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John Wagner was born in Germany May 1, 1825, a son of Andrew and Eve
(Anderson) Wagner, both natives of Germany, the father born in 1790. His
parents had a family of four children: Rebecca, Andrew, John and Mike; the
two latter were twins. The father was a farmer by occupation, and served in
the Russian War; he was a servant of King William. He died in 1855, and his
wife in 1825, both members of the Russian Church. The immediate subject of
this sketch was born and education in Germany, receiving a very liberal
schooling. In choosing his occupation in life, he selected the baker's
trade, at which he continued for three years; he then learned the weaver's
trade, and in 1850 emigrated to the United States, coming direct to
Arkansas. On his arrival here he had but $60. In 1865 he married Miss Martha
Fenter, a native of Arkansas, by whom he had six children: Andrew
(deceased), Rosa, Arto M., Willie, and two who died in infancy. His wife
died, and he afterward married ... Rebecca Kelley ... daughter of Samuel and
Rebecca Kelley, who bore him three children, Bismarck, Grant (deceased) and
Lilly S. Mr. Wagner is one of the successful farmers of Caney Fork Township,
Pike County, where he owns an extensive farm of 860 acres of land, 180 under
cultivation. He was engaged in the mercantile business at Murfreesboro for
twenty-two years, where he also held the offices of treasurer, assessor and
postmaster. In 1872 he served in the Legislature of his State. He and wife
are both members of the Church of Christ.
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Biographical and Historical Memoirs of Southern Arkansas, 1890, Pike County,
County, page 344.
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