Webster Wagner

File:Webster Wagner.jpg

Webster Wagner (October 2, 1817 – January 13, 1882) was an American inventor, manufacturer and politician from New York.

Life

Wagner was born near Palatine Bridge, New York. He developed a wagon-making business with his brother James. The business had folded by 1842, largely due to the Panic of 1837. After serving as an employee for the New York Central Railroad, Wagner invented the sleeping car and luxurious parlor car. He also perfected a system of ventilating railroad cars. His inventions were first used on the NY Central and later spread to other lines. He founded the Wagner Palace Car Company, located in Buffalo, New York. Several legal battles with the Pullman Company failed to put him and his partners out of business.

He was married to Susan Davis, and they had five children.

He was a Republican member of the New York State Assembly (Montgomery Co.) in 1871; and of the New York State Senate from 1872 until his death, sitting in the 95th, 96th, 97th, 98th, 99th, 100th, 101st, 102nd (all eight 15th D.), 103rd, 104th and 105th New York State Legislatures (all three 18th D.). He died in a rail accident, two weeks into his sixth senate term, on January 13, 1882, while riding in one of his sleeping cars, in The Bronx.

The Webster Wagner House at Palatine Bridge was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1973.

External links

• Webster Palace Car Company
• Accident at Spuyten Duyvil
•  
• Finding Aid to Webster Wagner Wagon-making Papers, 1837-1842 at the New York State Library, accessed January 5, 2016

New York Assembly
Preceded by James Shanahan	New York State Assembly Montgomery County 1871	Succeeded by William J. Van Dusen
New York State Senate
Preceded by Isaiah Blood	New York State Senate 15th District 1872–1879	Succeeded by Stephen H. Wendover
Preceded by Henry E. Turner	New York State Senate 18th District 1880–1882	Succeeded by Alexander B. Baucus