John Wise (clergyman) facts for kids

John Wise (born August 15, 1652 – died April 8, 1725) was an important religious leader and political activist in Massachusetts. He was a Congregationalist reverend during the time when America was still a group of British colonies. Wise was known for standing up for what he believed in. He protested against unfair British taxes and was even put in jail for it. He served as the pastor of the Chebacco Parish in Essex from 1680 until he passed away in 1725. He lived in Ipswich, Massachusetts, a town sometimes called "the birthplace of American independence."

Life of John Wise

Early Life and Education

John Wise was born in Roxbury, Massachusetts. His parents were Joseph and Mary (Thompson) Wise. Mary's mother was Alice Freeman Thompson Parke.

John Wise went to the Roxbury Latin School in West Roxbury, Massachusetts. He finished school there in 1669. After that, he was accepted into Harvard College, which is now Harvard University. He graduated from Harvard in 1673. Then, he started studying theology, which is the study of religious faith. He preached in towns like Branford, Connecticut and Hatfield, Massachusetts. On August 12, 1683, Wise became the official pastor of the new Chebacco Parish. This new church area was part of Ipswich.

Standing Up for Rights

In 1688, John Wise became a leader in Ipswich. He led citizens in a protest against the royal governor, Edmund Andros. They were protesting against unfair colonial taxes. This happened after the Charter of the Massachusetts Bay Company was taken away in 1684. Governor Andros believed that the colonists had lost all their rights as Englishmen when they left England.

In 1687, Wise gathered his church members to protest and refuse to pay these taxes. Because of this, Governor Andros had him arrested, found guilty, and fined. An official working for Andros told Wise, "Mr. Wise, you have no more privileges Left you then not to be Sold for Slaves." This shows how little freedom the colonists were given at that time.

Legacy and Recognition

John Wise's actions were very important. Calvin Coolidge, who later became a U.S. President, said that Wise was one of the people who inspired the Declaration of Independence. This document declared America's freedom from Britain.

Today, a part of Route 133 in Massachusetts is named John Wise Avenue. Also, a Liberty ship called the SS John Wise was launched on June 14, 1942. This ship was named in his honor.

Family of John Wise

On December 5, 1678, John Wise married Abigail Gardner. She was the granddaughter of Thomas Gardner (Roxbury). John and Abigail had seven children together:

• Rev Jeremiah Wise (born November 2, 1679 – died January 20, 1756) married Mary Shipway
• Lucy Wise (born around 1681 – died March 5, 1727) married John White
• John Wise (born around 1683 – died August 31, 1762) married Mary Rogers
• Mary Wise (born May 12, 1685 – died March 23, 1735/36)
• Joseph Wise (born February 16, 1686 – died September 23, 1745) married Martha Appleton
• Amni Ruhami Wise (born around 1688 – died July 6, 1749) married Mary Ringe
• Henry Wise (born around 1697 – died November 12, 1775) married Mary Wade

Because of his marriage to Abigail, Reverend John Wise was a great-uncle to President John Adams.