BIO: Josiah R. Wagner, Wyoming Conference, Methodist Episcopal Church, PA & NY

Contributed for use in the USGenWeb Archives by JRB & JO

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Chaffee, Amasa Franklin. History of the Wyoming 
Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church. 
New York: Eaton & Mains, 1904, page 426
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  Wagner, Josiah R., was born at Plains, Luzerne County, Pa., on June 
9, 1838. He was raised on a farm. He had the advantage of the common 
schools, some academic training, and when the Chautauqua movement 
sprang up he entered its reading circle and has a certificate of 
graduation from it. He taught school twelve years before joining the 
Conference.
  He was converted in December, 1854, at Bloomingdale, Pa., under the 
pastorate of Rev. H. C. De Moyer, and at once united with the Church. 
With conversion came the call to the ministry. He did not readily 
consent, feeling unworthy. He was honored by his church, being made 
Sunday school superintendent, class leader, and steward. When severe 
affliction came to him, in the loss of some children, he surrendered 
himself wholly to God's will. Rev. Isaac Austin, pastor of Lehman, gave 
him an exhorter's license in April, 1870. In April, 1871, the Lehman 
charge gave him local preacher's license, and asked that he might be 
junior preacher on the charge for the ensuing year. He was accordingly 
appointed, and in 1872 united with the Conference.
  On March 18, 1860, he married Miss Frances M. Durland, at Huntsville, 
Luzerne County, Pa. She was from Orange County, N.Y., and had been his 
associate as student and teacher. They have two daughters, both 
married, and a son, Rev. Walter A., who is a Congregational minister.
  He served one year, 1864-65, in the civil war, in the 52d 
Pennsylvania Infantry, and was company clerk during the time.
  He has served the following charges: 1872-73, Mountain Top; 1874-76, 
Hanover; 1877-79, Lackawanna; 1880-82, Lanesboro; 1883-85, Gibson and 
Harford; 1886-87, Maine; 1888-91, New Milford; 1892-94, Lehman; 1895, 
Avoca; 1896-98, Luzerne; 1899, Conference Evangelist; 1900-02, Askam; 
1903, West Nanticoke.