Aberdeen Daily News Thursday, Feb 24, 1916
AUGUST WAGENER
It will be learned with deep regret by the people of this [James] community of the death of August Wagener, one of the pioneer residents. Sometime ago he went out in the night during the cold weather and not being able to find his way back again after quite a time he found a door and had to rap for sometime before it was opened as none of the family knew he had gone out. His fingers were frozen and he was taken to the Groton hospital. It was necessary to amputate eight fingers. He died Sunday night at his own homestead north of here.
He leaves to mourn, two sons, Frank and Dick and Mrs. Charles Marquet, besides many sorrowing friends and relatives. He had reached a happy old age at the time of his death and before he froze his fingers he was hale and hearty. Dick is at this time in California for his health and cannot leave.
Funeral services will probably be held at Groton.
~Transcribed by volunteer researcher, Kathy Smith