Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1875-12-17
The Early Days OF the Express Baslacss

~ Inc EullOE o. the fTee fress anu Times
Fifty years ago, there was only one bank
IN Burlington, and | was much pleased
when Cashier Thompson asked me to take
package Of money to Troy for the bank
| knew that he was not afraid to trust NE
\ few years after, Cashier White, OF Yer
geunes, and Cashier Warner, OF Middle
bury. eJmpllmentet me With the privilege
of carrying their packages without fee or
reward This | did for several years. not
knowing the fear OF losing my valuable
trust. ! carried the packages in a small
bag and was never troubled by robber
The banks in Montreal employed special
messengers to carry their packages, and
take charge Of loads Of silver | was told
to deliver nv packages to Cashier Paine. of
Troy. aud that did by frequently calling
him up from bed after midnight.
q jim the winter of lsil, Mr.. Harnden came
10 Albany for the purpose of establishing
his express line north to Montreal. He
urged me to undertake the business, and
predicted the route would pay knew
something OF the wants of the banks. and
good deal vi the tedious trip in winter, aud
could not think OF the undertaking myself,
bat recommended Mr. Jacobs. who was an
old stsger and could bear the fatigue Mr.
Jacobs was furnished with good letters to
H..
tie started fully equipped with carpet bag.
umbrella. red Canada stock ings, and good
courage; that was all his stock in trade.
The route was by stage 10 Castleton the
hrst night. Burlington the second night st
Johns the third night, and Montreal the
uext day There was no stage on Saturday
The messenger would remain 10 Montreal
till the next week, and then return to Al
bany
once 10 two weeks dad not give satisiae-
ton to the business community They re
CURED an express agent every weak Nlr (
virgil was driving stage hctween Albany (
aud Troy Mr.. Jacobs hired hun to 20 on 1
the route. and he proved to be the right |
man "hsrnden = Express" was now estab- /
hshed every week from Albany aud Mon I
treai Mr. Jacobs, elated with his success.
Wished to start an express route west near
nus home, and where he was better known
he sold cut all his interest and good will
in the northern route to Mr.. VIRGIL who
soon called to his assistance such men as
Charles Geer and john 0'Grady, both
well tried in -teamboating They, oy their
industry ard fidelity. won the confidence Of
the banks and merchants in Montreal
which adued much to the income
They were asked to eseor, ladies
take charge Of children, look up stray
baggage and even 10 carry merchandise
10 short time Mr.. Virgil change his head
quarters from Albany to Troy, iocatsd ofIces
ADD employed agents in the large towns on
he route. and was really the founder of
he north branch OF the great express enter
DEire- HIS trip in summer was very pleas
lot The steamboats, ON Lake Chsunplaiu
you'd often wait at the landings for Mr.
virgil to deliver the express packages.
Since the days Of railroads, the whole
cute Is changed. ami have not kept up
sIth the rapid times. Mr. Jacobs did moi
.et hold on the western expsess route He
aid he was sorry he had given NJ to Mr.
'irgil. loitered around Alb my few wears
nd then went to his home ut the West
ceiling sad that he had given up the golden
opportunity. Capt. Virgil united with An
ther company, took the management NJ
be whole business. has kept well tried men
q his employ. dismissed . lew royue. AMI
ides in bis carriage. ! oaly Claim to have
cen the pioneer 10 carrying packages AZ ,
honey from Darlington 70 Ifoi. "
S'ocKPoRE. n ! Bsssnber 10Th. 1875
--1EsF 6. L.