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         JESSE WAGNER, one of the early settlers of Concord Township, now residing on section 4, was born in Dauphin County, Pa., in 1834. His parents, Henry and Hannah (Martin) Wagner, who were also natives of Pennsylvania, had a family of eight children, of whom he was second in order of birth. His father was a farmer by occupation, and in 1846 emigrated to Iowa, settling in Grand View Township, Louisa County, where he bought a partly improved farm of eighty acres, but afterward traded it for one in Concord Township on section 4. He there resided until his death, which occurred in 1881, at the age of seventy-five years. His wife also died in Louisa County, in 1870, at the age of fifty-six years.

Jesse was educated in the district schools, and grew to manhood upon his father’s farm, residing under the parental roof until he began farming for himself. In 1856, in Grand View Township, he was united in marriage with Fannie Gipple, daughter of John and Christina (Stroh) Gipple, who were natives of Dauphin County, Pa., where they died many years ago. Mrs. Wagner came with her sister to Louisa County during the early days of its history. Six children were born unto Mr. and Mrs. Wagner: Martha, now Mrs. George, who is living . . .

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. . . in Phillips County, Kan.; Maggie, now Mrs. Lupton, whose home is in Audubon County, Iowa; Josephine is the wife of Mr. Johnson, of Concord Township; Cynthia, now Mrs. Lee, is also living in Concord Township; Lavina is at home; Henry married Marietta Snider, who was born and reared in Fredonia, and the young couple reside with his parents. After his marriage Mr. Wagner located on a farm of forty acres which had previously been entered for him by Nicholas Brown, for whom he worked. He commenced the improvement of his land, and as time has passed has added to it until he now owns 236 acres, comprising one of the best cultivated farms in the township. The stock which he raises is of the best grades, and includes the Polled-Angus cattle. Mr. Wagner takes great interest in political affairs, and is an ardent supporter of the Republican party. He does all in his power to promote the interests of education in his neighborhood, and for the past thirteen years has served on the School Board. He was one of the first settlers in Concord Township, and at the time of his arrival the nearest market was at Muscatine, to which place he hauled corn, selling it for ten cents per bushel in order to buy siding for his house. There was not a single railroad in the county, and the settlements were few and far between. He has not only witnessed, but has participated in the rapid changes which have placed Louisa County on a par with any in the state, and has ever been prominent in the promotion of any enterprise for the public welfare. He and his wife are members of the Church of God, and are highly respected throughout the community where they reside.