BIO: John M. WAGNER, Centre County, PA

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Commemorative Biographical Record of Central Pennsylvania: Including 
the Counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion: Containing 
Biographical Sketches of Prominent and Representative Citizens, Etc. 
Chicago: J. H. Beers, 1898.
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  JOHN M. WAGNER was for many years a prominent citizen of Centre 
county, and a leading representative of its business interests.  His 
thoroughly American spirit, his resolute purpose and unfaltering 
industry, enabled him to rise from a lowly position to one of 
affluence.  He was connected with the milling interests of the county, 
and his name was a synonym for honorable business dealing.  The record 
of such a man furnishes its lessons of incentive and inspiration, and 
his life is one worthy of emulation.
  Mr. Wagner was born in Lebanon county, Penn., August 31, 1823, and 
died in Centre

COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.  278

county, May 23, 1892. His parents were David and Catherine (Maulfair) 
Wagner, natives of Lebanon county, where they spent their entire lives, 
the father following the occupation of farming.  Their family included 
the following named: Mrs. Mary Siegler (a widow), of Goshen, Ind.; 
Elizabeth, deceased; Jacob, David and John M., who have passed away; 
Henry, a farmer of Lebanon county; Sarah, wife of Charles Fritz, of the 
same county; Amanda, who is married and living in the West; Fannie, 
wife of Stephen Bolts, of Annville, Penn.; Gideon, of Lebanon county; 
Daniel, of Dauphin county, Penn.; and Joseph, of Lebanon county.
  John M. Wagner spent his childhood in his parents' home, and acquired 
a fair education in the public schools. He came to Centre county in 
1848, locating in Bellefonte, where he worked for his brother for 
several years.  He then turned his attention to farming, and later 
rented the mill known as the Wagner & Thomas Mill at Bellefonte.  He 
afterward became proprietor of the Central City Rolling Mill at Central 
City, erecting the same in 1875.  It was supplied with all the latest 
improved machinery and most improved processes for manufacturing flour, 
and was successfully operated by Mr. Wagner until his death.  It was 
one of the leading industrial concerns of the county, and the capable 
management, well-directed effort, honorable dealing and business 
ability of the owner brought to him a large patronage.  He was 
thoroughly reliable at all times, and his extensive business yielded 
him a handsome income.
  On January 2, 1849, Mr. Wagner was united in marriage with Susanna 
Hahn, who was born in Clinton county, Penn., February 1, 1824, a 
daughter of John and Sarah (Shrack) Hahn, also natives of Clinton 
county, where they spent their entire lives.  The father was a 
shoemaker by trade, and also followed the occupation of farming.  He 
was a member of the Reformed Church, and in politics was a Democrat.  
His death occurred in 1847, when he had reached the age of sixty-six 
years, and his wife died in 1837, at the age of forty years.  They were 
the parents of seven children namely: Elizabeth, widow of David Stover, 
of Clinton county; Katherine, widow of T. Bailey, of Centre county; 
Mrs. Susanna Wagner; Sarah, widow of Samuel Gettich, of Centre county; 
Mary, deceased wife of John Fenstermaker, of Lycoming county, Penn.; 
John, of Ohio; and David, of Clinton county.
  Mr. and Mrs. Wagner are the parents of ten children - three sons and 
seven daughters - as follows: William, proprietor of the old roller 
mill in Central City; Frank, deceased; Mary, wife of Frank Weaver, of 
State College, Penn.; Sarah, wife of John Keichline, of Bellefonte; 
John C., a general farmer of Centre county; Jennie, wife of Peter 
Keichline, of Bellefonte; Allie, wife of James Weaver, of Milesburg, 
Centre county; Annie, deceased wife of James Williams, of Bellefonte; 
Carrie, wife of Louis Wallace, of Milesburg; and Ella, at home.
  In connection with his milling operations, Mr. Wagner carried on 
farming.  Improving his opportunities, he worked his way steadily 
upward, and became the possessor of a handsome estate, which hee left 
to his family.  In 1871 he erected a beautiful brick residence, two 
stories and a half in height, and surrounded the home with many 
excellent improvements, which added both to its value and attractive 
appearance.  He was deeply interested in the welfare and progress of 
town and county, and gave a liberal support to measures calculated to 
prove of public benefit.  His death was deeply regretted, and caused 
the loss to Centre county of one of its valued citizens.  Mrs. Wagner 
and her daughter, Miss Ella, occupy the home place, extending its 
cordial hospitality to their many friends.