HILES, JAMES ARTHUR. - A flourishing industry of Virginia, Ill., which has been developed through the energetic methods and tireless industry of its proprietor is the ice business conducted by James Arthur Hiles. A man of more than ordinary business ability, he has been true to each engagement, and his standing in his community is that of a helpful and public-spirited citizen. Mr. Hiles was born at Virginia, Cass County, Ill., December 4, 1878, and is a son of James and Isabelle (Paschell) Hiles. The latter of whom was born at Virginia, Ill. The father of Mr. Hiles came to Illinois from Camden, N.J. He settled on a farm in Cass County, where he engaged in agricultural pursuits until his removal in 1908, to Atlanta, Cowley County, Kan. He is a member of the order of Odd Fellows. To James Hiles and his wife were born the following children: Harry, who died in infancy; Charles and Archie, who are deceased; Nellie R., who died at the age of twenty-six years; James Arthur; Sarah Elizabeth; Franklin C., and Maggie, who died at the age of seventeen years.

James Arthur Hiles received his education in the public schools, following which he took up the vocation of farming. After about six years he returned to Virginia and embarked in a livery business, but two years later disposed of that interest and went to Carney, Lincoln County, Okla., where he spent four years in farming, and subsequently went to Kansas and was engaged for a time in farming at Burlington. Later he sold his western interests and returned to Virginia, where he has since prospered as the proprietor of an ice business. His ice houses are 80x100 feet in dimensions, and have a capacity of 1500 tons. Mr. Hiles is a member of the Odd Fellows and of the Modern Woodmen, and has held several offices of importance in his lodge. His religious connection is with the Presbyterian Church.

On December 20, 1899, Mr. Hiles was married to Nellie G. Willett, a daughter of Taylor and Mary (Ratliff) Willett, and they have one son; James Leo, a student in the public schools of Virginia.