S. B. Wyse - 1844 - 1908

WYSE, CONRAD, SCHANTZ, DAVIS

Posted By: A.M.W. (email)
Date: 5/19/2004 at 19:09:57

November 11, 1908 – Wayland News

S. B. Wyse

The community was shocked on Sunday morning to learn of the death of Simon B. Wyse. This had not been altogether unexpected but was not expected at the time. He was born in Fulton County, Ohio, July 22, 1844, where he lived until as a young man he came to Iowa. It was in 1867 that he first came to this state, but after two years, returned again to Ohio. But in 1870, he came back, was married to Miss Hannah Conrad, and has since then made his home here. He lived for a number of years on his farm in Trenton township but in 1883, having quit the farm, he moved to Wayland where in partnership with Mr. C. F. Jacobs, he engaged in the mercantile business. At the end of three years the partnership was dissolved and Mr. Wyse took as his partner Mr. C. C. Schantz. For three more years the new firm continued in their business, but at the end of this period Mr. Wyse took over the entire business. For the next twelve years Mr. Wyse was in the business by himself and in 1901 sold his business to Mr. F. J. Conrad. Thus, for eighteen years, Mr. Wyse was connected with the mercantile business of this town and made many friends.

Mr. Wyse always took a great interest in school matters and for the last five years preceding this year, was president of the school board. He took interest in every forward move of the community and was always interested in the political life of his own town and district, being a democrat in politics.

In his youth, he united with the Mennonite church and had been actively connected with the same until his death. If there was one activity of the church he loved better than another, it was the singing and he did a great deal to encourage and develop the singing of his congregation.

Mr. Wyse was married to Miss Hannah Conrad on May 12, 1870. Their home was made happy by four children, Emma, the wife of J. E. Davis west of town, Frank of San Francisco, California and Lester of El Monte, California. One infant son lies buried with his mother in the cemetery for on December 31, 1885, Mrs. Wyse died and left him alone with the children.

On October 29, 1886, he again entered into wedlock with Miss Mary Schantz who has been left a widow by his death. This union was blessed with two children, Leola and Emmerson, residing at home.

Mr. Wyse has been one of Wayland’s best citizens. His sterling character, his honest dealings, his cheeriness will be remembered by all who knew him. In him, the town, the community, and the church had a staunch friend.

Note by the Editor: S. B. Wyse was one of the first men we became acquainted with when we came to Wayland. We at once sized him up as a good man, and one whom it would be safe to repose confidence in, and we were not deceived. We found him a true friend as well as an honest and upright man. He was always cheerful, having a good word to speak to everyone, and never finding fault with anyone. In the death of Mr. Wyse, Wayland has lost one of her very best citizens.

The funeral was held on Wednesday at 2 P.M. in the Mennonite church, conducted by his pastor, Rev. S. M. Musselman, assisted by Rev. R. Collier of the M. E. church. The very large congregation was evidence of the estimation of Mr. Wyse as a man, neighbor, and friend by the people of Wayland and vicinity. In honor of Mr. Wyse and respect to the family, the schools were closed during the afternoon of the funeral.