Henry Wells and William Fargo Signed Stock Certificate for American Express Company.

WELLS, Henry; William Fargo.

Item Number: 148415

New York: American Express Company, 1858.

Rare American Express Company stock certificate signed by American businessmen Henry Wells and William Fargo. Oblong octavo, one page partially printed and accomplished in manuscript, number 3273. The certificate is dated June 26, 1858 and issues 5 shares at $100 each of American Express Company stock to D.F. Williams. Signed by Henry Wells as President, William Fargo as Secretary, and Alex Holland as Treasurer of the Company. In very good condition with mail folds, toning, and a repaired lose to the center. Transfer information present on verso and endorsed by Williams. The piece measures 11 inches by 6.5 inches.

American Express emerged in 1850 after the consolidation of three express services of the period: Wells & Company; Livingston, Fargo & Company; and Butterfield, Wasson & Company. Henry Wells served as President and William Fargo as secretary of the new entity. Just a few years later, the two would also create Wells Fargo & Company when the other directors of the American Express board objected to the company expanding into California.