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1880 Census, first enumeration

WAGNER, Johann — (Wagoner)

Sarcoxie Township [Jefferson County] Kansas

Scroll down to view the Census image.

Source:   Roll T9-383, page 314A; Family History Film 1254383, page 314.1000;
Enumeration District 120, image 0632;
ancestry.com image 12 of 14 (in 2011);
Enumeration date:  29 Jun 1880.

Before 1880, the Wagners were in Jefferson County, Kansas.  Sarcoxie Township is the southeast corner of the county, just north of Lawrence.  The blue dot marks the small town of Sarcoxie, which no longer exists — its post office was closed long ago.  Indeed, even in the 2000 Census, the entire township boasted fewer than 1,000 residents.

In the spring of 1878, Johann went south to Lawrence, the seat of adjoining Douglas County, to file his initial naturalization document.  This "Declaration of Intention" was the first step, to be followed after a span of years by a further filing to obtain actual citizenship.

Adam Ruhl, a fellow Russian immigrant who had sailed with Johann on the MOSEL in 1876, accompanied him to Lawrence, and also filed a declaration of intent that day.

Alas, being unable to either read or write English, Johann mistakenly believed that this initial filing concluded the process — an error which was not remedied for a quarter of a century, after the family had moved to Oklahoma Territory.  (See immigration page.)

It is unlikely the Wagners owned a farm in Sarcoxie, but were probably tenant farmers.  Note that within five years they had moved to Atchison, Kansas — unusual if they had been landowners in Jefferson County.
Five Wagners were in the household:

John (Johann) Wagner, age 34 (= born c. 1846), a farmer born in Russia, both parents born in Russia, with:

Mary (Anna Mary) Wagner, wife, age 30 (= born c. 1850), born in Russia, both parents born in Russia, "keeps house";

Philip Wagner, age 12 (= born c. 1868), born in Russia, both parents born in Russia, "helps father";

George Wagner, age 5 (= born c. 1875; actually on 24 Jun 1875), born in Russia, both parents born in Russia;

John Wagner (John, Jr.), age 3 (= born c. 1877), born in Kansas, both parents born in Russia.