Early life Wagner was born in  1796.(William Wagner (1796-1885) From a young age, he aspired to be a scientist. During his and his second wife Louisa's two year honeymoon across Europe, they visited various natural history museums including the Museum für Naturkunde in Berlin. Wagner found that he often had to provide a reference to view many of the museums in Europe. Though he had no trouble providing such a reference, Wagner considered this concept unfair and sought to create a natural sciences museum that would be for all people regardless of gender or financial means. The building was erected in 1865, and Wagner remained active with the Institute until his death in 1875. The board of directors then passed on the directorship to noted Philadelphia scientist and Academy member Joseph Leidy  Personal life Wagner's second wife was Louisa Binney. He died in 1885 at the age of 89. Wagner is interred at the West Laurel Hill Cemetery in Bala Cynwyd, Pennsylvania. References 
Early life Wagner was born in Philadelphia on January 15, 1796.(William Wagner (1796-1885) From a young age, he aspired to be a scientist. During his and his second wife Louisa's two year honeymoon across Europe, they visited various natural history museums including the Museum für Naturkunde in Berlin. Wagner found that he often had to provide a reference to view many of the museums in Europe. Though he had no trouble providing such a reference, Wagner considered this concept unfair and sought to create a natural sciences museum that would be for all people regardless of gender or financial means. The building was erected in 1865, and Wagner remained active with the Institute until his death in 1875. The board of directors then passed on the directorship to noted Philadelphia scientist and Academy member Joseph Leidy . Personal life Wagner's second wife was Louisa Binney. He died at his home in Philadelphia on January 17, 1885 at the age of 89. Wagner is interred at the West Laurel Hill Cemetery in Bala Cynwyd, Pennsylvania. References External links
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at his home in Philadelphia on January 17,
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