Wismer is an Historic Village in northeastern Plumstead Township, located at the intersection of Stump and Carversville Roads. The village is named after the Wismer family, whose ancestor, Hans Michael Wismer, arrived in Philadelphia aboard the ship Priscilla (Captain William Wilson) from Rotterdam and Cowes on September 12, 1750.
Many members of the Wismer family later participated in the Mennonite migration to the Niagara Peninsula in Ontario, Canada. Among them were Isaac Wismer, who married Anna High, and Catharine Wismer, who married John High. Both were siblings of Henry Wismer, the writer's great-grandfather.
Henry Wismer was a farmer, drover, and clock- and watchmaker. His farm in Plumstead Township extended on both sides of Durham Road, between the North Branch of the Neshaminy Creek and Hinkletown. He regularly traveled to visit his brother and sister in the Niagara Peninsula, returning to Bucks County with herds of horses. On one such trip in 1828, he died of typhoid fever at his brother Isaac's home along Lake Ontario in Louth Township, Lincoln County, Ontario. That farm is now owned and occupied by Isaac's grandson, William Andrew Wismer.
In 1764, Samuel Hart operated a tavern on Stump Road about half a mile east of Wismer. The body of the outlaw Moses Doan was brought there after his death. Only the tavern's foundations remain today. Samuel Hart's exact identity is uncertain, but he was likely the son of William Hart, landlord of the Plumsteadville tavern.
Elias Wismer operated a small store at the northwest corner of the crossroads, and his son Henry succeeded him prior to 1860. On May 21, 1872, Henry became postmaster and held the position until his death on February 12, 1920. He was also a successful businessman, serving as treasurer of the Union Creamery and as a director of both the Point Pleasant Bridge Company and the Danboro and Point Pleasant Turnpike Company.
Henry Wismer partnered with his brother-in-law, Joseph Lear, in the store business, and after Lear's death, continued the business alone. During World War I, the Wismer post office sold more War Savings Stamps than any other office of its size in the county; canvasser Daniel F. Mergenthaler alone sold approximately $14,000 worth at maturity value.
Mail service between Wismer and Point Pleasant was first carried by Lewis Wismer, followed by Jacob Eisentrager and Asher R. Lear. The stage line was profitable during Lear's time, but declined after the construction of a trolley line, prompting Lear to enter the creamery business.
After Henry Wismer's death, the store property changed hands several times, with Frank Kolbe serving as the last postmaster there. The post office was later relocated to Smiths Corner, and in 1938, to Melchers Corner.
Nearby Neighborhoods
Street Names
Stump Road • Wismer Road