Richard Alsop Wise facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Richard Alsop Wise
Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Virginia's 2nd district
In office March 12, 1900 – December 21, 1900
Preceded by	William A. Young
Succeeded by	Harry L. Maynard
In office April 26, 1898 – March 3, 1899
Preceded by	William A. Young
Succeeded by	William A. Young
Member of the Virginia House of Delegates
In office 1885–1887
Personal details
Born	(1843-09-02)September 2, 1843 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Died	December 21, 1900(1900-12-21) (aged 57) Williamsburg, Virginia
Resting place	Hollywood Cemetery, Richmond, Virginia
Political party	Republican
Alma mater	College of William and Mary Medical College of Virginia
Profession	civil servant, professor, physician
Military service
Allegiance	Confederate States of America
Branch/service	Confederate Army
Unit	Army of Northern Virginia Wise's Brigade of Infantry, Stuart's Cavalry Corps
Battles/wars	American Civil War

Richard Alsop Wise (born September 2, 1843 – died December 21, 1900) was an important educator and politician from Virginia. He served as a U.S. Representative for a short time. He came from a famous political family. His father, Henry Alexander Wise, was a governor. His grandfather, John Sergeant, and several cousins were also U.S. Representatives.

About Richard Alsop Wise

His Early Life and Education

Richard Alsop Wise was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. His father, Henry A. Wise, later became the Governor of Virginia. Richard went to private schools in Richmond, Virginia. He also studied at Harrison's Academy in Albemarle County, Virginia. After that, he attended the College of William and Mary for two years. His studies stopped when the American Civil War began.

Serving in the Civil War

During the Civil War, Richard Wise joined the Confederate States Army. He started as a private in Stuart's cavalry unit. Later, he became an aide to his father, who was a brigadier general. He officially worked as the Assistant Inspector General for Wise's Brigade. This brigade was part of the Army of Northern Virginia.

His Medical and Teaching Career

After the war, Richard Wise studied medicine. He graduated from the Medical College of Virginia in 1867. He then worked as a doctor for a few years.

In 1869, he returned to the College of William and Mary. He became a professor of Chemistry there. He taught at the college until 1881. From 1882 to 1885, he was the Superintendent of the Eastern Lunatic Asylum of Virginia.

In 1871, he helped create a volunteer militia in Williamsburg and James City County. He commanded this unit, which was called the Wise Light Infantry. The unit was active until at least 1885. They even appeared during President Grover Cleveland's inauguration in Washington.

Richard Wise's Political Journey

Becoming a Republican Politician

Even though he served in the Confederacy, Richard Wise joined the Republican Party. He was a delegate to every Republican state meeting in Virginia from 1879 to 1900. He also attended the national Republican conventions in 1892, 1896, and 1900.

He held many important political jobs. He was a member of the Virginia House of Delegates from 1885 to 1887.

Later, he worked as the Clerk for the Circuit and County Courts. This was for the city of Williamsburg and James City County. He held this position from 1888 to 1894.

Serving in Congress

In 1896, Wise ran to become a U.S. Representative. He lost the election to Democrat William A. Young. However, Wise argued that the election results were wrong. The House of Representatives agreed with him. He then served in the Fifty-fifth Congress from April 26, 1898, to March 3, 1899. He won a special election to keep his seat.

The same thing happened in 1898. Wise lost to Young again. He again argued the results, and the House again seated him. He then served in the Fifty-sixth Congress. His term began on March 12, 1900. He served until his death on December 21, 1900, in Williamsburg. He was buried in Hollywood Cemetery in Richmond, Virginia.