[192-115] SAMUEL HOPKINS WAGENER, b Sept. 30, 1832; d May 15, 1916; s David and Maria (West) Wagener [192-27]; m Sept. 22, 1864, EVELINA FRANCES SMITH, b} Apr. 22, 1836; d 1909; dau Major Henry and Elvira (Foster) Smith.
Children (8):
Samuel Hopkins Wagener was born in Penn Yan, New York, being the son of David Wagener and Maria West of Great Barrington, Mass. At the age of twenty-nine years, Samuel Wagener went to Monroe, Michigan, where he served his apprenticeship in the drug business. In 1855 he went to California, via the Isthmus of Panama, and engaged in mining in Yuba County. At the expiration of two years he abandoned the mining business and opened a drug store in Petuma, but in 1864 he returned to Michigan and started a drug store in Muskegon, conducting it till 1877. During this time he was a very prominent factor in civie affairs, serving as mayor, city treasurer, and member of the Board of School Trustees. Although the city was Republican, he was elected mayor on the Democratic ticket by a large majority, and at the end of his term refused to serve longer although urged by both parties to do so.
Returning to California in 1877, he established a drug business in San Jose, continuing there until his retirement, a few years before his death. During the administration of Pres. Cleveland, in 1886, Mr. Wagener was postmaster of San Jose, serving four years. He was a member of the Episcopal
Church, serving as vestryman for thirty-five years. He also served as treasurer of the ‘‘Society of California Pioneers of Santa Clara County” for three years, and was a member of the San Francisco Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution. After his death the Grand Chapter of the Royal Masons of the State of California published a memorial in his memory.
On Sept. 22, 1864, Mr. Wagener was married to Evelina Frances Smith, a native of Monroe, Michigan, and a graduate of Monroe Seminary.
Parents’ family: [192-27] David Wagener and Maria West
Children’s own families: