American Express Co. issued to and signed by James C. Fargo and William G. Fargo - 1873 dated Autographed Stock Certificate

Stock issued to and signed on back by James C. Fargo and at front by William G. Fargo as president. This piece is the nicest found of this very rare signature combination. (Originally in my personal collection). Extremely rare and choice! 5,200 shares!

James Congdell Fargo (1829–1915) was a prominent 19th-century American businessman who served as the third president of the American Express Company for over three decades. Born on May 5, 1829, in Pompey, New York, he was the younger brother of William Fargo, the co-founder of Wells Fargo and American Express. Unlike inheriting his leadership role, Fargo’s journey began at the tender age of 15 when he started as an errand boy and floor sweeper for his brother’s express service in Buffalo. Through hard work and dedication, he steadily climbed the ranks, managing regional offices in Detroit and Chicago. In 1881, after his brother William’s passing, Fargo assumed the presidency of the American Express Company.

While often perceived as an autocratic and old-fashioned leader, Fargo revolutionized global financial services by introducing groundbreaking innovations. Under his 33-year stewardship, American Express diversified its origins in shipping to launch the American Express Money Order in 1882. This innovation emerged from Fargo’s own frustration during a challenging trip to Europe, where he struggled to cash personal checks. Motivated by this experience, he entrusted an employee with creating a secure alternative, leading to the creation and patenting of the American Express Travelers Cheque in 1891. Furthermore, Fargo played a pivotal role in the company’s international expansion by establishing its first European office in Paris in 1895. Fargo remained at the helm until his retirement in 1914, passing away at his home in New York City on February 8, 1915.

William George Fargo (1818-1881), a pioneer in the American express industry, co-founded both Wells Fargo and the American Express Company. Born in Pompey, New York, in 1818, Fargo left school at thirteen to carry mail, embarking on a lifelong career in transportation and logistics. After gaining valuable experience working for various freight forwarding businesses, he partnered with Henry Wells and John Butterfield in 1850 to merge their competing firms into the American Express Company. As its first secretary, Fargo recognized the immense opportunity presented by the California Gold Rush and proposed expanding their services to the West Coast. Despite resistance from their board, the duo independently established Wells, Fargo & Co. in 1852 to provide essential banking, mail, and express freight services to rapidly growing Western communities.

Fargo’s success in corporate transport extended beyond his achievements in the industry. He also made significant contributions as a civic leader and politician. Settling in Buffalo, New York, he served two terms as the city’s mayor during the American Civil War, from 1862 to 1866. During his tenure, he was known for his unwavering support of the Union. Later, in 1868, Fargo assumed the presidency of the American Express Company, a position he held until his death in 1881. His leadership during the post-war era played a crucial role in establishing the infrastructure of American commerce, connecting distant territories through reliable banking and shipping networks. Today, Fargo’s legacy endures through two of the largest financial institutions in the United States and the city of Fargo, North Dakota, which bears his name.

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