Jacob Wiley Redemer was the first born child of Jacob Casper Redemer and Lula Mae Meador. For most of his life he referred to himself as either “Wiley Redemer” or “J. Wiley Redemer.” He was born 24 Oct 1900 in Beaver, Oklahoma Territory. 11 months later, the family added Martha (1901) and then 8 more children between 1903 and 1918.
He attended school in a one room school house taught by one of his relatives, Martha Redemer, an unmarried aunt.
Wiley is thought to be the tall boy in the back with the jaunty hat. Later records show he left school after one year of high school.
1922 (age 22) Wiley suffered appendicitis and underwent an appendectomy, which at that time was a major and invasive procedure.
Apparently in a weakened condition, physical work was not an option. He seized an opportunity and ran for county surveyor. He lost the election, 458 to 281.
About that time, Wiley met Ruth Estelle Smith, a black-haired beauty who stole his heart. He was working at a concession stand in the park. She was working as a court secretary. Ruth was raised in a stern and hyper-religious household. In Wiley, she found someone to truly love her.
23 September 1923, Wiley (23) married Ruth Estelle Smith (19) in Beaver, Oklahoma.
Between 1927 and 1929 Wiley and Ruth moved to Tulare County, California. Her mother Eva Mae (Buckner) Smith had some property near Kingsburg. It was an opportunity for a better life. When the family left Beaver, Oklahoma for California, there were 3 little boys under the age of four in the car with a goat tied to the running board. Duane was allergic to cow’s milk so the goat went with them to California. On the long slow trek to California, Ruth had a miscarriage and the baby was buried in the desert along the way. In 1929, after their arrival in California, the 4th son, Henry Eugene, was born.
May, 1929, Wiley had a run-in with the law.
Wiley was given a suspended sentence for passing a $3.50 altered check.
The Great Depression hit hard in August 1929. Gene was born 3 weeks after the stock market crash in October 1929. With four children to feed, aged 5 and under, money must have been hard to come by. Wiley was employed as a salesman for a life insurance company, a challenging job during an economic downturn. Wiley and Ruth paid $18 in rent.
1930 Census Dinuba, Tulare County, California
1932 and 1933, Wiley and Ruth joined the United Bretheran Church where Ruth became actively involved as the Church secretary.
1934 He worked for Gibraltar Casualty Association in Selma, California.
Source: newspapers.com The Selma Enterprise 5 Apr 1934
- 1935 March charged with 3 counts of petty theft and went to trial
- 1935 April started working for an Automobile Dealership
- 1935 May Hung Jury and Retrial for Violation of Insurance Laws.
As the story is told, he took some money which had been paid to him for premiums. He fully intending to pay the money back.
These were hard and hungry times for this family of seven.
…and then it got worse….
- 1935 Nov 6 Jailed on 3 counts, found guilty and sentenced to 6 months.
Ruth filed for and was granted a divorce in 1936. Wiley was required to proved $25 monthly for support of the 5 children. She would later say that divorcing Wiley was the worst mistake she ever made.
In the 1940 census, Wiley was recorded as having a wife named “Deanne.”
In the California voter’s registration, he was
In the California voter’s registration, he was married to “Rose.” Wiley’s youngest child, Barbara, remembered living with Wiley and Rose for about a half of a year. Rose later divorced him.
In the California voter’s registration, he was married to “Rose.” Wiley’s youngest child, Barbara, remembered living with Wiley and Rose for about a half of a year. Rose later divorced him.
He continued to do well, selling automobiles.
As was required by law, Wiley filled out a card for the 3rd round of the 1942 WWII Draft. He was described as 5-foot 9 1/4 inches tall, blue eyes, brown hair and light complexion.
September 29, 1954, his life ended, far too soon.
He is remembered as a sweet, gentle and generous man who always wore a shirt and tie.
The Children of Jacob Wiley Redemer (1900 – 1954)
Ancestor Sleuth 