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Henry Wells (1805-1878) was a co-founder, with William Fargo (1818-1881), of both the American Express Company and Wells Fargo & Company. Civil War-dated partly-printed DS, signed “Henry Wells" and "Wm. G. Fargo,” one page, 11.75 x 8, May 8, 1862. Handsomely engraved stock certificate for one share in the American Express Company, issued to P. L. Gilbert of Albany [New York]. Signed at the conclusion by Henry Wells as president, William Fargo as secretary, and Alex Holland as treasurer. In fine condition, with the usual light irregular toning.
During the Civil War, American Express shipped supplies to army depots, carried election ballots to soldiers in the field, and delivered parcels into parts of the Confederacy taken by Union forces. Four months before signing this certificate, Fargo took office as mayor of Buffalo on January 6, 1862, serving through 1866 while continuing as the company’s secretary. In his inaugural address, he described the moment as an ‘hour of national peril and trial.’ During his tenure, he paid to ship care packages to Buffalo troops and provided a local regiment with a regimental flag.
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