Bio of WAGNER, George W. (b.1858), Hennepin Co., MN
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EXTRACTED FROM: History of Minneapolis, Gateway to the Northwest; 
Chicago-Minneapolis, The S J Clarke Publishing Co, 1923; Edited by: Rev. 
Marion Daniel Shutter, D.D., LL.D.; Volume I - Shutter (Historical); 
volume II - Biographical; volume III - Biographical

Vol II, pg 157-158
GEORGE W. WAGNER
In the commercial development of Minneapolis George W. Wagner figured for many
years as senior partner in the firm of Wagner & Nelson, dealers in paints, wall
paper and artists' materials. He has made his establishment a standard for trade
of this character, the business being steadily developed until an extensive
patronage brought to him a most substantial annual income. Mr. Wagner was a
native of the neighboring state of Wisconsin, his birth having occurred in
Ripon, March 25, 1858, his parents being George R. and Mary (Savage) Wagner, the
latter a native of Brooklyn, New York, while the former was born in England,
whence he came to the United States, settling in Ripon, Wisconsin, at an early
day.
Spending his youth under the parental roof George W. Wagner pursued his
education in the schools of Oshkosh, Wisconsin, and was graduated from the
Normal School of that state. In 1883 the family removed to Minneapolis,
Minnesota. Here after reaching his majority he engaged in business as a dealer
in stained glass. In 1887 he opened a store for the sale of paints, wall paper
and artists' materials under the firm name of Wagner & Nelson, an association
that was maintained until the death of Mr. Nelson, when Mr. Wagner took over the
interest of his former partner and continued to carry on the business
independently until his own demise. The firm did contract work for many years in
papering, painting and decorating. The business grew to substantial proportions
and their work was unsurpassed in excellence and design.
In 1884 Mr. Wagner was united in marriage to Miss Margaret E. Taggart, a
daughter of Patrick and Jane (Moon) Taggart, who were natives of Ireland but
became residents of Wisconsin in 1860. Two daughters were born to Mr. and Mrs.
Wagner; Beulah, the wife of Charles Bingham, a resident of Britton, South
Dakota; and Effie May, the wife of R. H. Nelson, living in this city.
In his political views Mr. Wagner was a lifelong republican, giving unfaltering
allegiance to the party. He was also a very charitable man and was most generous
in his gifts to the Little Sisters of the Poor, to the Salvation Army and to
other organizations, seeking to ameliorate the hard conditions of life for the
unfortunate. He passed away July 25, 1916, when fifty-eight years of age. His
close application and indefatigable energy had resulted in the establishment and
development of the business to large proportions, so that he became a
representative merchant here, yet at the same time he always found opportunities
for cooperation in those affairs which take cognizance of the needs of the
individual and of the community at large. His worth was widely acknowledged and
there were many who were glad to call him friend. He was a member of the
Benevolent Protective Order of Elks and of the Knights of Pythias, holding high
office in both organizations.