A Merchants Despatch Transportation Company Stock Signed By James C. Fargo Twice

1896, New York. A certificate for 500 shares of the Merchants Despatch Transportation Company</B> signed "<B><I>Jas. C. Fargo" once on the front as president and once on the back. The shares were issued to "Jas. C. Fargo Executor".  Signed as president by JAMES C. FARGO (1829 - 1915); Expressman. Working along with his older brother, William, co-founder of the American Express Co., James became a prominent figure in the railroad and express industries. He became president of American Express in 1881 upon his brother's retirement from that position. The Merchants Despatch Transportation Company was formed in 1857 to operate a fast freight system over what became the New York Central lines. It was immediately successful and proved profitable to its co-owners, the American Express Company and the New York Central Railroad. An important companion to an American Express Company stock. Pen cancelled