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In January 1963, the Troy Messenger published a story about a young boy with many talents and jobs.

Young Brantley Wiley has become quite a businessman in this area.  Brant, a seventh grader at Troy High School, is also an accomplished musician.

Brant serves as part time organist for St. Mark’s Episcopal Church in Troy.  He plays for revival services, Bible schools, and on other special occasions.  Brant also fills in when the regular organist cannot be there.

Brant served as full time organist for the church during the summer months.  Due to a heavy school and work schedule, Brant had to give this up and become part time organist.

Brant’s musical career began about two years ago when he began taking music lessons from Mrs. Violet Ervin.  At that time Brant was serving as organist on a bi-monthly basis for the Episcopal Church in Union Springs.

Young Wiley’s career began about the same the same time.  Brant now has 25 chickens which supply eggs for family use.  He has also established an egg route which he works regularly.  Brant said he plans to obtain more chickens and bring his total to 40 to 50.

Another business interest of Brant’s is the family garden.  Each year he helps plant and care for such vegetables as peas, tomatoes, butterbeans, etc. which are used by his family.  This past year, Brant said they even grew some asparagus.

Brant’s main interest centers around electrical work.  Brant stated that he is planning a career as an electrician or electrical engineer.  He already does electrical repair work for his family and neighbors.  Appliances he has wired include irons, lamps, and yard lights.  His biggest wiring jobs were a playhouse for his sister, Beth, and his chicken house.  Brant said he has an instruction book he reads to aid him in rewiring appliances when he needs assistance.

Brant received valuable  training in meeting the public and keeping records while serving as a Messenger paperboy.  Brant began as a paperboy last May.  Because of his heavy work schedule, Brant is dropping his paper route at present but plans to come back next summer.

Other hobbies Brant enjoys include babysitting, 4-H club work, and helping keep the courthouse library straight and in order.

Brant is the 13-year old son of Mr. and Mrs. Brantley Wiley of 312 Flavia Circle.  Other family members are Beth, who is a fourth grade student at the Laboratory School and James who is still a toddler.

All of these articles can be found in previous editions of The Troy Messenger.  Stay tuned for more.  Dianne Smith is the President of the Pike County Historical, Genealogical and Preservation Society.