William Wagner

William Wagner (1796–1885) was a gentleman scientist, philanthropist, and merchant from Pennsylvania who founded the Wagner Free Institute of Science.

Early life Wagner was born in Philadelphia on January 15, 1796. From a young age, he aspired to be a scientist.

Career In 1814, Wagner became a counting house clerk and in 1817-18 served as a supercargo for Stephen Girard. In 1815, he became a member of the Academy of Natural Sciences of Philadelphia. William Wagner was influenced by Stephen Girard's philanthropic efforts, particularly his posthumous founding of Girard College, and dedicated the second half of his life to creating an institution that opened science education to the public.

In 1855, Wagner founded the Wagner Free Institute of Science, Leadership of the institution was taken over by a Board of Trustees, who elected the noted Philadelphia scientist and Academy member Joseph Leidy. William and Louisa Binney Wagner are interred at the West Laurel Hill Cemetery in Bala Cynwyd, Pennsylvania.