Description
This collection consists mainly of letters to and from Wells, Fargo
& Company official Hosmer Benjamin Parsons (1846-1908), who joined the company in 1867 and later
became president of its bank in New York. The papers deal with company business and
company's relationships with railroad lines and competing express firms. Some of the papers
relate to the personal business affairs of Hosmer B. Parsons, including his investments in
Mexico.
Background
Wells, Fargo & Company was founded in New York in 1852 through the amalgamation of
several companies by Henry Wells (1805-1878) and William George Fargo (1818-1881). It was
expanded in the wake of the Gold Rush to handle the growing express business in the West.
Henry Wells is not represented in the collection, nor is William G. Fargo, but there are a
few letters from or about his brothers James Congdell Fargo and Charles Fargo who were
active in Wells, Fargo & Company and the American Express Company. In 1872, Lloyd Tevis
(1824-1899) became president of Wells, Fargo & Company followed in 1892 by John Joseph
Valentine (1840-1901).
Extent
2,254 pieces in 35 boxes and 11 volumes
Restrictions
The Huntington Library does not require that researchers request permission to quote from
or publish images of this material, nor does it charge fees for such activities. The
responsibility for identifying the copyright holder, if there is one, and obtaining
necessary permissions rests with the researcher.
Availability
Open to qualified researchers by prior application through the Reader Services Department.
For more information, contact Reader Services.