Joseph P. Wagner, M. D., was born in Coshocton county, Ohio, October 20, 1840. When Joseph was quite a small boy his father died, leaving him a meager estate, which he wisely elected to appropriate to the purpose of obtaining an education. He attended the common schools of his native county, was also a student at a neighboring seminary, and subsequently at the Ohio Wesleyan University. In 1857, Dr. Wagner left Ohio, to locate in Chamois, Osage county, Missouri. Here he studied medicine with Dr. W. S. McCall. In 1860-1, he attended the St. Louis medical college, at St. Louis, Missouri, and in the spring of the latter year, entered upon the practice of his profession in Chamois, Missouri. He continued to practice in that place until October, 1877, when he moved to Arrow Rock, Saline county, where he now resides, and is favored with an extensive lucrative practice, being known and esteemed as one of the leading physicians of the county, as well as a courteous Christian gentleman of a generous and obliging disposition. In November, 1861, Dr. Wagner was joined in marriage to Miss Clara R. Lyons, of Chamois. The union was blessed by five children, as follows; Lee, Mattie K., Georgia L., Clara L, and Ona (deceased). Mrs. Wagner, however, is not now among the living. She died in Arrow Rock, in March, 1879. Dr. Wagner has since married Miss S. T. Stratton, of Linn, Missouri. As a representative of Osage county, Dr. Wagner, was a member of the 28th general assembly of Missouri. A good parliamentarian, a ready debater, a fluent, forcible speaker, his rank in that body is easily imagined. A man of unflagging energy, of zealous devotion to personal and professional duty, a skillful, vigilant practitioner, Dr. Wagner receives and deserves the moral and material support of those among whom his lot is cast.
