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biography from Portrait & Biographical Album of Mahaska Co., Iowa, 1887
JOHN WAGGONER, one of the old citizens of Oskaloosa, and a gentleman who has done much toward the advancement of that city, having resided there since 1851, is a contractor and builder, which business he is conducting with more than ordinary success. He was born in Coshocton, Coshocton Co., Ohio, June 16, 1824, and is a son of David and Sarah Waggoner, natives of Pennsylvania, and of German descent. Mr. Waggoner was reared in his native State and there lived until he attained the age of manhood. He learned the cabinet-maker's trade in his native town and came to this county, locating at Oskaloosa in 1850. He remained, however, but a short time, then returned East, and the following year, 1851, came back to Oskaloosa, and, in company with Dr. Dawson, engaged in general merchandisbig. Dr. Dawson was an early settler here, and in 1870 moved to California, where he has since died. The partnership continued until 1855, when our subject disposed of his interest to Dr. Dawson and, in partnership with Hamilton and Thompson, under the firm name of Hamilton, Thompson & Co., engaged in the furniture business. Mr. Waggoner managed the business, and the firm continued in the manufacture of and wholesale trade in furniture from 1860 until 1868. Mr. Waggoner then disposed of his interest and engaged as contractor and builder. In 1871 he put up three of the buildings in the Exchange Block, and since that time has built many brick blocks and a large number of the best residences in the city. In 1877 he bought the brick planing-mill on Liberty street, and conducted that business until September, 1885, when he sold the property to Mr. Hamilton, and since that time has confined himself to contracting and building. John Waggoner was married, Oct. 8, 1855, at Oskaloosa, to Miss Hettie F., daughter of Alvin and Elizabeth Coe. She was born in Henry County, and by her union with our subject has two children, David and Sarah E. The son is practicing law in Oskaloosa. Mrs. Waggoner departed this life Aug. 12, 1865. She was a good, kind, Christian woman, and a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Our subject is a member of the same church, and in politics votes with the Republican party.
Portrait & Biographical Album of Mahaska Co., Iowa, 1887
Mahaska County, Iowa Genealogy