The Richmond Virginian. (Richmond, Va.) 1910-1920, 1915-02-14
REMARKABLE CAREER
OF JAMES {. FARGO

AS announced IN the papers or ise''-
ruary Q. James Congdel Fargo died
in his eighty sixth year. His death
occurred at his residence. So Park
Avenue, New York City
For nearl three quor ters Of cen
tury Mr. Fargo had but three absorb
ing Interests in life his church, his
family and the American Express
Company.
Entering The employ Of this com.
pany at the #Ge of fifteen he gave
10 1t Ions fe OF uninterrupted SER
vice. In 1881 Mr.. Fargo was elected
to the presidency of he company.
Al he tiue oil his retirement in June
of last year The company issued the
following settlement;
MIR i. & Fargo. who for forty
years had been connected with the
American Express Company and since
1881 has been its president, feeling
the weight Of his years and the need
of relief from tho burdens of the bus
mess, az we'll as it's responsibilities.
has rendered hTs resignation which
was regretfully accepted at a meet
ing of tn board of directors.
"Mr. Fargo's connection with the
company has been exceptional in
length OF service. in an absolute nd
unceasing devotion to rs interests
anu ana has bctu maj Nch
by a high degree Of ability in tho
management of the company's COM
pick and extensive business"
From that time until practically
the close OF his active life, Mr. Fargo
was the controlling influence in af-
fairs of the company. Possessed of
the highest deals in the conduct of
business his influence was far reach
ing. He leaves behind him an army
I H...sg .1,.-y, Ia.
benefit OF having been associated
either directly or indirectly with him.
In spcakinC of Mr.. Fargo's death,
Dr Ernest NJ Stires. rector of St
Thomas Church, New York had this
10 say;
"Mi. Fargo was one of the oldest
and one of the most valuable MEM
| bers. of St Thomas Church. For
! many years he has been member OF
the vestry and the treasurer of tie
/ parish. The one outstanding quality
in character remarkably strong was
his perfect conscientiousness He
cared for every responsibility with
promptness and thoroughncss. This
was true, also, in his attendance at
the service ! the church; when his
health permitted he was invariably
in his place. The carrying of great
Responsibilities for many years caused
many 10 regard MN as an dbSteTe
man, but those who really knew him
discovered in him a sympathetic heart
| IT was my privilege to make this dis
covery, ami / felt a deep affection
! for him
In a period when heads Of cor
porations have been abundantly ac-
cused in public print Of almost every
crime on the calendar Mr.. Fargo was
| so universally recognized as possess
ing AL the essential virtues in his
/ public and private life that his name
was never mentioned except with COM
| plete respect. The church and the
community mas sustained a great loss,
but we will he grateful for his lie.
and hope for the wide influence of
his example,
| He is survived by two sons, who
! are connected with the various ex-
press companies of which their father
| was an officer, William &. Fargo Is
secretary, and his brother. James F.
| Fargo. Is treasurer, OF the American
| National and Westcott Express Com
1 panies and the latter is also a d.
| rector of the Hanover National Bank.
| -~----------------------