Wise, John Laing

John Laing Wise. The newspaper editor has his finger on the pulse of the community. He knows all about it, its problems, its aspirations, which he helps to create, and its achievements. John Laing Wise is such an editor, for he was born in the town whose newspaper he edits, and is the son of a man famous in its history.

Levi Moyer Wise, father of John Laing Wise, was born in Jackson Township, Butler County, Pennsylvania, February 2, 1860, and died December 5, 1924. He was educated in the public schools there and the Edinboro State Normal School, studying law at the University of Michigan. He was admitted to the bar in Butler, Pennsylvania, September 5, 1888. His success was evidenced by his position as president of the Eagle Printing Company, publishers of the Butler "Eagle," and vice president of the Farmers' National Bank. Mr. Wise was a Republican, and a member of the First Methodist Episcopal Church of Butler. Levi M. Wise married Bertha Laing, daughter of John and Lizzie Laing, at Wattsburg, Pennsylvania, in 1892. Their children are: John Laing, of further mention ; Gerald L., in charge of the Eagle Printery ; and Vernon L. Wise, a graduate of Butler High School in 1919, and of Allegheny College, class of 1923. He is now business manager of the Eagle.

John Laing Wise was born in Butler, Pennsylvania, April 13, 1893. He was educated in the elementary and high schools of Butler, and received his Bachelor of Arts degree from Allegheny College with the class of 1916. As he was early interested in journalism and determined to make it his career, he specialized in that course at the University of Wisconsin School of Journalism. Bringing to his work enthusiasm, energy, expert knowledge, and a carefully trained mind, he has made of the Butler "Eagle" a notable paper since he became its managing editor in 1916. The paper represents the community in a much more intimate and effective way than do most local newspapers, and it is a powerful spokesman for the betterment of the community. Mr. Wise is also a director of the Farmers' National Bank. During the World war Mr. Wise enlisted in January, 1918, and remained in the service of his country at the most critical period until his discharge in March, 1919, while he was stationed at Camp Hancock Officers' Training School. Like his father, Mr. Wise is a Republican and a member of the Methodist Church. His clubs are the Rotary, the Sterling, and the Butler Country. He is a member of the Delta Tau Delta college fraternity.

Mr. Wise married, January 12, 1922, Miss Ruth Clark, of Butler. They have one daughter, Marilyn.

History of Butler County, Pa, 1927