George C. Wagner Biography


	This biography appears on pages 857-858 in "History of South 
	Dakota" by Doane Robinson, Vol. I (1904) and was scanned, 
	OCRed and edited by Maurice Krueger, mkrueger@iw.net.

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	GEORGE C. WAGNER is a western man by birth, training and 
preference, thoroughly imbued with the progressive spirit which has 
ever dominated this section of the country and has led to its splendid 
growth and its marvelous achievements. He was born in Clayton county, 
Iowa, December 30, 1855. His father, Constant Wagner, was a native of 
Germany and in the year 1854 came to the United States, settling in 
Clayton county, Iowa, where he purchased forty acres of timber land. At 
once he began to clear away the trees and to improve his land. He was 
not long permitted to enjoy his new home, however, for his death 
occurred when the subject of this review was only two years of age. His 
wife bore the maiden name of Caroline Helfesrider, and was also a 
native of Germany. They have but two children, Constant, the brother of 
the subject dying when about fourteen years of age.  

	George C. Wagner attended the public schools and was instructed 
in both German and English. He pursued his studies until fourteen years 
of age and then began working upon the old homestead where he remained 
until eighteen years of age. At that time he started out in life on his 
own account, being employed as a farm hand until his removal to South 
Dakota in 1876. Knowing that the government offered good inducements 
for the settlement of this section of the country and wishing to become 
the owner of a tract of land, he bought one hundred and sixty acres in 
Yankton county located seven miles northeast of Utica. For this he paid 
two and a half dollars per acre. It was entirely wild and unimproved 
and with characteristic energy he began its development and in course 
of time he afterward brought one hundred and twenty-five acres, for 
which he paid thirteen dollars per acre. He now owns and operates two 
hundred and eighty-five acres and has one of the best farm properties 
of his locality. He erected a very fine farm residence at a cost of two 
thousand dollars and his barns and other outbuildings are models of 
convenience for the commodious shelter for grain and stock. He uses the 
latest improved machinery in carrying on his farm work and all of the 
equipments and accessories of the model farm of the twentieth century 
are found upon his place.  

	In October, 1880, was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Wagner and 
Miss Annie Kramer, of Yankton county. They have become the parents of 
nine children: Katie, who is the wife of Peter Hasker, a well-to-do 
farmer of Yankton county and a son of one of the pioneer settlers of 
the state; Theresa, deceased; Josie Lucy and George, who are with their 
parents; Peter and Joseph, who have also passed away; Rosie, who is yet 
under the parental roof; and two who died in infancy. With the 
exception of the eldest, all of the living children are yet under the 
parental roof.  

	In religious faith Mr. Wagner is a German Catholic, while in 
politics he is independent, but while he has never sought or desired 
office he has ever been deeply interested in measures for the 
substantial improvement and advancement of his county. He has been 
connected with the school for many years and what he has done in behalf 
of education entitles him to the gratitude of the public. His life has 
ever been an active, industrious and useful one and the strongly marked 
traits of his character are such as commend him to the good will and 
respect of those with whom business or social relations have brought 
him in contact.