Biography of George C. Wagner
George C. Wagner, born on December 30, 1855, in Clayton County, Iowa, was the son of German immigrants Constant and Caroline (Helfesrider) Wagner. Following his father’s early death, George worked on the family farm until moving to South Dakota in 1876. There, he acquired and developed 285 acres in Yankton County. In October 1880, he married Annie Kramer, and they had nine children. An independent politician and German Catholic, George was active in local education and community improvements, earning respect through his industrious and progressive spirit.