Jacob Whise

Jacob Whise (sometimes spelled "Whyse") was born in Baden, Germany in 1828, coming to Detroit with his family when he was about 10 years old.

He married Catherine Marker on November 7, 1852 at Detroit. The couple would eventually have six children: Jacob J., Lizzie G., Freddie, Mary C., Christine, and Anna. The family moved to the Wayne area in 1859. At the time of his enlistment, Jacob was working as a laborer.

As is the case of many immigrants, Jacob's sense of duty to his new country was very strong. Jacob enlisted in Company H on July 25, 1862 at Detroit, one of the very first men to do so. He was 34 years old. Several days elapsed before he was mustered into service on August 13, 1862. Perhaps because of his maturity, Jacob was promoted to Corporal on November 1, 1862. He came home on furlough early in 1865, while the Regiment was on siege duty at Petersburg. He was again promoted, this time to 5th Sergeant, on June, 1, 1865. Jacob Whise mustered out with the Regiment at Detroit on June 30, 1865.

After the war, Jacob returned to Wayne, and became a locomotive engineer.

Jacob Whise died from "rheumatism of the heart" on December 2, 1882. This disease reported stemmed from his wartime service. Jacob is buried in the Wayne Catholic Cemetery.

Jacob Whise

Much of the information for this biography is courtesy of the Wayne Historical Museum. Used with permission.