Webster Wagner (October 2, 1817 – January 13, 1882) was a postmaster, state official and inventor. He was born near Palatine Bridge, New York and worked as a wagon maker alongside of other family members. 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 also served in the New York Assembly and New York State Senate.[1] He was married to the former Susan Davis and had a family of five children.
He died in a rail accident on Friday January 13, 1882, while riding in one of his sleeping cars, in the Bronx, New York.
The Webster Wagner House at Palatine Bridge was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1973.[2]