.

Chapman Brothers 1888

Pages 872 - 873

JOSEPH L. WILEY, who is properly ranked as one of the self-made men of Sedgwick County, began his career at the foot of the ladder in life, without other resources than his own indomitable will and steady plodding industry. From a humble position he has risen to that of one of the representative men of a more than ordinarily intelligent community. The greater part of his life has been spent in the agricultural districts, and when but a boy he became thoroughly familiar with the various employments of the farm. He wisely chose that for his future calling to which he was best adapted both by nature and experience, and as a farmer and stock-raiser occupies an enviable position among the progressive men of Southern Kansas. For the successful prosecution of his calling he has a fine and well- appointed farm of 160 acres, with all the buildings and appurtenances required for the comfort of his family, and the carrying on of his business.

       Our subject was born in Vermilion County, Ill., Aug. 8, 1848, and is the son of William and Sarah (Loman) Wiley, natives respectively of Ohio and Pennsylvania. His paternal ancestors were of Irish descent, and the mother descended from the German. When Joseph L. was but one year old his parents removed from Vermilion to Douglas County, where William Wiley was among the early tillers of the soil, and where both parents spent the remainder of their lives. The father departed this life in January, 1872. The mother had preceded her husband to the silent land thirteen years. Their family included ten children, five of whom survive, namely: George, of Douglas County, Ill.; Smith, of Wichita; Celia, the wife of Samuel Bryan, of Douglas County, Ill.; Sarah, Mrs. Isaac Dean, of Waco Township, this county, and Joseph L., our subject.

       William Wiley after the death of his first wife was married again, and there were born three children, two living, namely : Julia, the wife of Craig Owen; and Annie, Mrs. Charles Myers, both of Douglas County, Ill. Joseph L. was reared to manhood in what is now known as Douglas County, Ill., receiving his education in the common school. During his early manhood he spent four years in mercantile business, but in 1882 abandoned it for the more congenial pursuits of farm life. The lady who now bears his name was in her girlhood Miss Sarah J. Moore, and their marriage took place in Piatt County, Ill., Sept. 22, 1867. Mrs. Wiley was born in Piatt County, Ill., Dec. 12, 1848, the daughter of Luther and Mary J. (Steward) Moore, who were among the earliest settlers of Piatt County, where the father still resides, enjoying the fruits of a well-spent life, and cherished by the affection of hosts of friends. The mother passed away at their home in Piatt County, Ill., in June, 1863. Mr. Moore, during his younger years, was quite prominent in local affairs and contributed largely toward the building up and settlement of Piatt County, Ill., by a desirable class of people. He has been twice married, and is the father of twelve children, of whom six survive, namely: Allen, of Missouri; Isaac, of Nebraska; William, a resident of Salem Township, this county; Frank, living in Piatt County, Ill.; Hannah, the wife of William Mossbarger, of Wellington, this State: Sarah J., Mrs. Wiley; Emma and Harvey, in Illinois.

        To Mr. and Mrs. Wiley there have been born four children, namely: Mary A., Oct. 18, 1869; Homer E., Feb. 8, 1879; Alta M., March 11, 1884; and one who died in infancy. Mr. Wiley came to Kansas with his family in 1878, and soon afterward located upon his present farm. This comprises a quarter-section, and the natural fertility of the soil, combined with the good management of its owner, is now the source of a fine income. Our subject has been particularly fortunate in his selection of a life partner. Mrs. Wiley having always been the active assistant of her husband in his labors, and with him enjoys the esteem and confidence of all who know them. Mr. W. finds his political principles most nearly represented by the Democratic party, and accordingly gives to it his uniform support. He has served as Assessor of Salem Township, and been prominent in those matters relating to its best interests.

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