Wainwright: A craftsman specializing in the construction and repair of wains, which are large four-wheeled wagons typically used for agricultural transport or hauling goods.[4]
The opportunity to meet a real working wainwright was not on our radar until we viewed the replica of the Tripler Civil War Ambulance at the Fort Scott National Historic Site in the autum of 2025. It was through the book, A Sword His Scapel, that we discovered the existence of the ambulance.
The Fort Scott web site led us to the recreators of the ambulence: Werner Wagon Works, Horton, Kansas. Another road trip was in order!
A Birthday Road Trip
General Tripler, the creator of this Civil War ambulance, was my husband’s third great-grandfather. It seemed appropriate to commemorate hubby’s 75th birthday by visiting the business that had replicated his ancestor’s ambulance. Horton, Kansas, located an hour north of Topeka, was an easy three-hour trip for us. It could have been done in a day, but we decided to make it an overnighter.
We made arrangements in advance, so Don and Connie were expecting us. It was a delightful afternoon, and we found a lot to talk about besides the ambulance. Chatting with a skilled wainwright was enlightening, but seeing the shop where the magic takes place was intriguing.
First, the shop, even with projects underway, was pristine. You could tell this was a disciplined yet creative space, where requests became reality regularly. Outside, a crated creation awaited pickup to head east. Inside another wagon headed to Iowa awaited, then, on the bench, wooden parts of yet another wagon were being formed by hand.
Second, although we knew this was a real business with real deadlines, it was peaceful. Connie, in addition to making the canvas covers for the wagons, shared about her:
- Involvement in the recent commissioning of the Kansas 13th scenic route Pony Express Historic Byway,
- in civil war reenactments,
- and contributions to the lovely murals throughout downtown Horton.
The men talked about our 1961 Willys Jeep, the ambulance, and many other aspects of life in general.
The Wainwright Home Town
Horton is one of many small towns in Kansas. Having been raised in one of these myself, it felt somewhat familiar:
- A downtown, where most of the churches were,
One of several murals – this one commemorating the railroad hub in Horton. - an industrial area near where the railroad came through,
- a mix of residential homes from the early 1900s to more modern ones in various conditions.
- Newer schools with an athletic field
- Several locally run guest houses made from former motels
I saw a community of people working together to make a life. This is where a wainwright builds a business over thirty-eight years.
Don began work as an electrician, building wagons as a “side hustle”. The wagon business grew, so Don asked his boss for a leave of absence to catch up. That was 38 years ago.
Stories Upon Stories
This story began with a BLOG I published in 2017 about David’s third grandmother, Eunice Tripler. It continues to unfold:
- Jack Dempsey, a Civil War historian, read the BLOG researching General Charles S. Tripler, and contacted us
- He and my husband collaborated, resulting in two books: one about Eunice and the other about Dr. Tripler
- Reading the latter, we discovered revolutionary war ancestors, the location of the Tripler ambulance replica, and its re-creator, Werner Wagon Works.
Along the way, we have made new friends, shared history, and traveled to places we would have otherwise passed by.
Stories are not just about documenting events, as valuable as that is. It is also about pulling history into today and continuing to make new memories.
How is your story rescuing? What is your latest adventure? Email me at: nhcullen@faith.com