(His stone only has years, probably a replacement)

Sudden Death in Clay

Matthias Miley, a well-known resident of Clay, died on Sunday quite suddenly. He was seated on the porch at his home when he was stricken with apoplexy. Dr. J.Y. Kline was summoned, but was unable to save his life, and death ensued in about half an hour after the attack. Deceased was in his 88th year. He was a former resident of Lexington, and in earlier life was a bricklayer by trade. He is survived by his second wife and fifteen children. Five children are dead. Deceased was a member of the Lutheran Church. The funeral took place to-day [sic] at 10 o'clock at the Brickerville Emanuel's Lutheran church.

Obituary from The Lititz Record Thursday, May 14, 1908


Fire At Lexington
Mathias Meiley’s Dwelling Totally Destroyed – Two Families Rendered Homeless

About 8 o’clock on Tuesday morning the two-story dwelling house of Mathias Meiley, in the village of Lexington, was totally destroyed by fire. Mrs. Meiley and her children left home last Saturday for the purpose of visiting relatives at the Furnace Hills.

Mr. Meiley remained at home, and daily since his wife’s departure, made a wood fire in a stove for the purpose of cooking. On Tuesday morning as usual he prepared breakfast, after which he left home on a gunning expedition. To the dwelling is attached a log building, in which lives Susan Imhoff with a number of children. Not more than an hour after Mr. Meiley had left home, fire was seen issuing from the upper corner of the main building. The alarm was quickly spread, but too late. Everything was as dry as tinder, and in almost a breath the building, together with the log attachment, was laid in ashes. Most of the furniture, however, was saved.

The burning building will entail a total loss of about $1500. It was insured in the Manheim Mutual Company for $1400, including furniture, but the owner failed to pay his last assessment of 72 cents, consequently the policy became null and void.
~ The Lititz Record, 23-Sept-1881, Page 3, Column 4

Contributed by Dead Ringer