by C.R. Wagner, Arlington, Ohio; circa 1940
Jacob Wagner, third child and twin with David Wagner, son of John Sr and Elizabeth Leach
Waggoner, was born in Frederick County, Maryland, September 15, 1792. when about eleven
years of age, he, with his parents, brothers, and sisters, migrated to Perry County, Ohio,
from Bedford County, Pennsylvania. the location as given in the records is: The West 1/2
of Section Five, Reading Township. This land was entered by his father. Deed entered May
28, 1804.
The Adjutant General's Office, United States War Department, has the following record on
file: "Jacob Waggoner (name with Changed spelling) served in War of 1812 as a private
in Captain Adam Binkley's Company, Second Regiment (Stephenson's) Ohio Militia. He
enlisted February 3, 1813, and his services expired August 12, 1813, shows him stationed
at Lower Seneca Town."
The Marriage Records at Lancaster, Fairfield County, Ohio, show that on August 19, 1814, a
marriage license was granted Jacob Waggoner and Susannah Heck, then a resident of Perry
County, Ohio, but born in Pennsylvania, to wed. Six children were born here: John, Henry,
Jacob Jr, George, Joel, and Charlotte.
In 1828, having disposed of all his real estate in Perry County, Ohio, and with the urge
of the pioneer for newer and undeveloped lands, we find the family located on the bank of
the Sandusky River in Seneca County, Ohio; 170 acres on what was then known as
"Niggertown" Road, about seven miles south of Tiffin, Ohio. Here the three
remaining children of the family were born: Adam, Emanuel, and Susannah, We now have a
typical pioneer family of seven sons and two daughters; lads and lassies strong of body,
and all accustomed to the work and living conditions that invariably fell to the lot of
children born in pioneer homes.
In 1850, after the lapse of twenty-two years, we again see them headed westward; this time
the objective being the southern part of Hancock County, Ohio. May 10th of that year found
them located two miles south and one mile east of Arlington, Ohio; This being at that time
a comparatively new and undeveloped section; few settlers had preceded them. There were no
roads worthy of name; only trails which led through swamps innumerable, through heavily
timbered and virgin forest.
A new cabin soon formed the nucleus of the new home. That the conditions and surroundings
were wholly pioneer is substantiated by the incidents related in the presence of the
author by his grandmother. The cabin was up, the spaces between the logs
"chinked" and filled with clay. In the rush to get the clearing started, the
doors were omitted for the time being, and blankets were hung up as substitutes. In those
days and under conditions then existing, that ever-faithful friend and protector, the dog,
was much in evidence. The pack usually numbered from two to four and sometimes more.
Fences were few and far between, especially in the early years of farm life.
Hogs were permitted to range at will which permitted them to gather much of the feed
needed in their growth from the forest; with a limited amount of corn for a short time
before slaughter, which greatly cheapened production. While these hogs were not wild in
the true sense, yet in conformation and ferociousness, they very much resembled their wild
brethern. One day the pack of dogs attacked a herd of these hogs someplace in the forest;
a pitched battle ensued, whereupon the dogs, getting the worst of the fracus, started for
home, closely pursued by the herd of hogs. The only retreat for the dogs was the cabin.
Into the cabin went dogs, closely followed by the fastest and most ferocious members of
the hog tribe. Under the beds and table the battle raged until such time as the members of
the family present could eject the intruders and restore order. Doors were now placed in
position and with them came a greater degree of safety.
At another time the little mother was making pumpkin butter, in the old way out in the
open. A little apple cider had been secured at considerable expense of time and money;
when this had been sufficiently boiled down it was thicken with pumpkins. The writer never
relished this combination, but it served its purpose at the time admirably. Night found
the task incomplete which, of course, necessitated continuing after nightfall. It was
noticed several times during the later hours of the task that the dogs could hardly be
constrained, yet they did not dare venture out far from the fire. The
following morning tracks made by a large bear were to be seen in the immediate
vicinity. Scared? Not at all. Just a passing incident of the early days. Deer, turkeys,
and bear were frequently seen. Many kinds of wild life were to be had with little effort.
They found the land heavily timbered. With that ever-ready impliment of the pioneer-the
ax-ground sharp and keen and weilded by strong and trained arms of physical manhood, field
after field was being stripped of its covering of timber. The family, fortified with
considerable wealth for those days, soon had nine 80-acre tracts entered and purchased.
The object being, a home for each child.
Both father and sons were noted as expert axmen. They were also noted as being expert in
the handling of the rifle, and with wild game within reach at all times the problem of
costly meats did not at all concern them.
Each age has its sports in keeping with that particular time. These were the days when
log-rollings, cabin and stable raisings, corn huskings, spelling schools, shooting
matches, etc., were the order of the day. All open to the physically strong and alert.
Their lands were cleared rapidly as the family had the means to employ outside help, and
with a good supply of competent home help to rely upon at all times, things moved along
with reasonable celerity. No trouble to secure outside help that was competent, as farms
were small, money scarce, and help willing.
Jacob Wagner was known among his fellows as a physical giant, who well knew how to handle
himself when the occasion required. Men frequently fought in those days, not necessarily
because they were enemies, but rather to demonstrate their ability, and to be known as the
"best man". Foolish, yes so it looks to the present generation, but remember
this was their day. Perhaps those coming after will look upon many of our doings as
extremely foolish.
Jacob Wagner Sr departed this life August 17, 1876, at the age of 83 years, 11 months, and
27 days. Sufficient time had elapsed since his day for unbiased judgment; and it can be
truthfully said that his life was successful in the true sense of the world. He died at
the old homestead, then owned by his son Adam Wagner. His remains were laid to rest beside
those of his true and faithful wife who had preceded him in death, having died July 23,
1873. they are buried in the Williamstown Cemetary, Hancock County, Ohio. Graves marked.
The writer, a grandson, remembers the little German grandmother, in her later years,
sitting alone in the quiet of the evening, reading her well-worn German Bible, ponderind
no doubt over the eventful years that had now passed, and perhaps glimpsing the sunrise on
the shores of that country just
beyond the River of Death. Her life had been one of welcome toil for those she loved. She
knew well the meaning of personal sacrifice. Quiet, kind, dignified: always considerate of
the wants and needs of others. She knew the "Simple Life", its joys and its
sorrows. A LIFE WELL SPENT.
JOHN WAGNER by C.R.Wagner, Arlington, Ohio
John Wagner, oldest child of Jacob and Susannah Heck Wagner, born in Perry County, Ohio,
June 13, 1815; died July 17, 1854. Not married. Buried in Williamstown Cemetary, Hancock
County, Ohio. Grave not marked.
HENRY WAGNER by Geo. A Wagner, Toledo, Ohio
Henry Wagner, second child of Jacob and Susannah Heck Wagner, born in Perry County, Ohio,
June 2, 1817. On December 17, 1846, married Melita Anderson. The following year moved to
Hancock County, Ohio, from Seneca County, Ohio. Early in life he was afflicted with what
was called the "White Swelling", which left him badly crippled. Learned the
wagonmaker trade, and became very proficient in woodworking. Wife died September 30, 1883.
He died December 25, 1898. Both are buried in the Williamstown Cemetary. Graves
marked.Family consists of six children, three sons and three daughters. The family: Viola
Wagner, died at about twelve years of age; John Allen Wagner, born March 18, 1850. Never
married. Died December 26, 1896; Alwilda Wagner "Swanger", born March 17, 1854,
died March 21, 1906; Almyra Wagner "Riegle", born June 14, 1856, died March 10,
1887; George A Wagner, born July 29, 1858, died ?; and Jacob H Wagner, born in 1860, died
January 15, 1903.
JACOB WAGNER JR by Mrs. W G Troub, Middleton, Michigan
Jacob Wagner, third child of Jacob and Susannah Heck Wagner, born in Perry County, Ohio,
September 2, 1819. Married Margaret Augustin in 1844. In 1849 located in Hancock County,
Ohio; one mile south and one mile east of Arlington. Less than two months after coming to
his new home he was stricken with typhoid fever. Died following winter. Buried in what was
known as the
Mexico Cemetary, in Wyandot County, Ohio. Not known whether or not grave is marked. Family
consists of three children, two sons and one daughter, as follows: Jacob A Wagner, born
January 14, 1844, died August 25, 1925; Josiah E Waggoner, born May 21, 1846, died October
26, 1929; and Barbara Ellen Waggoner "Ansell", born January 26, 1849, died
August 29, 1906.
GEORGE WAGGONER by L E Waggoner, Elyria, Ohio
George Waggoner, fourth child of Jacob and Susannah Heck Wagner, born in Perry County,
Ohio, November 25, 1821; with his parents moved to Seneca County, Ohio. For a more
complete sketch of his life, turn to the Reminiscence Section, under "Looking
Backward at Ninety-two Years of Age. Family consisted of four children, two sons and two
daughters, as follows: Edward Waggoner, died while quite young; Mary Waggoner, died when
but a small child; George Waggoner Jr, died March 9, 1928; and Della Waggoner, born
October 12, 1848, died April 24, 1914.
JOEL WAGNER by C R Wagner, Arlington, Ohio
Joel Wagner, fifth child of Jacob and Susannah Heck Wagner, born in Perry County, Ohio,
March 11, 1824. Moved to Seneca County in 1828. On September 19, 1850, married Susan
Gonter. On October 10, 1861, entered the service in the Civil War. Mustered in at Benton
Barracks, St. Louis, Missouri, served in famous :Company H", 66th Illinois
Sharpshooters. Was with Grant at Corinth, where he was stricken with typhoid fever. Sent
home on furlough, got as far as Cincinnati, Ohio, where he died. buried in Soldier's
Cemetary, Covington, Kentucky. Grave marked. The family consists of three sons and two
daughters, as follows: Henry J Wagner, born June 19, 1851, died March 5, 1852; Jacob L
Wagner, born February 13, 1853; Susan E Wagner, born August 29, 1855, died September 24,
1857; Joseph E Wagner, born March 23, 1857; Catharine L Wagner "Mason", born
April 4, 1861, died August 10, 1940.
CHARLOTTE WAGNER by C R Wagner, Arlington, Ohio
Charlotte Wagner, sixth child of Jacob and Susannah Heck Wagner, born in Perry County,
Ohio, M5, 1826. In 1828 came to Seneca County, Ohio. Came with parents to Hancock County,
Ohio, in 1850. On April 15, 1858, married John D Bame. Died October 16, 1897. buried
beside her husband in St. Paul's Cemetary, west of Arlington, Ohio. Grave marked. The
family consists of
three sons and one daughter, as follows: George A Bame, born November 22, 1858, died June
29, 1907; Susan C Bame, born July 12, 1864; John E Bame, born September 3, 1866; and
Theodore F Bame, born July 13, 1870, died July 16, 1900.
ADAM WAGNER by C R Wagner, Arlington, Ohio
Adam Wagner, seventh child of Jacob and Susannah Heck Wagner, born in Seneca County, Ohio,
January 7, 1829. Came with his parents to Hancock County, Ohio, in 1850. September 15,
1859, married Mary Ann Kibler, born May 2, 1839, daughter of George and Emaline Kibler,
Rev. M V B Enans officiating. He was a quiet, industrious, peaceable citizen, content to
do his work and do it well. the wife, Aunt Mary Ann, as she was known among her friends,
was known far and near as an angel of mercy, ever hurrying to the bedside of the sick and
afflicted; there to soothe the weary and comfort the dying. She departed this life July
30, 1895. The husband and father passed on July 11,
1907. Both are sleeping their last sleep, side by side, in the Williamstown Cemetary in
Hancock County, Ohio. Graves marked. Family consists of seven children, as follows: Anna S
Wagner "Van Horn", born September 30, 1862, died May 25, 1887; Clark R Wagner,
born January 26, 1867; Mahala P Wagner "Hinchey", born July 28, 1869; Alma J
Wagner "Tombaugh", born November 4, 1871; Mary F Wagner "Bame", born
August 1, 1875; Cora L Wagner "Bame", born August 2, 1877, died February 14,
1926; and Ollie V Wagner, born October 28, 1881.
EMANUEL WAGNER by A T Wagner, Finlay, Ohio
Emanuel Wagner, eighth child of Jacob and Susannah Heck Wagner, born in Seneca County,
Ohio, November 6, 1832. Came with his parents to Hancock County, Ohio, in 1850.
Married Sylvina Wescott, daughter of Jiles and Elmira Wescott, October 15, 1859, Rev M V B
Enans officiating. He was recognized as a constructive, energetic citizen. On March 19,
1916, the wife and mother passed away, followed by the husband and father on July 13,
1916. Both are resting side by side in the Dunkirk Cemetary, at Dunkirk, Ohio. Graves
marked. The family consists of one son and one daughter, as follows: Clara J Wagner, born
August 17, 1861, died march 16, 1940; and Archie T Wagner, born September 27, 1867, died
September 9, 1939.
SUSANNAH WAGNER by C R Wagner, Arlington, Ohio
Susannah Wagner, ninth and youngest child of Jacob and Susannah Heck Wagner, born
september 2, 1835. Married Henry Hammond in 1854. On August 13, 1855, she with her
firstborn infant passed into the spirit world. Her body was interred in the Old Blanchard
Cemetary on the bank of the Blanchard River, near Mt. Blanchard, Ohio. Grave marked.