My Genealogy Hound

ROBERT H. WILEY, a successful farmer residing on section 30, La Grange Township, Cass County, was born in Cassopolis, this county, in 1840, and is the son of William G. and Harriet A. (Sifert) Wiley. The paternal grandfather of our subject, John B. Wiley, was born in the North of Ireland, and at the age of eighteen ran away from home, in company with his brother Robert. Emigrating to America, he located in New York City, and for a short time followed a seafaring life. In New York he married Miss Hannah Prior, who was born in that city and was of Dutch descent.

Soon after his marriage Grandfather Wiley removed to New Jersey, and from there proceeded to Erie, Pa., where he followed the trade of a cooper. Subsequently he removed to Ohio, and from that State came to Michigan, settling in Cassopolis about 1835. Here he followed his trade until his death. Politically, he was a Democrat, firm in his adherence to the party of his choice. He served in the War of 1812, and participated in the capture of Black Rock. His family included the following-named children: James, Robert, William (father of our subject), Joanna M., Charlotte, Hannah and Sarah. His wife, and the mother of these children, survived for many years, passing away at the advanced age of eighty-four.

William G. Wiley was born in New York City, in 1816, and became self-supporting upon reaching his majority. He learned the cooper’s trade, which he followed prior to his removal to Michigan. He married, in Cass County, Harriet A., daughter of Lemuel and Elizabeth (Gambol) Sifert, the father born in 1794. The maternal grandfather, Peter Sifert, was born in Ireland, in 1758, and emigrated to America when a young man, participating in the Revolutionary War. After his marriage, Mr. Wiley, Sr., followed his trade a number of years in Wayne Township, and in 1854 came to the farm now owned by our subject. Here he purchased two hundred acres, and upon the home there established remained until his demise, at the age of forty-nine, in 1865. His wife is still living, and has reached the advanced age of seventy years. They were both devoted members of the Christian Church, and were held in high regard by all who knew them. Politically he was a Democrat, and in his social connections was identified with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows at Cassopolis, and the Masonic fraternity at the same place. A man of prominence in the community, he was often called to positions of trust, and occupied a number of local township offices.

In the parental family there were five children, one of whom died in childhood. The others are: Robert H., of this sketch; Emily, the wife of William H. Hain; Mary E., Mrs. Marcus D. Mealoy; and John, who resides in Wexford County, Mich. Mary is deceased. The subject of this sketch remained at home until he was twenty-two years old, meanwhile receiving a common-school education in the home neighborhood and at Niles. For a time he followed farming pursuits on a portion of his father’s farm, but in 1864 went to California, where for eighteen months he was variously occupied. Upon the death of his father, he returned home to assume the management of the estate.

The marriage of Mr. Wiley took place in 1867, and united him with Bina C., daughter of Brigg W. and Paulina (Norton) Hill. Mrs. Wiley was born in Detroit, Mich., in 1844, and by her marriage has had three children, two of whom died in infancy. The only surviving child is Hattie. While a Democrat in his political opinions, Mr. Wiley is very liberal in his views. For eleven years he served as Supervisor of his township, and he has occupied other responsible positions. He is a man who maintains a deep interest in all matters of public interest and importance, and as a citizen is public-spirited and enterprising. As the result of his energy and perseverance, he has increased the value of his father’s estate, and is now the owner of two hundred and forty acres of land, of which one hundred and sixty are tillable. His farm is one of the best in the township, and contains all the improvements to be found upon a first-class place.