Lot 194
Wheeler's Express, Paid frank, printed in a ribbon design (Haller GW10, type 1) on 3¢ pink on white entire (U34) (some stain spots) cancelled by blue double circle Wells, Fargo & Co. Jan 22 MARYSVILLE oval and faint blue "Wheeler's Express" most likely, La Porta, c.d.s., to Oroville, Cal. Scarce use.
Estimate $300 - 400
In 1862, George Morley sold his interest in the Holland, Morley & Company Express Company to Sam Wheeler. Holland and Wheeler serviced the same La Porte and Marysville routes as their predecessor Sam Wheeler was by accounts a feisty man who left the partnership in late 1863 to form The Wheeler's Express Company In 1864 R.H. Rutherford joined the firm and the name was changed to Wheeler, Rutherford & Co. Express. The company operated through 1865.
Mr Wheeler gained a bit of local notoriety in 1865 when a political difference led to a quarrel with the Superintendent Cohen of the Alameda Valley Railroad. Mr Wheeler "preferred to patronize the opposition". Cohen ordered the Conductor to put Wheeler off the train, "and on his refusal to do so, Cohen dismissed the Conductor. and called other workmen called to enforce the his "arbitrary order".
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| Opening Bid $200 |
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