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         JOSEPH WAGNER, a prominent and representative farmer residing on section 6, Grand View Township, Louisa County, was born in Wayne County, Ind., on the 6th of May, 1825, and is a son of John and Ester (Crull) Wagner. His father was a native of Rockingham County, Va., born in 1778, while his mother was a native of Pennsylvania, though born of German parentage. In 1800 John Wagner removed to Butler County, Ohio, where he formed the acquaintance of Miss Crull, and in 1806 he led her to the marriage altar. By their union eleven children were born, seven sons and four daughters, our subject being the ninth in order of birth, and all grew to man and womanhood with the exception of John, who died at the age of eleven years. Mr. Wagner was a pump-maker by trade, but when our subject was about thirteen years of age he removed to Elkhart County, Ind., settling on a farm, and in connection with pump-making followed the occupation of farming. In the year 1845 his death occurred. Mrs. Wagner later removed to Iowa, making her home with her sons until her death, on the 2d of February, 1872.

The boyhood days of our subject were spent in his native county, but at the age of thirteen he removed with his parents to Elkhart County, Ind., there assisting in the labors of the farm until 1852, when he emigrated to Iowa. Locating in Louisa County he secured employment as a farm hand for $12 per month, and from this meager sum saved enough to purchase the farm upon which he yet lives. He came to the county a single man, but here formed the acquaintance of Miss Martha Jackson, and their union was celebrated on the 14th of October, 1855. She was the fifth child of Thomas and Sarah (Gower) Jackson, the father a Virginian by birth, and the mother a native of Maryland. To this worthy couple have been born five children: Lizzie A., Ester E., Kate L., William W., and one child who died in infancy.

Mr. Wagner is one of the self-made men of Louisa County. He received only such education as could be obtained in the pioneer school-house, but believing that education was necessary to success in life, he improved his every leisure moment at home until he acquired a practical knowledge which could not have been obtained from the study of any theory. He is now one of the prominent farmers of Louisa County, and his farm, now consisting of eighty-three acres of highly improved land, was obtained by his own hard labor and economy. He also owns twenty acres of timber land in Muscatine County, and a house and two lots in Lettsville. He takes great pride in raising fine stock, and has a fine grade of cattle, including the Durham, Polled-Angus and Galloway breeds. His horses are of the Norman and Clydesdale stock, while his hogs are of the Jersey Red and Chester White breeds. His home is the abode of hospitality and good-will, where all may be sure of a hearty welcome from warm and sympathizing hearts. Mr. Wagner has never sought for public office, preferring to devote his attention to his farm and family. His wife and daughters are members of the United Brethren Church at Letts. For thirty-six years he has been a resident of Louisa County, during which time his honest, upright life has won him the entire respect and esteem of the community, while as a citizen he is ranked among the highest. Politically, he is a Republican.