The San Francisco call., 1901-12-21

of his native place-private enterprises
they were and generally thorOugh-and at
the age Of II went into business as a clerk
for Youngiove Brothers, druggists, in his
native town.
The firm was also agent for Carter,
Thomas & Co. IS stage and express line,
which in those ante-Tailroad days covered
all the country between Louisville on the
north and Nashville, Tenn, on the south
and young Valentines connection with
the express business may be said to date
from his connection with this line.
The construction Of the Louisville and
Nashville Railroad was under way at that
time and il soon reached Bowling Green
and took the direct business from the old
stage line. OBannOn, Kean Il Co. of
Louisville at first had the express priVi-
leges on the railroad and connecting stage
lines, but it was later absorbed by the
Adams Express Company, and young VAL
eltine entered the service of that COM
pany, in which he remained until the win
ter of 1861, when he resigned and came
out to California.
Soon after bis arrival here he was ap-
pointed joint agent for Wells Fargo &
Co.'S Express, the Pioneer Stage Com
pany and the California State Telegraph
Company at Strawberry Valley Ell Do
radO County. He remained there, how
ever, but O short time, being transferred
TO the very important post at Virginia
City, New, where he had charge of the
business Of the Pioneer Stage Company
and the Overland Mail Company.
His responsibilities in this position were
very great and his duties heavy and ex-
acting. but he developed a wonderful
aptitude for handling the business with
was IN due time made superintendent of
the Pacific division of Wells, Fargo q
Co. 5 express business.
Otner promotions followed until in 1863
when he was offered the position Of
manager at the company's headQuar-
ters in New York City.
For good reasons he declined the offer
but the following year accepted the posi-
ton of general superintendent for Wells
Fargo q Co., with headquarters in New
Y Hork
The business of the COMPANY being
chiefly on the Pacific Coast the head
quarters were soon after transferred to
manned, and where and in Oakland Mr.
Valentine resided from his return from
New York in 1870 until his death.
As general superintendent of the COM
pany and enjoying the fullest confidence
Haggin, fellow Kentuckians, and the 9th
ers connected with the direction of its af-
fairs, Mr.. Valentine had In q large meas
ure a free hand in planning and consum-
mating the enormous growth in the bust
ness that has followed the development
largely due the present splendid system
and equipment of the company.
In 1852 Mr.. Valentine was elected a di-
rector Of the company and also vice pres
general superintendency. In 1884 the new
Office of general manager was created
and he was unanimously elected to fill It..
In 1892 on the retirement Of Lloyd
Tevis from the presidency of the COM
pany, John J. Valentine was unanimously
elected president and was at each sub
seQuent election continued in. that posi-
ton, end until within a very short time
before HIS death was not only the official
but actual head and director of its af-
fairs.
Though always keeping in such close
connection with all the several depart
ments of the immense business of the
company as to be thoroughly informed
even to the smallest practical details Mr.
Valentine found ample time for study, es-
pecially on financial questions. He for
many years annually published a sum-
mary of Americas output of gold and sill
yer, which is recognized as reliable and
authoritative.
Mr.; talentlne was democrat and IN
in the discussion of the financial questions