My Genealogy Hound

JAMES S. WILEY, farmer, Sec. 36; P. O. Le Roy; a native of Empire Township, McLean Co., Ill.; born on the 5th day of Aug. 1839; his father, James Wiley, was born in County Tyrone, Ireland, June 10, 1810; he emigrated from his native country to the West India Islands, in 1828, where he was employed as book-keeper and overseer of a large plantation upon the Island of Jamaica until 1835, when he emigrated to America, and to McLean Co., Ill., and until 1845, followed the mercantile trade at Le Roy and neighboring towns; he then engaged in farming, which business he followed until his decease, which occurred on the 5th of June, 1860; he now rests in the beautiful cemetery situated one mile east of Le Roy; during his life he was largely identified with the interests of the township, was one of its most influential citizens and filled many offices, among which was Justice of the Peace for sixteen years, and was the first Supervisor of Empire Township, and held the office continuously until his decease. His widow now lives in Le Roy; she is a sister of our much respected and worthy citizen Silas Waters, and is one of a family of nine children, who, with their parents, crossed the Alleghany Mountains in 1814, in a two-wheel cart, drawn by one horse; the children are all now living; the youngest now 65 and the oldest 79. James S. Wiley lived with his father, attended school and followed farming until 17 years of age, since which time he has given his whole attention to farming; he removed upon his present place, in February, 1869, where he owns 120 acres of land, under a high state of cultivation. His marriage with Kate Williams was celebrated Jan. 19,1869; she was born in McLean Co., Sept. 10, 1843; they have two children — James B., born May 27, 1870, and Daisy A., Dec. 20, 1872; Mrs. Wiley was a daughter of Aaron S. Williams; he was born in White Co., Ill., and was one of the early settlers of this county. He married Nancy Conaway, who emigrated with her parents from Kentucky, and located in what is now Empire Township, McLean Co., in 1830. Mr. and Mrs. Williams are now living in Normal.