William Fargo
| Hon. William Fargo | |
|---|---|
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| 27th Mayor of Buffalo | |
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In office 1862–1866 |
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| Preceded by | Franklin A. Alberger |
| Succeeded by | Chandler J. Wells |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
William George Fargo May 20, 1818 Pompey, New York, U.S. |
| Died | August 3, 1881 (aged 63) Buffalo, New York, U.S. |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Spouse(s) | Anna Hurd Williams |
| Relations | J. C. Fargo (brother) |
| Children | 8 |
| Occupation | Banker, politician |
| Known for | Co-founder of American Express Company and Wells Fargo |
| Religion | Episcopalian |
William George Fargo (May 20, 1818 – August 3, 1881) was a pioneer American expressman who helped found the modern day financial firms of American Express Company and Wells Fargo with his business partner, Henry Wells. He was also the 27th Mayor of Buffalo, serving from 1862 until 1866 during the U.S. Civil War.
William George Fargo was born in Pompey in Onondaga County, New York on May 20, 1818. He was the eldest of twelve children of William C. Fargo (1791–1878) (formerly of New London, Connecticut) and Stacy Chappel Strong (1799–1869). His younger brother was James Congdell Strong Fargo (1829–1915). His education only consisted of the rudiments taught in a country school as he left school at the age of 13 to carry the mail in Pompey and help support his family.
His father, who was born in New London, Connecticut, fought in the War of 1812. The elder Fargo was stationed at Fort Niagara and fought in the battle of Queenston Heights under General Van Rensselaer that resulted in the death of British General Isaac Brock. Fargo was wounded in right thigh, just before the Americans took possession of the ground. His grandfather was William Beebe Fargo (1757–1801), the son of William Fargo (1726–1813). His great-grandfather was the son of Moses Fargo (1691–1798) and the grandson of Moses Fargo (1648–1742), who emigrated from England to Connecticut in 1670 and served with distinction in the Revolutionary War.
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