Luther H. and J. Albert Wise

WISE BROTHERS. The citizens of Mound Valley, Labette county, Kansas, have reason to be proud of the fact that in their thriving little city is one of the largest merchandise stores in Labette county. This store is owned and conducted by Luther H. and J. Albert Wise. They are sons of W. J. and Susan (Allen) Wise.

W. J. Wise is a native of Greene county, Illinois. His wife was also a native of that place; her death occurred in Montgomery county, Kansas, in 1876. W. J. Wise located on a farm at Cherryvale, Kansas, in 1869, where he followed farming during his active life. He now resides at Coffeyville, and is sixty-eight years old. Four children resulted from his union with Susan Allen, namely: Luther H.; J. Albert; J. F., who is a hardware merchant of Cherryvale; and G. E., who is employed in his brothers' store at Mound Valley.

Luther H. Wise was born in 1858, and was reared and schooled in the state of Kansas. His first work was as clerk in the store of Kincaid & Root, general merchants. He was employed there for some time, and became familiar with all the details of the work. In 1883, in partnership with his brother J. Albert, Mr. Wise entered the general merchandise business at Mound Valley, and they now have one of the largest and finest stores in the county. In 1890, the present two-story, brick block was erected by them, through the assistance of F. P. Dicus & Company, at a cost of over $9,000. Since that time, Wise Brothers have purchased the Dicus interests and own the entire building. Their store occupies the whole lower floor, and the second floor is used for offices, and for the Masonic hall. One side of the store is devoted to the sale of dry goods and clothing, and the other side to groceries and shoes. The stock is valued at $15,000. A cash-carrier system is used, thus requiring the constant attention of a cashier. Five people are employed as clerks, and a very large business is done. Mr. Wise and his brother are men of excellent business ability, and of upright principles, and the knowledge of this fact has brought them a large number of patrons, who are sure of receiving prompt and. respectful attention.

Luther H. Wise was united in marriage with Omah Able, who was born in Illinois. Her mother died when she was quite young, and Mrs. Wise was reared by her grandfather in Kansas. Mr. and Mrs. Wise are the parents of three children, namely: Lloyd V.; Byron; and Luther Henry, Jr. They own a fine home in Mound Valley.

J. Albert Wise married Lena Riff, a daughter of Joseph Riff, Sr., who was an early settler of Mound Valley, and for many years was engaged in business there. Mr. Wise and his wife have two children living, - Lyman A. and Helen E. Another, Irene, died recently. Mr. Wise was lately elected mayor of Mound Valley. In politics, he is a Republican. He is a member of the A. F. & A. M., and the M. W. of A.

Luther H. Wise is also a Republican, and has served on the school board and in the city council. He is a member of the M. W. of A. lodge, and his wife belongs to the Fraternal Aid. Mr. Wise is secretary of the Mound Valley Natural Gas & Mineral Company. His brother, J. Albert Wise, is treasurer of the company. Both Luther H. and J. Albert Wise are members of the Presbyterian church.