democrat wagon n Also democrat, democratic wagon, democrat’s ~ [Appar from its simplicity and the equal level on which it put all the riders.] chiefly Nth, esp NEast See Map hist Cf democrat sleigh
A light, horse-drawn wagon with a flat bed and two or more usu removable seats. Note: It is not clear whether the ref in quot 1840 is to a specific type of wagon, or merely to the “democratic” character of wagons in general.
1840 Fredonia Censor (NY) [15 July 3]/1, At 9 o’clock, the people began to assemble in great numbers; some on horseback, some on foot, and others in carriages, but by far the greatest portion were in real democratic wagons, which were filled with the industrious, patriotic and intelligent yeomanry of our country. 1846 W. Chr. Advocate (Cincinnati OH) 4 Sept 82/6, By a rapid and rough ride in, what the driver called, democratic wagon, we were soon at their door. 1850 Holden’s Dollar Mag. 6.761/2 cwNY, The best way to get to them [=Portage Falls] is to go to Geneseo, and then inquire for “Frank and his gray horses, and the democrat wagon.” 1868 Fur Fin & Feather 184, A light democratic wagon, drawn by a bay and iron gray horse, might have been seen leaving the door of the residence of a citizen of Winona, Minnesota. 1871 Harper’s New Mth. Mag. 43.382/2 NY,There were two teams running a race, and presently a white horse and green-bodied democrat wagon hove in sight. 1879 Hub 21.299/2, Democrat Wagon.—(Local, United States.) A square-box open wagon, similar to the Buggy, but larger, with two, three, or four movable seatboards on a level, and accommodating at least four, six, or eight passengers. So called on account of its unassuming and democratic character. 1893 Frederic Copperhead 180 nNY, “Come in here, mother!” we heard Abner’s deep voice call out from beyond the democrat wagon. 1907 DN 3.186 seNH, Democrat. . . A high light wagon with several seats and without a top. a1910 (1924) Twain Autobiog. 2.106 csNY, A democrat wagon stood outside the main gate with my trunk in it. 1945 Partridge January Thaw 62 CT, The democrat wagon creaked and rattled as it went slowly along the dirt road. 1950 WELS (Horse-drawn vehicles) 3 Infs, WI, Democrat wagon; 1 Inf, Democrat. 1965–70 DARE (Qu. N41a, . . Horse-drawn vehicle . . to carry people) 22 Infs, chiefly Nth, Democrat (wagon); WI5, Democrat’s wagon; (Qu. N41b, . . To carry heavy loads) Infs MA42, VT4, Democrat wagon; (Qu. N41c, . . To carry light loads) 62 Infs, chiefly Nth, Democrat (wagon). 1966 DARE FW Addit MA6, Democrat wagon—light farm or ranch wagon having two or more seats, sometimes removable, usually drawn by two horses. 1997 Boston Globe (MA) 20 June sec D 20/1, [Advt:] Sargent & French democratic wagon. Perfect condition. Restored. $2800. 2019 WI State Jrl. (Madison) 19 June sec D 1/1, [Advt:] Democrat Wagon (In Parts/No Wheels).
