My Genealogy Hound

COL. B. L. WILEY was born in Jefferson County, Ohio, in 1821, and is a son of Abel Wiley. His father was a native of Maryland, and was a carpenter and cabinet-maker by trade. About the time of his marriage he removed to the Buckeye State, locating in Jefferson County, where he lived until 1857, when he came with his family to Illinois. His last days were spent in the home of the Colonel, and after his death his widow went to live with her daughter in Putnam County, Ill. Colonel Wiley’s educational privileges were quite limited. For many years he worked at the carpenter’s trade as a means of livelihood. In 1846 he enlisted in the Mexican War, and served as a non-commissioned officer for a year. Previous to that service he had come to Illinois, where he engaged in teaching school. In 1847 he located in Jonesboro, this state, where he followed carpentering for some time.

On the 5th of December, 1850, the Colonel was united in marriage with Miss Emily, daughter of Winstead Davie, of Union County, Ill. The lady was born in 1830, in that county, and there they began their domestic life, but in 1860 came to Jackson County and settled upon the old home farm. The following year Mr. Wiley responded to President Lincoln’s call for troops, enlisting in the Fifth Illinois Cavalry. He was appointed Lieutenant-Colonel by Governor Yates, and served in that capacity until 1863, when he resigned and returned. He then entered the Provost-Marshal’s office in Cairo, where he was employed until 1865, when he returned to the farm. The four succeeding years of his life were devoted to agricultural pursuits, and in 1869 he was appointed by Governor Palmer as Commissioner of the Insane Asylum at Anna, which position he filled for three years.

Unto the Colonel and Mrs. Wiley were born nine children, eight of whom are yet living, viz.: William, John, Anna, Ben, Dan, Charles, Mary and Henry. James is now deceased. Colonel Wiley was a prominent and influential member of the Masonic fraternity, which he joined during the Mexican War, and was Deputy Grand Master of the state. On the organization of the Republican party he joined its ranks, and was ever one of its stalwart supporters. He was one of the few who voted for Fremont in 1856 in this locality. For many years he was County Commissioner, and was twice nominated for Congress. His death occurred in March, 1890, and many warm friends mourned his loss, for he was a prominent and highly respected citizen.

John Wiley, son of the Colonel, was born August 10, 1854, in Jonesboro, Ill. He was educated in the district schools, and spent his childhood days in the usual manner of farmer lads. In 1880 he married Margaret Applegate, who was born in Williamson County, Ill., April 12, 1854, and is a daughter of Louis Applegate, a native of Ohio, and a veteran of the Civil War, who is still living in Jackson County. Four children grace the union of Mr. and Mrs. Wiley: Charles, Bessie, Fannie and John.

Mr. Wiley is now the owner of eighty acres of land, the greater part of which is devoted to fruit growing. In his business dealings he has met with good success and acquired a comfortable competence. He holds membership with the Methodist Episcopal Church, and belongs to the Masonic fraternity of Makanda. In politics he is a Republican. He has served on the School Board, and for two terms has been Township Supervisor. He is a representative and progressive citizen, one who manifests a commendable interest in everything pertaining to the welfare of the community.