[3] While in Boston, Webster became a prominent social figure and was active in politics as a member of the Whig and Republican parties.
[5] In spring of 1848 the General Court approved Webster's plan and the Saugus Branch Railroad Co. was organized.
In 1849, the railroad's charter was amended to change the route so that it ran through Sweester's Corner in Saugus and Linden in Malden.
By July 1851, the future of the railroad was in doubt when Edward Crane, offered to purchase all of the remaining shares.
However, a month later, it was learned that the Eastern Railroad, Boston & Maine's largest competitor, had purchased all of Crane's shares, perhaps in an effort to stop the project.
[2] On January 7, 1871, Webster died of pneumonia in Stockton, California, where he was visiting an agricultural implement warehouse he owned.