John J. Valentine Sr,

John J. Valentine was President of the precursor firm to Wells Fargo & Co., He died December 21 1901. Valentine was born in 1840 in Bowling Green, Ohio and "began his business career in 1854, when he entered the employ of Younglove Brothers, druggists and agents for Carter, Thomas Co.'s stage and express line, in Bowling Green.

He had therefore been in the express business over thirty-seven years [by the time of his death] . Shortly after thus beginning his business career, the Adams Express Company obtained express facilities in Bowling Green, and Mr. Valentine became identified with them, remaining with them until 1861, when he went to California as joint agent there for the Wells-Fargo Co.'s Express and the Pioneer Stage Company.

Subsequently he became Superintendent of the latter company, then Superintendent of the Pacific Division of Wells, Fargo Co.'s Express, and in 1869 he came to New York, New York as General Superintendent... He had since filled the offices of Director, Vice President, and General Manager.

Mr. Valentine... has written a number of pamphlets on financial subjects, notably, one on " Money," advocating a parity of value to be maintained between gold and silver. He was a member of the Advent Episcopal Church of Oakland and Vice President of the San Francisco Young Men's Christian Association. [ New York Times, December 22 1901]

References