J. G. Wagner, tile manufacturer, Covington; is comparatively a young man; he was born in Berks Co., Penn., in 1834; became fatherless when a child, and, when 7 years of age, was bound out to an uncle who was a farmer; when he was 16 years of age, his uncle sold the farm and released him, after which he sustained himself principally by teaching; in 1861, he was employed in the Quartermaster's Department about three months, but, on account of a chronic disease, was compelled to return home, where he resumed teaching. In 1862, he enlisted in the 167th Penn. V. I . for nine months' service, in which he served as First Sergeant of Co. B until the expiation of the term. In 1865, he came to Ohio, and was employee as Superintendent of Pleasant Hill School two years, of the Tippecanoe school about three year's, and of other schools at different periods, teaching in Ohio in all about nine years; in 1875, he purchased an interest in Ford & Co.'s wheel works, at Tippecanoe, of which he was superintendent two years, increasing the business materially; in 1877, Mr. Wagner came to Covington and purchased 20 acres of land adjoining the town, which included the tile factory, which he has since successfully conducted; the factory possesses an O'Ferrall machine, a square kiln,. l3 1/2 x 13 1/2 feet, and 9 feet high inside, with 245 feet of shedding, and complete and systematic arrangements for handling material, etc., the growing demand for tile has induced a great growth of factories; Mr. Wagner has increased the aggregate of his business, and is now doing probably more than any other two similar establishments in this county. He was married, in 1869, to Miss Harriet, daughter of William Pierson, deceased, who was a resident of Newton Township; they have one child, a daughter.