Copyright USGenNet Inc., 2011, All Rights Reserved U.S. Data Repository Please read U.S. Data Repository Copyright Statement on this page: Portrait and biographical album of Mecosta County, Mich. containing portraits and biographical sketches of prominent and representative citizens of the county, together with portraits and biographies of all the governors of Michigan and of the presidents of the United States: also containing a complete history of the county, from its earliest settlement to the present time. Published by Chapman Bros., Chicago, IL, 1883 Judith Anne Weeks Ancell April 30, 2011 =========================================================================== Page 213 - 214 WAGENER, Charles H. =========================================================================== Page 213: Charles H. Wagener, druggist, Big Rapids, was born at Penn Yan, N. Y., Jan. 23, 1835; a son of David and Maria (West) Wagener. His father was a hotel-keeper, and died when he was but two years old. He attended school until the age of 14, when he procured a situation as clerk in a drug store, and after two years returned to school. He completed his education in three years, and again became a clerk in a drug store in Penn Yan, where he remained seven years. In February, 1864, he went to Austin, Nevada, and bought a drug store of his brother, where he transacted business four years, and then returned to Penn Yan. In February 1868, he settled in Big Rapids, and founded his present business. He handles a full line of drugs and all articles common to similar establishments, patent medicines, etc. In April 1869, his store was burned, with a total loss of $3.500. He had secured no insurance. Mr. Page 214: Wagener is a Freemason, and a member of the Knights of Honor, and is Vice- President and Director of the Northern National Bank. He was married May 7, 1861, in Penn Yan, to Patience M. Hunt, born in Milo, Yates Co., N. Y., Jan. 25, 1838. Josephine M., their eldest child, was born in Penn Yan, May 15, 1862, and Charles S. was born in Big Rapids, March 18, 1879. ===========================================================================