William G. Fargo

1879, New York.12 ¼" x 7 ¾".”Stock certificate for two hundred and ninety shares issued to and signed on attached transfer by William G. Fargo (1818 - 1881). Expressman. Fargo got his start in the express business at age 13 through a 30 mile mail route. Sometime later, William Fargo served as a messenger with Wells & Company, the first express company to venture west of Buffalo. Fargo became a partner in Wells & Company and, in 1850, they joined with two other express companies to form the American Express Company which covered the eastern sector of the United States. Brown / Black. Vignette of a locomotive at top center. Vignette of Frederick Billings at bottom center. Stamp and punch cancellations do not affect Fargo's signature. Minor toning at edges. Else Extremely Fine.