George Washington Hager, was born in Kentucky in 1833, son of James Hager and Susannah Porter, He was the Great grandson of John Hager, born in Hesse, Germany, who the British brought to America to fight for them, but who deserted and fought for the American cause with distinction. G.W. left Kentucky at an early age to join an uncle in Texas. He served in the 22nd Texas Infantry, Company D during the Civil War. He married Julia Ann Gideon in Angelina County, October 6 1859, before the War, and two of his children were born during that period.

The Hagers had  eighteen children, all born in Texas, and in a variety of locations. Being a Blacksmith, Farmer, and a Gunsmith, G.W. travelled widely. He also suffered ill health, due to the the terrible conditions endured during the War. He lived his final years with his sons Thomas, Richard and Albert Hager, in Emory, Texas. He died January 23, 1903, and was buried in Emory. After his death, his wife Julia went by Wagon Train to Oklahoma with the Hager's youngest child, Sara Elizabeth, who married Johnny James Mayfield, in Konawa, Oklahoma.