My Genealogy Hound

J. F. WISE, of Wise Brothers, grocers, was born in Vermillion county, Ind., Feb. 20, 1854. His parents, Jacob and Margaret (Naylor) Wise, were natives of the Keystone State. His father was born in Pickaway county, Feb. 20, 1817, and died while residing in this city, Feb. 9, 1883, and his remains were taken to his home, Paola, Kan., for interment. His mother was born in Pennsylvania, in 1823, and died at Paola, Kan., July 7, 1872. When our subject was eleven years of age his parents came west, locating at Paola, Kan. There young Wise grew to maturity, receiving a liberal education in the city schools. When fourteen years of age he engaged as clerk for R. C. Crowell & Co., merchants, with whom he continued five years. He then embarked in the same business with a brother at Baxter Springs, same state, under the firm name of J. M. Wise & Co. He came to Joplin in 1875 and engaged for six years in the grain and hide business. In December, 1881, the firm established a branch house at Rich Hill, Mo., under the style of J. M. Wise & Co., and in January, 1882, added a stock of groceries to his business there. The firm is now Wise Brothers, our subject being the senior member. Mr. Wise was married in Joplin, Feb. 20, 1878, to Miss Allie, daughter of Monroe and Elizabeth Clark, of this city. Mrs. Wise was born in Missouri, Jan. 20, 1858. They have one child, Demer, born Jan. 10, 1879.