Joseph Wise

Who was Joseph Wise?

Joseph Wise was a farmer and political figure in Prince Edward Island. He represented 2nd Queens in the Legislative Assembly of Prince Edward Island from 1886 to 1890 and from 1893 to 1900 as a Liberal member.

He was born in North Milton, Prince Edward Island, the son of Joseph Wise, an immigrant from England, and Grace Ryder. Wise married Jane Essery in 1866 and then, in 1883, married Sophia Essery, widow of Albert McKinnon, after his first wife's death. He was Grand Master in the Orange Lodge. He favoured free trade with the United States.

Wise was defeated when he ran for reelection in 1890. During the sessions held in 1899, he voted with the Conservatives. Wise agreed to resign his seat if a by-election would be held for 2nd Queens before spring 1900. The by-election was not held and Wise withdrew his resignation. He took his seat in the assembly on May 9, 1900. However, his vote, which would have defeated the government, was not recognized by speaker James Cummiskey. When Wise attempted to take his seat the following day, he was physically removed from the legislature by the Serjeant-at-Arms and the House Messenger, and locked in the Speaker's office until the House adjourned. His resignation was entered into the parliamentary record. He died in Charlottetown at the age of 73.