The wagon is old, and certainly "Conestoga-type" but the Kearny County Historical Society has no other information about its provenance. It was purchased for display, not used on the Santa Fe Trail there. The group (and I) could find nothing about Joseph Edgar.

"Conestoga" comes from a river and town of that name in Lancaster County PA. These wagons were used on the National (Cumberland) Road and copies with this design were used on the Santa Fe Trail. They were basically large, heavy freight wagons.

"Conestoga" or "Conestoga-type" wagons were not generally used on the Oregon and California Trails because of their weight and size. Ordinary wooden farm wagons, much lighter, with a square design and heavy canvas cover were used instead. Those trails were much longer and harder. Items left behind could be sold for cash then replaced once emigrants reached Oregon or California.