For
Muscatine County Iowa
1911
| Biographies For Muscatine County Iowa 1911 | |
Source: History of Muscatine County Iowa, Volume II, Biographical, 1911, page 229
ROBERT C. WAGNER.....Iowa owes much to men whose principal capital at the beginning of their career was a good strong constitution and an indomitable will. By undaunted perseverance they carved out for themselves honorable names and a competence, making them comparatively independent financially. To this class belongs Robert C. Wagner. of West Liberty. He was born at South Bend, Indiana, June 21, 1850, the son of B. F. and Mary ( Cissne ) Wagner. The father was born in Ohio and lived for a number of years in Indiana, coming to Iowa in 1853. After spending eleven years in the northern part of Louisa county, he he moved to a farm six miles west of West Liberty, where he resided until 1887,when he located in West Liberty living there until his death, which occurred in 1896. His wife was a native of Michigan, but they were married in Indiana. She departed this life at West Liberty in 1895. There were ten children in their family.Robert C. Wagner began his early education in the district schools of Louisa county and continued his studies in the schools of Johnson county. As he grew up he assisted his father in the work of the farm and became thoroughly acquainted with the various details of agriculture and stock-raising. After arriving at maturity he began farming on his own account in Johnson county, engaging quite extensively not only in raising the cereals but in feeding stock for the market as the years passed. He is now a large owner of western lands and also of real estate in Muscatine county. He has made his home since 1896 at West Liberty and is recognized as one of its leading business men, capable of successfully handling any enterprise in which he engages.
In 1877 Mr. Wagner was united in marriage to Miss Thedora Barnes, and two children came to bless the union: Olive, now the wife of Harry Hazlett, of West Liberty; and Mary, at home. Mr. Wagner has been a resident of Iowa since his infancy and early became identified with the interests of this state. By patient application he laid the foundation upon which he has built a fortune. He has been frank and straightforward in business dealings, never taking undue advantage of another, and has gained the respect of the entire community. Possessing a genial manner and an accomodating disposition, he has attracted friends wherever he is known. He gives his support to the republican party, and although he has never aspired to political positions he has served most acceptably in several township offices. Fraternally, he is identified with the Knights of Pythias, and he and his wife are members of the Pythian Sisters and also of the Methodist church.
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