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JOHN BUTTERFIELD

1866, New York. Stock certificate for 3 shares of the Utica and Waterville RR Co. Black. Vignette of street railway car. Litho. Signed as president of the company by JOHN BUTTERFIELD (1801 - 1869); expressman; financier. Beginning his career in the express business as a stage driver, Butterfield soon held a share in the proprietorship he was working for. Shortly, most of the stage lines west of New York were under his control. In 1849, he formed the express company of Butterfield, Wasson & Co. and in 1850, upon his suggestion a merger of his company, (Henry) Wells & Co. and Livingston, (William G.) Fargo & Co. formed the American Express Company. In 1857, they received the government contract for the first transcontinental stage line at $600,000 per year and resulted in the Overland Mail Company of which Butterfield was president. His activities stretched to steamboating, plank roads and railroads. He originated the company for which this certificate was issued. A truly important early transportation figure. Punch cancellations through vignette; four small hole cancellations through signature. Fine.