The Life of and Times of William Fargo

The Life of and Times of William Fargo - Page Text Content

S: The Life and Times of William Fargo

FC: William Fargo Elliot Carson | William Fargo Ell-ot Carson

1: Ever wonder how one of the nation's largest banks came to be that way? | Me neither.

2: Mr. William Fargo was born a poor farmer but lived the American dream, became a wealthy businessman and the president of two major banks.

3: William Fargo was only allowed to go to school a couple months a year because he had to help with his parent's farm.

4: William Fargo was also a Freemason.

5: He was an agent for Henry Wells in the Pomery's Express.

6: William Wells and Henry Wells founded Wells Fargo & Co. in 1855. The Freight ran from Nebraska to California.

7: The company was founded to feed the need of fast transportation to the California during the gold rush.

8: From 1855-1865, William Fargo controlled almost all of shipping west of the Mississippi river.

9: Wells Fargo & Co. became Wells Fargo and switched their services from shipping to banking after the continental railroad was completed.

10: William Fargo became the president of both Wells Fargo and American Express after they switched their services to banking.

11: He was also the mayor of Buffalo N.Y.

12: When he died, he had a five story mansion and all the wealth that he could dream of.

13: In conclusion, William Fargo had lived the "American dream".