WISE, SAMUEL D. (28 Nov. 1875-25 Mar. 1953), Jewish industrialist and philanthropist, was born to Daniel and Leah (Flesheim) Wise. He was educated in Cleveland and began work in 1889 as an office boy and bookkeeper for Atlantic Refining Co., which produced roof coating, lubricating oils, axle grease, and industrial paints. Wise and some associates acquired all the company's stock when owner Geo. C.
The WILSON TRANSIT CO., a pioneer in the use of safety equipment on the Great Lakes, was founded as a freight-transportation business by Capt. Thomas Wilson in 1872. Beginning with a single wooden ship, Wilson prospered, building several more steamers, including the Spokane in 1886, the lakes' first steel steamer. The firm also pioneered in the use of electric lights on the Yakima in 1887.