American Merchants Union Express Co. Signed by William G. Fargo - Stock Certific For Sale

Print portrait from an old engraving of William G. Fargo, signature reproduced below portrait. Stock Certificate has original signature. Stock dimensions are 12 x 9, frame dimensions are 16 x 24. William George Fargo (May 20, 1818" August 3, 1881) was a pioneer American expressman who helped found the modern-day financial firms of American Express Company and Wells Fargo with his business partner, Henry Wells. He was also the 27th Mayor of Buffalo, serving from 1862 until 1866 during the U.S. Civil War. William George Fargo was born in Pompey in Onondaga County, New York on May 20, 1818. He was the eldest of twelve children of William C. Fargo (1791"1878) (formerly of New London, Connecticut) and Stacy Chappel Strong (1799"1869). His younger brother was James Congdell Strong Fargo (1829"1915), president of the American Express Company for 30 years. William's education consisted only of the rudiments taught in a country school as he left school at the age of 13 to carry the mail in Pompey and help support his family. His father, who was born in New London, Connecticut, fought in the War of 1812. The elder Fargo was stationed at Fort Niagara and fought in the battle of Queenston Heights under General Van Rensselaer that resulted in the death of British General Isaac Brock. Fargo was wounded in right thigh, just before the Americans took possession of the ground. H Item ordered may not be exact piece shown. All original and authentic.