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W
 G. F
.
Who, indeed, has not heard of the American Express Company? Yet, how
few there are who know to whom we are indebted for its existence.
William G. Fargo was born May 20, 1818, at Pompey, New York, and at
the age of twelve he was mail-carrier over a route that covered forty miles.
The inference must be at once formed that William G. Fargo was no
ordinary child. He must have been industrious and trustworthy, for the mail
must be delivered on time. No holiday could be observed, nor could any
circus be allowed to come between him and his work. Seeking a more
remunerative calling he went to Waterville, where he clerked in a small
store and tavern, improving his spare moments in learning to keep accounts.
When seventeen he went to Syracuse and entered a grocery house. He
continued in the grocery line in one capacity or another for five years, when
he accepted the freight agency of the Auburn and Syracuse Railroad, in
which capacity he had found his calling. Two years later he became
associated with Pomeroy & Co., and was given the express agency for that
company at Buffalo, and in 1844 he became a member of the firm of Wells
& Co., who established an express line from Buffalo, west to Detroit, via
Cleveland. This firm, in time, became Livingston & Fargo, and finally the
several express companies: Wells & Co., Butterfield, Wasson & Co. and
Livingston & Co., became merged into the since famous American Express
Co. In 1868 Mr. Fargo was elected President of this Company, and
remained at its head until his death. He was also connected with various
other enterprises, being Vice-President of the New York Central & Hudson
River railroad, and was also largely interested in Northern Pacific and other
railroad stock. In 1861 he was elected Mayor of Buffalo on the Democratic
ticket, but so impartial was he in the administration of the city affairs, and
so patent was his business ability, that he was re-elected, being supported
by all parties.

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Such is the reward for earnestness. And will any one say that William G.
Fargo was not deserving of this splendid success? If we will have success
we must earn it. Let no man envy another in no matter what station of life
he may be situated. Rest assured that we will fill the place that we are
capable of filling; no more, no less.

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