Born in Germany on April 28, 1847, C.A. Wise came to Cedar Falls in 1863 and became a permanent resident.  Three years later he married Susan A. Parmalle.  Mr. Wise became a predominant member of Cedar Falls, serving in a number of positions.  He was president of the State Band of Cedar Falls and member of the State Legislature.  In 1967 he became a partner at G.N. Miner, and later the upstart business became Wise and Bryant.  The business became successful and in 1883 C.A. Wise was able to buy out his partner and get his sons into the business.  The firm became C.A. Wise and Sons.  Another successful note on C.A. Wise was his serving as mayor of Cedar Falls from 1886-87.  During his administration the city began to grow and prosper.