This is an intersting subject and certainly an important one as the wagons would fall apart and be difficult to pull if not greased I would think.

Reminds me of a story my GF told me about there time in 1901 Western Oklahoma. After a rain there was a low spot in their land that filled up with watery oil. They somehow used it to grease their wagon. Tho is probable a type of lubricating grease was available in 1901 perhaps it was hard to get,unaffordable or they didnt have hogs at the time.

Weve all read the stories about the screaching ungreased wagon axels.

Mike