BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES, BELMONT COUNTY, OHIO

"History of the Upper Ohio Valley" Vol. II, 1890.

Presented by Linda Fluharty from hard copies provided
by Mary Staley & Phyllis Slater.


Pages 560-561.

THE HON. DAVID WAGENER, proprietor of the Buckeye Paper mills, was
born in Franklin county, Penn., October 10, 1827. His parents were
John and Elizabeth Wagener, both Pennsylvanians. David Wagener was
reared in Pennsylvania, living there until he had reached the age
of sixteen years. While still living in Pennsylvania, Mr. Wagener
learned the saddle and harness business. Coming to Ohio in 1843 he
worked in the paper mills during the evenings and at the carpenter's
trade in the day time. In the spring of 1844 he and his brother
came to West Wheeling and built the paper mill now owned and
operated by the subject of this sketch. Mr. Wagener figured very
prominently in the politics of his state, having been elected to
the Ohio state senate in 1877, taking his seat as senator in 1878.
He served for two years, and after two years of retirement, he was
elected a member of the house. His term of office expiring, Mr.
Wagener retired from political life, and has since given his un-
divided attention to his business. He was a prominent stockholder
in the Wheeling Street railways, and was one of the originators of
the Wheeling Hinge factory. Miss Jane Clemens became his wife in
1848. She is a daughter of Mrs. Ann Clemens. Five children are the
fruit of this union. Mr. Wagener is an influential member of the
Presbyterian church, and one of the most progressive and broad-
minded men in the community. His public and, private career give
evidence of great ability and of strict integrity: As a senator
his vote and influence was invariably cast on the side of morality
and public improvement. As a business man he is regarded with the
utmost confidence by all with whom he comes in contact. A fine
specimen of a true American citizen and representative of the people.