Livingston Signed Harnden's Express - 1850's dated Express Receipt - This Company was Taken over by American Express

Receipt printed on blue paper. Livingston signed of American Express Fame.

Harnden’s Express Company, founded in 1839 by William Frederick Harnden, holds the distinction of being the inaugural independent parcel express service in the United States. A former railroad employee, Harnden personally carried small packages, currency, and legal documents between Boston and New York City using rail and steamboat. His innovative approach of utilizing the rapidly expanding railway system for scheduled delivery revolutionized commerce. The company quickly expanded, introducing dedicated express cars and a network of messengers.

By the early 1840s, Harnden had expanded his operations to Philadelphia and established the first trans-Atlantic express service with offices in major European cities like London and Paris. Despite this rapid expansion and Harnden’s personal efforts to facilitate the passage of over 100,000 immigrants to the U.S., the company faced intense competition from emerging rivals like Alvin Adams. Tragically, Harnden passed away at the young age of 32 in 1845, leaving the company struggling financially. Ultimately, Harnden’s Express Company was absorbed by the Adams Express Company in 1854. Today, Harnden is remembered as the “Father of the Express Business,” having laid the foundation for modern global logistics giants.