Significant partly-printed DS, signed “Henry Wells" and "Wm. G. Fargo,” one page, 12 x 8.25, May 11, 1863. Stock certificate for three shares in the American Express Company issued to John Butterfield of Utica, signed at the conclusion by Henry Wells as president, William G. Fargo as secretary, and Alex Holland as treasurer. Endorsed on the reverse in ink by John Butterfield. In fine condition, with somewhat irregular light toning.
Henry Wells (1805-1878) was a co-founder, with William Fargo (1818-1881), of both the American Express Company and Wells Fargo & Company. Butterfield (1801-1869 was a fellow founder of American Express; his Butterfield Overland Mail Company, which operated from 1858 to 1861, was the longest stagecoach line in the world. A superb and historic stock certificate signed by three men who revolutionized American commerce in the 19th century—a rare combination of autographs.
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