New York State Library
NYSL Facebook page NYSL Instagram account NYSL Twitter account

Webster Wagner
Wagon-making Papers, 1837-1842

SC1044

Quantity: 1 box (0.25 cubic ft.)
Access: Open to research
Acquisition: Purchase, Abbott. January 1913
Processed by: Fred Bassett, December 1985

View catalog record

Biographical Note:

Webster Wagner (1817-1882) formed a partnership in the wagon-making business with his brother James. Their shop was located at Palatine Bridge, New York. The business folded by 1842, largely due to the Panic of 1837.  Subsequent to this venture, Webster Wagner found employment in the railroad business, eventually becoming the principal agent at the Palatine Bridge railroad station. During the 1860s, he designed and built a railroad parlor car that made him a substantial fortune. Later Wagner became active in state and local politics and government.

Scope and Content Note:

The papers in the collection document the brothers' unsuccessful venture in the wagon-making trade. Included in this collection are a variety of business records, such as correspondence, debit-credit accounts, promissory notes, bills, and receipts. The business folded by 1842; these records show that the Panic of 1837 and subsequent economic depression probably affected their business. 

Container List

Folder Contents
0 Biographical information about Webster Wagner
1 Letters, 1839
2 Letters, 1840-1842
3 Accounts, 1837-1839
4 Accounts, 1840-1842
5 Orders, 1839-1842
6 Promissory Notes, 1839-1840
7 Receipt Book, 1839-1840
8 Receipts, 1838-1840
9 Receipts, 1841-1842
10 Legal Papers, 1840-1841
11 Miscellaneous Papers
Last Updated: December 30, 2021