My earliest confirmed ancestor is Ezekiel Wise of Barbour County AL, born circa 1797 NC, (1860 census says he was born circa 1797 in GA) and died 1874 in Barbour County, AL. He patented land near Rocky Mount Church in Barbour County 1835 -1845. In the 1830 Census, he was listed in Pike Co., AL and probably lived in the part that was cut into Barbour County in 1832. His wife, Winneford Bullock, was born circa 1805 in GA (1860 Census says she was born circa 1808 in AL) and died after 1880. They had eight children: Lovie J., Elizabeth, James H., Lemuel L., Mary Jane, Thomas, John Edward (my g-g-grandfather) and Susan Amanda.
Also living in the area, was Ephriam S. Wise, born circa 1800 NC, died 21 Nov 1882. He patented land in Barbour County in 1849. He married Martha Ann (Milligan?) and had eight children.
The following abstract is from page 1385 of the Onslow County, NC Abstracts of the Wills.
142 - Wise, Thomas. Mar. 30, 1807-June, 1807. To wife Mary; sons Matthew, Selby H., Thomas, and Ezekeul; daughters Hannah Bell, Elizabeth Wise, Sarah Tanner. Exrs: wife Mary Wise and son Selby H. Wise. Tests: Daniel Rogers, William Howard, Sarah Owens.
Based on information I found at http://www.webspawner.com/users/HarneyFamily,I believe that the reference to wife Mary pertains to Mary Harney, daughter of Thomas Harney and Hannah Mills. It seems quite likely that my ancestor Ezekiel is either the son of Thomas mentioned in the will, or the son of one of Thomas' sons. I have a copy of the text of the will. Some Wise researchers have shown Ezekiel to be the son of a Lemuel Wise of Onslow Co., but I have yet to confirm or dispute this.
Dennis Wise