Philo O. VanWagner passed away on August 4, 1919 at Ida Grove, Iowa. His affliction was pronounced muscular paralysis.
Philo was born on November 17, 1849 at Oxford, Michigan, and was in his 70th year. He attended school at the Oxford Academy. At the age of twelve, he moved with his parents to the country. When he was sixteen, he began his trade as a stone mason.
He was united in marriage on October 15, 1873 to Miss Etta McVean. Five children were born, three of whom survive him: Nita, at home; Philo Jr. of Ida Grove; and Mrs. Lawrence Kuhl of Arthur, Iowa. He had three grandchildren.
Mr. Van Wagoner with his wife and baby came to make their home in Iowa in 1881, locating on a farm north of Ida Grove. In 1890, he was elected sheriff and held this office six years, moving into Ida Grove at that time. The grocery firm of Wasser & VanWagoner occupied the next four years of his life. Shortly after that, he was appointed marshal and superintendent of the city water works, discharging these duties over 17 years. For a number of years, he served as chief of the fire department, and remained on the honorary roll of membership until the time of his death. Burial was in the Ida Grove Cemetery.
Mr. VanWagoner was a member of a large family, six members of whom survive him ~ three brothers and three sisters, as follows: Charles VanWagoner of Detroit; Otto VanWagoner of Los Angeles, and Alvil of Cloister, New Jersey; Mrs. E. R. Day of Flint, Michigan; Mrs. Frank P. Day and Mrs. Tudor Josselyn of Cloister, New Jersey.