M.M. Wagner Biography

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M. M. Wagner Biography

The Mountain City, TN newspaper "Tennessee Tomahawk," Vol. XI, NO. 5, dated Friday, November 4, 1892, has what appears to be a front page article which is quite extensive about M. M. WAGNER'S SONS. The article includes pictorial sketches of M. M. Wagner and his sons Maj. J. H. Wagner and Noah J.Wagner, grandson Charles Wagner, partners and various employees and the store front. It gives a brief history of M. M. and the founding of the store.

"M. M. Wagner was born four miles south of Mountain City Feb. 15th, 1801, and died June 30th, 1887. He lived with his father until about 1824, when he embarked in the mercantile business at Athens, Tenn., where he did a thriving business for a few years, numbering among his customers a great many of the Cherokee Indians, who were at that time quite numerous in that section. His parents being anxious for him to return home he sold out his business at Athens, and having married in 1830, returned and settled where Isaac Dougherty now resides, his father having given him part of the old homestead, lying south of the creek. He went to farming and soon again engaged in the mercantile business in a small way at his home. In 1836 Johnson County was formed from a part of Carter County and the county site named Taylorsville, to which point he moved and continued in the mercantile business until 1870, as is stated elsewhere," * "although he did not give it his personal attention for about fifteen years previous to this time. He was devoted to his farming and stock to which he gave much of his time. In all his business relations he was very conservative, and always enjoyed the best of credit in the commercial world wherever known."

*Elsewhere: The picture of the store front, as well as, the article indicates that M. M. Wagner's Sons was founded 1836. I can't read the first few words...."in 1836, the business being conducted in a part of his residence which was one of the first buildings erected in the town. In 1854 he purchased a lot where the business is now conducted, upon which was a small frame building. This he engaged, converting it into a store house and moved his stock into it, placing his son M. F. Wagner," (M. F. Wagner was killed in the Civil War.) " in charge, who conducted the same until the beginning of the war. The business grew so rapidly that in 1856 the present building was erected, and was thought to be at the time a very large structure for this section of the country. Surrounded by such favorable circumstances the business grew and flourished until the late war when all trade relations
between North and (can't read)... by the war the business was discontinued.But in September, 1865, it was resumed and grew so rapidly that in 1870 M. M. Wagner retired from business and turned the same over to his sons, J. H. and N. J. Wagner, the present proprietors, who continued in charge until January 1st, 1884. At that time, being unable to make collections, or realize any cash on property, they decided to sell their stock and discontinue business until they could get their affairs in better condition. After a hard struggle, and after having lost heavily, they again resumed business in March 1888. From that time the business steadily increased, and for the past two years it has grown very rapidly, so that they find their present commodious quarters entirely inadequate for their structure (in parenthesis is a reference to the picture of the store in this article) adjoining their present premises, which, when finished, will be one of the best and most complete business houses in this part of the country."

"The members of the firm, as well as, the employes, are progressive in the strictest sense, and leaving nothing undone to meet the requirements of the trade, and make it to the interest of the people to deal with them. Although this firm has past through many dark hours in business, they have never, from the beginning to the present time, either individually, or as a firm, failed to pay one hundred cents on the dollar of their indebtedness, principal and interest. While they do not claim that they have, in doing this, done anything more than their duty, yet they think this a pretty good record to extend over a period of more than fifty years in business."

Elsewhere in the same paper is the following:

"A Progressive Firm.
Short Sketches of the Men Who Have Made It What It Is and are Now Pushing Along the Wheel of Progress. The firm of M. M. Wagner's sons occupy considerable space in The Tomahawk today, and to the liberal and judicious use of printer's ink they are indebted, we think, for much of the almost phenomenal success they have gained within the past few years. From the senior member of the firm down to the end of the list of employes the are pushing and intelligently progressive, each in his own particular sphere. A representative of The Tomahawk, from reliable sources, has procured matter from which the following brief sketches of the members of the firm and their corps of employes have been prepared."

(The first sketch is of Joseph Hugh Wagner followed by his biog. then on to Noah's sketch and description.)
"Maj. J. H. Wagner, senior member of the firm, was born January 14th, 1841, and is now in his 52nd year. He has been connected with the firm since 1865, though he has never taken an active part in the management of the business, preferring to engage in pursuits congenial to his " (can't read the next words and sentences) "servative in his ideas on all business affairs, and enjoys the reputation of being a prudent and safe business man."

"Noah J. Wagner, junior member of the firm was born April 16th, 1844, and is 48 years old. He has had the general supervision of the firm since 1865. He is a business man in every sense of the word, and sticks to his desk, when he has anything on hands, as closely as the bark to a tree. He is an incessant worker, accommodating in all his business relations, and has the respect and confidence of the business community at large."

Then there are sketches and descriptions of other employes of the firm. Other members of M. M. Wagner's Sons:

"Joe T. Lefler, the manager of the firm, has been with the firm for four years. He is a young man of man of 26, having arrives here, as we once heard him state in a public speech, on a train that was due in Taylorsville (Mountain City) July 26, 1866. He began his business career as a typo in this office, and having taken a through course here; he went to Johnson City, Tenn, where he spent a year in the newspaper business. Returning here he engaged in the firm and his management of the business has been a marked success. But we are not surprised at this for the Tomahawk has never sent out a failure from its "sacred precints." Of a dozen which it has educated every one is honorable and upright and is making life a success. He is well up on matters pertaining to mercantile business, a good judge of merchandise, and one of the closest buyers to be found in this section. This accounts for their splendid selections as well as low prices.

(image will go here)

Above is our artist's representation of Chas. M. Wagner, eldest son of the junior member of the firm. He is a young man of 22, having first seen the light of day July 31st, 1870. His advantages for a thorough, practical education have been excellent, and he is now at the famous Eastman Business College, Poughkeepsie, N.Y., taking a complete business course. On January 1st, 1893, he will be admitted as a partner in the firm, and will make a successful business man.

G. Edward Wagner was born February 28th, 1871, being 21 years of age. He has been well educated in this line of business, having been thus employed since a mere boy. He gives close attention to the work at hand, protecting his employes' interest, yet dealing liberally with his customers, thereby furnishing the link that holds the firm and many of the customers so closely together.

Sam C. Rambo is the youngest employe of the firm, being born Apr. 30th, 1873, but has lived and learned more in his nineteen short years of life than many men get a glance at in fifty. He's a mover, has been a successful salesman from the very beginning. At present he has charge of the lumber trade of the firm and is making a complete success of it.

Chas. R. Lefler is now 23 years of age, having been born July 23rd, 1869. The firm dubs him their "hustler for trade," and say that he never fails to let the people know where they can find the best goods and the lowest prices."

Then in this same paper are a number of advertisements some of which follow:

"Highest market prices paid for all kinds of good produce. Bring us what you have to sell. In every department our stock is complete and in many respects is unequaled by any other in this section. As is well known by all who deal in this market, we sell the best grade of goods that can be bought, and for some time past have been the acknowledged leaders in low prices. No competitor can cut below us. We buy our goods in large quantities, at the right prices, and sell them for close profits. This is the main secret of our success.

We wish to call special attention to our list of:

"Fine Dress Goods" and (can't read, I think it says trimmings)...which embrace Cash--(can't read)..Henrietees of all shades and grades (can't read) 25cts. to $1.50 per yard, (can't read)...Bedford Cords, Poplins, Silk Stripes, Irridescent and plain Twills, Trice and plain Flannels, Cheviot and Fur Novelties, Storm Serges, Ladies' Broadcloths, Silk Gimps, Plushes, Velveteens, Ribons, Surah Silks, Jet Trimmings, Etc., Etc. We are proud of our stock in this line, and are glad to know that the ladies of this section appreciate our efforts to
furnish them with as nice and late styles as can be had in the large towns. In fact, we have been told by parties who are in position to know that our line of dress goods is not equaled this side of Knoxville. We will be glad to furnish samples and prices by mail to all persons writing for same. We give all mail orders our best personal attention.

"Mens' and Boys' Clothing."
In this line we acknowledge no superiors regards to quality, price or size of stock to select from. We use special care in buying our ready-made clothing, and feel that no one in this section can offer you a better class of goods than we carry, nor name you lower prices. An examination will convince you we are right in this assertion.

"Our Stock of Hats"
(Can't read)... the largest we have ever carried, embracing all the staple goods, in wool, and furs, and many of the latest nobbiest styles. Our crushers and stiff hats are beauties. Don't pass us when you are bare-headed; neither when you are bare-footed, for

"Boots and Shoes"
is our hobby, and we will give you anything you need in this line at prices that stun all competition.

Our place is the headquarters for all kinds of Hardware, Builders' Supplies, Paints, Oils, Etc., and we can save you money on anything you need in this line,

"Groceries and Provisions."
We carry a full line of meat, lard, flour, coffee, sugar, and in fact everything in the grocery business, and our prices are rock bottom.

"Our Lumber Trade."
As is generally known we are the pioneers in the business, and are building up a fine trade, and ask our friends and everyone interested in this way to bring us their lumber and encourage home enterprise.

"To Pensioners and Others"
We will provide ourselves with a lot of currency in time to cash the pension checks of OUR CUSTOMERS, and all others where they trade a sufficient amount to justify us in doing so.

"Christmas is Coming."
And we are preparing for a stock of Christmas goods which will be on exhibition by Dec. 1st. Country Merchants will be supplied on the most reasonable terms. Just received 1,000 pounds of stick candy as a starter in this line.

"A Straw."
To give our friends some idea of the business we are doing we find that since January 1st (ten months) we have received between a half and three-fourths of a million pounds of freight from the railroad, or on an average of about 2,000 pounds daily, and to the railroad during the same time fully a half million pounds including lumber. The cost of these two items of transportation alone at regular rates amount to about four thousand dollars to say nothing of freight paid to railroad companies.

"In Conclusion,"
We extend to each and all our heartiest and most cordial invitation to visit our store and trade with us, assuring you that we will spare no pains to treat you courteously and to give you full value for every dollar spent with us.
Your Friends,
M. M. Wagner's Sons."

Other Ads:

" Ladies, permit us to suggest that you make your selection of Holiday dresses at once and not delay until the last week or when all our dress makers will be overrun with work and unable to give your order the attention it will receive now."
" As usual, "Santa Claus" will make his Headquarters with us this season, and it will be much more satisfactory to you if you will get ready to make your purchases as early as you can do so, after Dec. 1st thereby avoiding the rush always incidental to the week or two before Christmas."

" Car load of flour just received cheap for cash or lumber."

"The new business house of M. M. Wagner's Sons is being pushed rapidly toward completion. One room is being finished up with a burglar and fire-proof vault and will be used as a bank. They expect to have everything in good shape to begin the banking business by July 1st, 1893."

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