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NY - Utica,Oneida County - Oct 16 1856 - American Express Company Stock Certificate

Currency:USD Category:Collectibles / Western Americana Start Price:500.00 USD Estimated At:1,000.00 - 2,000.00 USD
NY - Utica,Oneida County - Oct 16 1856 - American Express Company Stock Certificate
Session D is a Mail-Bid Only Auction. Absentee bids will be accepted only. No live bidding will be allowed. All winners will be contacted after the auction. BIDDING ENDS MONDAY JUNE 27 AT 5PM PACIFIC TIME!!!
Rare. Measures 9 1/4" x 6 3/8". No. 1857 issued to Joseph Rogers for 5 shares. Signed by W.G. Fargo as secretary, Alex Holland as treasurer, who was John Butterfield's son-in-law, and John Butterfield as vice president. Endorsed on the reverse by Rogers, and Sam G. Titan(sp?),along with a small note, "242 West 19th St. send as above, not to grandfather J.Rogers after under as done". In John J. Walsh's book titled Vignettes of Old Utica he stated that John Butterfield born in Berne, New York and moved to Utica, New York where he began his own business after purchasing a horse and carriage. By the 1840s he joined with Wasson, forming the Butterfield, Wasson & Company conducting business between Albany and Utica. In April, 1850 Wells & Co and Butterfield, as well as Wasson & Co were both consolidated into the American Express Co. with Henry Wells as president, John Butterfield as vice president, and W.G. Fargo as secretary. The American Express Company handled freight on the railroads which profited both the company and the railroads. Utica was the company's main headquarters and main offices. The company also owned the New York, Albany & Buffalo Telegraph Company, and eventually took over the Merchants' Union Express Exchange. By March of 1860, Butterfield's Overland Stage company had been taken over by Wells, Fargo & Co because of debts Butterfield owed. The company in Utica had grown extensively over the years. From three men and six horses in 1860, to fifty three men and twenty horses in 1910 required for delivery and collections. Primarily, the company was an express-transportation company. Today it is a New York based worldwide organization that provides more than handling freight, people and money. It is involved in such businesses as international financial operations, banking, insurance, and travel related services. Very rare to see a stock certificate signed by Butterfield. A darker crème colored stain in the center of the certificate, along with deep folds. Unevenly cropped on the left side. Overall condition of the lot is good.