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FARGO, WILLIAM GEORGE and HENRY WELLS Founders of Wells, Fargo. Engraved document signed ("Wells G. Fargo" as Secretary of American Express Company and "Henry Wells" as President), countersigned by Treasurer Alexander Holland, New York, 22 March 1860. 1 page, oblong 4to, elaborately engraved border and vignette of a port, accomplished in manuscript, very lightly browned. Stock certificate no. 508 for three $500.00 shares of American Express common stock issued to Crommelin Goodwin Curtis.
William George Fargo (1818-1881) and Henry Wells (1805-1878) merged rival companies Wells, Butterfield and Company and Livingston, Fargo and Company into American Express Company in 1850. Wells was its first President, although both Fargo and Wells ran the entire operation together. In 1852 the incorporators organized Wells, Fargo and Company as a sister organization for the western half of the United States. American Express began selling money orders in 1882 and travellers' cheques in 1891, and, after 1929, American Express existed primarily as a banking and tourist bureau.
William George Fargo (1818-1881) and Henry Wells (1805-1878) merged rival companies Wells, Butterfield and Company and Livingston, Fargo and Company into American Express Company in 1850. Wells was its first President, although both Fargo and Wells ran the entire operation together. In 1852 the incorporators organized Wells, Fargo and Company as a sister organization for the western half of the United States. American Express began selling money orders in 1882 and travellers' cheques in 1891, and, after 1929, American Express existed primarily as a banking and tourist bureau.