Joseph Edward Wagoner, who had spent all his life in Chase County, had developed the interests of one of the leading farmers and stock raisers in that section and is today one of the big producers in the ranks of Kansas agriculturists.
Mr. Wagoner was born August 17, 1875. His birth was a log house on a farm in Chase County, where his parents, Henry and Louisa (Fleming) Wagoner, was among the early pioneers. His parents were both born in Illinois and the father acquired some large land holdings and for many years directed the operation of a ranch on an extensive scale in Chase County.
Joseph E. Wagoner grew up on his father’s farm and had a public school education. Since leaving home he had applied himself steadily to the task of farming for over twenty years and his big stock ranch of 580 acres is now located a mile south of Matfield Green. Mr. Wagoner is a republican in politics and is affiliated with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows.
On April 14, 1903, at Marion, Kansas, he married Miss Ruby Braudley. She too is a native of Chase County, having been born in a log house April 16, 1876. She is a daughter of Henry Brandley and a sister of Mrs. Arthur. T. Crocker. More detailed mention of the Brandley family is made in an article on the Crocker family published elsewhere. Mrs. Wagoner was liberally educated, especially in music, and before her marriage was a teacher for six years in Chase County and gave musical instruction. She finished her education in the Kansas State Normal at Emporia. Mr. and Mrs. Wagoner have one son, Claude, born at Neal, Kansas, March 20, 1904.