Rosanna A. Wise, widow of Joseph Wise, who was widely and favorably known throughout this county, and owned and occupied one of the most desirable rural homes in this region. In 1887 she sold the property to Paul M. Gerlich. She is a very intelligent and capable lady, and as the widow of one of the most prominent citizens of the county, is entitled to ample representation in a work of this kind.

Mrs. Wise was born in Chester County, Pa. March 6, 1825, and lived with her parents until reaching womanhood. Her home for a time was in the city of Philadelphia; but notwithstanding this her advantages for education were somewhat limited. Through the exertions of a lady teacher of one of the infant schools she was given her first lessons when five years of age, among 300 other children, presided over by six lady teacheers. In after years, while making a trip to Washington City, in 1862, she pointed out to her husband the building wherein she attended that school, and which has probably now been replaced by another of more substantial and imposing proportions.

The parents of Mrs. Wise were John and Margaret (Heck) Smith. They were old time residents of PA and the father a boatman by occupation. In 1837 he removed with his family to Galena, going overland to PIttsburgh, thence by rivers to Galena. He lost his life in returning from CA on the steamer "America" which was burned to teh water's edge in mid-ocean, in 1849; the mother spent her last years in this county, and while returning to PA, died at Johnstown. Rosanna attained to womanhood in Jo Daviess County, and came to the West in 1837. She was married J an. 30, 1845 to Joseph Wise, one of the earliest pioneers of the county, who upon coming to Galena, about 1832, first kept a grocery store, and followed mining; but in after years gave his attention largely to agricultural pursuits. The Indians, at the time of his coming here, still roamed over the country, but were peaceably disposed, and freuently called at the homes of the Wises for refreshments. Their first dwelling was a log cabin, and between the timbers they could see the stars shining at night. Their slumbers, however, were sweetened by honest toil, and their lives blessed with content.

Mr. Wise also followed fishing considerable for a living, being a very successful angler, and his devoted wife would take the team and sell the fish in Galena, for which he received a good price. Mr. Wise was thus occupied for a period of nearly twenty years. Mrs. Wise would often go out with her husband and help him cut down the trees, trim the brush and chop wood, and could herself cut a cord in a day; and this, too, without mittens or gloves, even in the winter season.

Many of the people who first settled in Jo Daviess county were ignorant of the existence of lead ore underneath the surface of the ground, and Mr. Wise was the first man to make the discovery ofmineral in what is now familiarly known as the California mine. He was a man of great industry and perseverance; self made in the strictest sense of the word. He also was a native of the State of PA.

Mr. Wise was principally reared by one of his grandmothers, who was engaged quite successfully as a doctress, by which she accumulated considerable means, and thus was enabled to send her grandson to school. Upon leaving PA about 1829, he made his way to Dubuque, IA and thence to this county. Mr. Wise engaged in mining for three years thereafter, then turned his attention to agriculture, which he followed the remainder of his life. He was a man of many friends and was personally acquainted with Gen. Grant, John H. Rawlins, E.B. Washburne, and many others who distinguished themselves as lawyers and legislators.

Mr. Wise, politically, was, during the early days a Republican, but in later years supported the Democratic party. He died May 16, 1877. He was a man enjoying the esteem and confidence of his neighbors in a marked degree, and held the various local offices. He was prospered in his business affairs, and left to his family a good property. Although not a member of any religious organization he endeavored to follow the precepts of the Golden Rule; was honest and upright, temperate and of correct habits; a man who has left to his children the record of a blameless life. Of these there were born five sons and three daughters, eight in all - only four of whom are living. John S. married Elizabeth green of Osage, Mitchell Co., Iowa, and is now proprietor of a restaurant in Smithland; Anthony N. married Eva Bennett of Sand Prairie, this county, and is now farming in Benson County Dak.; Abraham Lincoln married Anna B. Bothwell of Galena, and is carrying on farming in Benson County, Dak; Virginia F. is the wife of Paul M. Gerlich, and they live on and own, the old homestead; they have two children - Paul M. and Rosanna Francisca. The children are the special pets and solace of their grandmother.

Portraits & Biographical Jo Daviess Co IL 1889 Pg 420