Peter Joseph "Joseph" Wagner

Other Events:

• Business: Galt (Cambridge), Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; J. Wagner & Co - dealer in sheep skins and wool, morocco manufacturer
• Name: Joseph Wagner
• Residence: Buffalo, Erie, New York, United States
• Residence: Dundas, West Flamborough Twp., Wentworth Co., Ontario, Canada
• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-103966
• Immigration: 1846
• Residence: 1861, Brantford, Brant Co., Ontario, Canada
• Occupation: 1871, Galt (Cambridge), Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Tanner
• Residence: 1871, Galt (Cambridge), Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; RC
• Occupation: 1881, Galt (Cambridge), Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Manufacturer
• Elected Office: 1885, Galt (Cambridge), Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; councillor - Galt
• Residence: 1911, Guelph City, Wellington Co., Ontario, Canada

Notes:

Wagner, Joseph, Galt, the subject of this sketch, was born in Eich, Germany, in the year 1832. His father was Adam Wagner, and this gentleman, who had six children, left his native land in 1846, and taking passage with his wife Catherine and family, settled in Buffalo, New York state. There is no element in the United States, or in any of the colonies that more contributes towards a solid, frugal and valuable community than the German, and this fact receives abundance of testimony in some of the most thriving agricultural districts in the United States and Canada, where the German population predominates and in the arts and manufactures of the cities, too, this is not less conspicuous. The father of the subject of our sketch exhibited well the characteristics of his people, and kept Joseph at school till he obtained education enough for business pursuits. At the age of fifteen he began to learn the trade of tanning, and worked for some time in the City of Buffalo. In 1861, however, he resolved to try his fortune in Canada, and crossing the line, he went to Brantford, where he remained for a short time, and then removed to Dundas. After close upon two years he went to Galt, where he engaged in the tanning business with the late John Davidson, and subsequently entered into co-partnership with Mr. David Spiers, ex-mayor of Galt. His quick, accurate insight, and his inherent spirit of enterprise Isoon convinced him that he could make his way alone, so he dissolved partnership. and opened a business for himself in the manufacture of fine grades of leather, comprising morocco and fancy leathers. From the first his business, owing to his clear head, and excellent methods, began to grow apace, and in 1882 he took with him into partnership his son, Theodore Joseph Wagner, a young gentleman who gives evidence of the same superior qualifications that make the father conspicuous in business circles, and who attends to the books, and superintends the general business of the firm. He is quick and practical, and already has achieved a large share of popularity. But Joseph Wagner does not confineis attention solely to his own business, and for his own exclusive benefit. He has always been anxious to see public affairs efficiently and honestly managed, and perceiving this, the town-folk were desirous that he should represent them in some public capacity, therefore he was advised to allow himself to be put in nomination for the town councillorship, and consenting to do so, he was elected in 1885. The same qualities that he exhibited to such advantage in the management of his private affairs, were not lacking when he took his seat at the council board. Mr. Wagner is a staunch and respected member of the Roman catholic church. In politics he approves of the measures of Sir John Macdonald, believing that the national policy operates in the interests of the community at large. He was married first, in 1858, to Miss Madeline Demnier, of Buffalo, U.S.; but this lady died in 1873, leaving two children, of whom Theodore is one. He married again Miss Elizabeth Hays, of Guelph, by whom he has had three children. In social qualities Mr. Wagner is all that one would desire, being kind and large-hearted, and showing that friendly German spirit which characterizes the race with all those he comes in contact with.

A Cyclopedia of Canadian Biography: Being Chiefly Men of the Time ..., Volume 1 edited by George Maclean Rose

Peter married Elizabeth C. "Lizzie" Hays 17 Oct 1878, Hamilton, Wentworth Co., Ontario, Canada. Elizabeth was born 14 Feb 1852, Utica, Oneida, New York, United States; died 27 Nov 1920, Guelph City, Wellington Co., Ontario, Canada; was buried , Guelph City, Wellington Co., Ontario, Canada. [Group Sheet]

1. Mary Cecily Wagner was born 2 Aug 1879, Galt (Cambridge), Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; died Yes, date unknown.
2. Francis George Peter "George" Wagner was born 10 Oct 1882, Galt (Cambridge), Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; died Yes, date unknown.
3. Oscar Wagner was born Jul 1886; died Yes, date unknown.

Peter married Madeliene "Alna" Demnier 1858. Madeliene was born 2 Feb 1833, Williamsville, Erie, New York, United States; died 1 Sep 1873, Galt (Cambridge), Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; was buried , Saint Patrick's Roman Catholic Cemetery, Cambridge, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. [Group Sheet]

1. Rosa A. Lima Wagner was born 17 Mar 1855, Buffalo, Erie, New York, United States; died 14 Dec 1871, Galt (Cambridge), Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; was buried , Saint Patrick's Roman Catholic Cemetery, Cambridge, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada.
2. Theodore Joseph "Joseph" Wagner was born 4 Feb 1858, Buffalo, Erie, New York, United States; died 1 Jan 1946, Brampton, Peel Co., Ontario, Canada; was buried , Park Lawn Cemetery, Toronto, York Co., Ontario.