Miletus Handy Wylie

Miletus (Letus) Wylie was the last child of Eli Wylie and Huldak Clapp Wylie. He was born in Rochester, Minnesota October 6, 1870 and was 9 years of age when the family moved to Barnes County.

During his early years he lived on the family farm in Getchell Prairie. He was interested in sports and music and played not only the trombone but the violin, likely self-taught.

Miletus married Della B. Cross December 29, 1897. Della Cross was the daughter of Carlton B. Cross and Waite Soules Cross, pioneers in the county.

Meletus and wife Della lived in Valley City until 1905 when they homesteaded at Esmond, North Dakota. Here they lived until 1921, returning then to Valley City, where Meletus joined his brother Willis in the contracting and moving business.

Meletus and Della had seven children: Raymond, Ralph, Irene, Geneive, Alice, Angela and Lorraine. Irene and Geneive graduated from the Valley City High School.

Meletus died September 18, 1935.

Source: Barnes County History 1976 Page 278