Pg 569

         G. W. WAGNER, a farmer and stock-raiser, whose post-office is Letts, residing on section 4, Grand View Township, was born in Louisa County in 1848, on the section on which he yet lives. His parents were Philip and Elizabeth (Gower) Wagner; they had a family of five children, of whom he was the third child and only son. The sketch of his parents appears elsewhere in this work. Our subject was reared to farm life, and his primary education was received in the district schools, supplemented by a course at the Grand View Academy. On attaining his majority he was taken into partnership by his father, the partnership continuing until the latter’s death, since which time he has farmed for himself. He was united in marriage in Louisa County, in 1886, with Martha E. Small, who was born in this county, and is a daughter of H. N. P. and Louisa (Williams) Small, both of whom were born in the Buckeye State, and came to this county many years ago, settling upon a farm in Grand View Township, though they now reside in Letts.

Mr. Wagner brought his young bride to the home where they yet reside, and here one child was born to them, a daughter, Mabel. His farm now consists of 661 acres, 130 of which is timber land, though the remainder is finely cultivated. He also owns 425 acres of wild land in Kossuth County, Iowa. In connection with farming he also raises considerable stock, having a good grade of Polled-Angus cattle, running from one-half to full bloods, a fine grade of Norman and Morgan horses, Cleveland bays, and the Jersey or Durock breed of hogs.

Mr. Wagner takes an active interest in political affairs, both National and local, and is an ardent supporter of the Republican party. He has held various offices of trust in the township, has been School Director, is at present Road Supervisor, and was on the Board of Agriculture as Director for three years, then served two years more as President, making in all five years. His whole life has been spent in Louisa County, during which time he has witnessed the transformation of the wild and unbroken prairies into beautiful farms and homes, has seen the growth of the cities and villages, and has aided largely in the work of development and progress. As executor under his father’s will he settled up the estate. As a representative citizen of Louisa County we welcome him to the pages of this volume.