My Genealogy Hound

HENRY Y. WISE, of No. 33 East Third street, Pottstown, is a native of Earl, Earl township, Berks county, Pennsylvania, where he was born May 19, 1839. He is the son of Samuel and Catharine (Yergey) Wise, both natives of Berks county. Their family included thirteen children, six sons and seven daughters, eleven of whom are now living: Henry Y., Urias, John, Ephraim, William, Harris, Mary Ann, widow of Henry Eagle; Ann Amanda, wife of Amos Rhodalmer; Leah, widow of John Houck; Catharine, wife of Jonathan Acker; Sophia, wife of Ephraim Hatfield.

Samuel Wise (father) was a teamster and farmer in early life, but later engaged in farming, which occupation he followed all his life. He died at the age of seventy-two years. His wife survived him several years, and died at the age of seventy-nine years. In religious faith both of them were Lutherans, he being a deacon. In politics Mr. Wise was a Democrat, although he never sought or held office, being content to deposit his ballot on election day.

John Wise (grandfather) was a native of Pennsylvania, and, as the name indicates, was of German descent. He was a tailor by occupation. He spent most of his life in Berks county. His wife was Barbara (Rhoads) Wise. He died upwards of eighty years of age, leaving a large family. Henry Yergey (maternal grandfather) was also a native of Berks county. He was a carpet weaver by trade. Removing to Montgomery county, he spent the last few years of his life in Pottstown, and died there at an advanced age. He had several sons and daughters.

Henry Y. Wise, subject of this sketch, came to Montgomery county with his parents when he was little more than two years of age. He lived on the farm until the scarcity of volunteers made the first draft necessary during the war for the suppression of the rebellion. Mr. Wise then enlisted in the One Hundred and Seventy-fifth Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, and served nine months. He was engaged in a number of skirmishes but in no important battle. He was a private in the ranks. On returning from the army Mr. Wise resumed his old occupation of working on the home farm, thus continuing for two years. At the expiration of that time he entered the employ of J. Fegely & Co., remaining there for five years. He was engaged in the lumber department. He then secured employment in the planing mill of J. Mengel Fisher, and was thus engaged for a period of twenty-four years. Of recent years Mr. Wise has held a position with the Keystone Agricultural Works Company.

On May 26, 1866, Mr. Wise married Mary A. Davidheiser, daughter of Henry and Sarah (Reigner) Davidheiser, also of Pottstown. The couple have one son, Howard D. Wise, who married Miss Jennie Cavanaugh. They have two children, Mary and Annie. Mr. and Mrs. Wise are members of the Emanuel Lutheran church of Pottstown. In politics he is a Democrat, although not particularly active in party matters.