Through The Mayor's Eyes
The Only Complete History of the Mayor's of Buffalo, New York
Compiled by Michael Rizzo

William G. Fargo

1862-63, 1864-65

HISTORY

                William G. Fargo  arrived in Buffalo  in 1810. Upon the start of the War of 1812 , he enlisted in the service. While in Queenstown, he was injured and taken to Lewiston, where he remained for four months. After his service ended, in 1817, he went to Pompey, New York.

                William G. Fargo  was born in Pompey, on May 20, 1818, the eldest of twelve children. He attended  school in the winter months, and worked the farm in the summer, until he was 13 years of age. At this time he began employment with Daniel Butts, a farmer and mail contractor. Fargo delivered mail on horseback, twice a week from Pompey Hill to Apulia, and all stops in between, a trip of about forty miles.

                From then until the time he was seventeen years old, he worked different jobs, including as an assistant in a country hotel.

                In 1835 he secured a position in a Syracuse, New York grocery store, and remained there for about one year. He then worked in another store for about three years, and then another for a year.

                His first business venture was with his younger brother, Jerome, as a grocery and provision dealer. The business was not successful, and closed after one year.

                After that, Fargo found employment as a freight agent for the Auburn & Syracuse Railroad, which had just been completed. After about a year as an agent, he accepted the position of messenger for Pomeroy & Company, who had established lines between Buffalo  and Albany, New York.

                The business mainly handled letters, small packages, money and other valuables. The rail lines were not laid from Buffalo  to Batavia yet, so the packages had to be carried by stage coach from Batavia to Buffalo

                In 1843, Fargo became an agent for the company and moved to Buffalo

                In January, 1844, Fargo began his own business with Henry Wells  and Daniel Dunning, running an express line from Buffalo  to Cleveland, extending to Detroit, under the name Wells & Co This was the first venture undertaken west of Buffalo , and there were no railroads between Buffalo  and Detroit. Transportation was by lake in the summer, and stage and express wagons and sleighs in the winter.

                The business was not large, but grew slowly. They extended their lines to Chicago, Milwaukee, Cincinnati, St. Louis, and Galena. In 1845, Dunning withdrew from the partnership, and a year later Wells sold his interest to William A. Livingston, and the name was changed to Livingston & Fargo.

                Mr. Livingston was in charge of the Buffalo  business and Fargo moved to Detroit where he remained for a year, before returning to Buffalo

                In 1850 several express lines between New York and Buffalo  consolidated together under the American Express  Company. These lines included Livingston, Wells & CO , Butterfield, Wasson & Co., rival lines between New York and Buffalo , and Livingston & Fargo west of Buffalo

                Henry Wells  was made president and William Fargo , secretary.

                Fargo realized the importance of extending the express business to the Pacific coast, because of the discovery of gold in 1848, so in 1851 he and Henry Wells  organized Wells, Fargo & CO This company did business between San Francisco and New York, employing steamship transportation. It had a monopoly on express business west of the Rocky Mountains, and operated banks at many of the important towns in the west.

                Fargo was the vice-president of the company and one of the directors from its inception until his death. He was pioneer in the "establishment of a line of overland mail and passenger coaches before the construction of the Pacific railways, and was concerned in the well remembered 'Pony Express; that carried letters and messages between Missouri and California in a week's time, before the construction of telegraph lines."

                On Saturday, October 19, 1861, the first city convention designated "The People's Movement," was held. Asaph Bemis  and James Adams  were the names presented, and after balloting, James Adams  was declared the winner.

                The Democratic City Convention  was held on October 23. William G. Fargo  was chosen by acclamation. Fargo "yielded to the persuasion of his friends and became a candidate for mayor."

                The Republican's held their convention on October 21, 1861. A motion was moved to adopt the 

candidates from the People's Movement. This was opposed, but a committee appointed to nominate a candidate chose James Adams  anyway.

LIFE AS A MAYOR

                Election day fell on November 5, 1861, and  locally the Democrats swept up, but the State went Republican. Fargo defeated Adams by a wide majority, 5,658 to 4,479.

                "Mayor Fargo 's administration was heir to much prosperity set in motion under Mayor Alberger." The city, since the dawn of 1861, had assumed an important place in the nation, and Mayor Fargo  continued the fine service.

                On January 6, 1862 at 11:30 a.m., William G. Fargo  was administered the oath of office by outgoing Mayor Franklin Alberger Mayor Fargo  then swore in the newly elected aldermen and city officers. After some words were spoken by outgoing politicians, the old Council was declared dissolved.

                The new Council immediately assembled, one of the first business doings was to inform Mayor Fargo  that the Council would meet at two o'clock to receive any communication from him.

                When the Council met at two, he submitted his annual address  through the committee appointed to wait upon him.

                "The duty of 'recommending to the Common Council  such measures as may be thought necessary'...is one beset with difficulties, arising from the fact that, to a practical man, experience is the best teacher.

                "For the first time in its history, the Federal Government is assailed by a rebellion which threatens the life of the nation, and which, for almost ten months, has maintained itself against all the force which the Government, sustained by the loyal men of the Union, and by the capital of the entire North, has called into requisition. Whether the Government has made essential progress in the solution of the great problem of a Republic, or whether we are yet standing upon the threshold of our difficulties, remains in doubt. There is no doubt, however, of the patriotism, the courage, and the self-sacrificing disposition of the American people. They are willing to stand by the Union and the Constitution, to give their last dollar, and lay down their lives in defense of their integrity, until this rebellion shall be suppressed, and the authority of the Government is acknowledged over the whole area of this vast Republic. And now, as if to add to the complications of a civil war, and to further embarrass this Republic in its struggle for existence, Great Britain is menacing us with a foreign war. Should the diplomacy of the Administration fail to avert the impending danger, war will be brought to our doors...

                "In this hour of national peril and trial, when every man feels or should feel the necessity of lending his whole strength to the Government, it is no easy task to turn to the detail of municipal affairs. And yet, it was never more important that our local governments should be properly administered; that economy should characterize every department of the public service, and that fidelity to trust should be exacted of every one charged with the public business.

                "In addition to the extraordinary demands of the State and National Governments which must be met, the taxation for carrying on the City Government for the present year will be necessarily increased in order to provide for the principal and interest of the Funded Debt falling due, as well as the amount borrowed from the contingent Fund for the past year.

                 "The democratic [idea] of 'pay as you go' is one that should be rigidly adhered to, except in extraordinary emergencies not contemplated by the charter, and even then, it is not just to impose upon the future the burdens of which a fair proportion should be [paid] by the present. The neglect of the last Council has imposed unnecessary and additional obligations upon the present one...

                "The present condition of the harbor of Buffalo  is a subject which should command your early consideration.

                "The action of the Council for the purchase of Steam Fire Engines has fully committed the city to the policy of a paid Fire Department , thus practically disbanding the Volunteer Department, which had proved their remarkably efficient. During the past year five engine companies...have been formally disbanded. These companies have all discharged their self-imposed duties with commendable zeal, and as by no fault of their own they are to be thrown out of service.

                "The Fire Marshal estimates the whole expense of establishing the Fire Department  upon the present basis of $37,000, and the annual expenses of maintaining it at about $16,500.

                "Our streets, sidewalks and sewers should be kept in good repair, but at the present time, no new works should be ordered, unless it is clearly the wish of a large majority of those liable to be taxed for the improvement.

                "There are other important matters which will require your consideration during the present year; but I have thought it proper to postpone their presentation until we have entered upon our respective duties, and become more familiar with the condition of the several Departments of the City Government, and better qualified to judge what further measures will be demanded."

                Mayor Fargo  delivered his second annual address  on January 5, 1863.

                "The expenditures of the city government have been rigidly kept within the estimates and for the first time in several years, not a single fund has been overdrawn, while several of the departments show considerable balances, which will serve to diminish the local taxation for the present year. It is due to the heads of the departments that I should acknowledge their uniform and hearty cooperation in carrying into effect the policy which has been, to a good degree, successful.

                "While I have felt called upon to disapprove of a considerable number of acts of hasty legislation, not one of my vetoes has been overridden, nor, according to the best of my recollection, has a motion for this purpose been entertained in the Common Council

                "Although the foreign war with which Great Britain threatened our government, a year ago has been postponed or averted altogether, although our city and State have been prospered in their commercial and business relations to an unprecedented extent, yet the dark and portentous cloud of civil war still hangs over us. Twelve months of hard fought battles between men of equal courage and determination; the sacrifice of the lives of thousands of our most valued citizens; the expenditure of millions upon millions of dollars, for the payment of which the industry and prosperity of every person in the loyal States is mortgaged, has availed comparatively nothing towards suppressing the rebellion and restoring the blessings of the Union and the Constitution to the people of the devoted States.

                "During the year, the Fire Department  has been thoroughly reorganized, and is in an efficient condition. Six Steam Fire Engines are in its service upon two of which there is a balance due...for the payment of which provision should be made the present year.

                "By this reorganization the volunteer force was reduced to less than 200 men. [They] have been re-enrolled and new badges provided for them. The Steam Department was strengthened; its duties and relation to the Fire and Hose Companies more distinctly defined. The Department has been greatly increased, and it is now believed to be in every respect as respectable, well organized and effective as at any former period.

                "The Council has exercised strict economy in regard to local improvements. This is, as I am informed, a smaller amount than has been expended in any previous year since the organization of the City Government under the present charter, and yet no essential repair or new work has been neglected.

                "The Police Department has, in a good degree, maintained a well deserved reputation for efficiency. Of the number reported arrested during the past year, 1,270 were lodgers not liable to fine, and 73 were arrested for desertion from the army, while many others were transient persons, of whom fines could not be collected, and whose imprisonment would not have [done] any public good.

                "Buffalo , notwithstanding the constant increase in population, maintains its sanitary character. The following is a statement of the mortality  in the city for the years named:

                                ú1857                2,286

                                ú1862                1,719

                "It is scarcely necessary that I should solicit your constant watchfulness over the liberal support of the Free Schools  of the City. The number of children taught in them (1862-15,836)...is larger than in any previous year - a fact which goes to show that the population of the city has increased very considerably within the past twelve months.

                "While Council should not forget that it is their duty to keep the expenditures of the City Government at the lowest possible figure...your attention will be called to the propriety of increasing the salaries paid to the employees in some of the departments. The enhanced cost...amounts to fully twenty-five per cent over that of one year ago, and this virtual decrease of salaries falls heavily upon a large class of deserving and faithful public servants. It is, perhaps, no more than just that the city should share this hardship with those who labor in its service.

                "...Before the close of the year upon which we have now entered, we must congratulate each other upon a restored Union, and a return to the days of 'Peace and Good Will' among American citizens."

                In the autumn of 1863 a new mayor was to be chosen. The Union (Republican) Convention met on Saturday, October 17, 1863 at the Council chambers to choose their candidates. After final balloting, Chandler J. Wells  was chosen their nominee, and accepted.

                On October 20, 1863, the Democrats met at the Council chambers to decide their candidates.

                "William Williams  of the ninth ward, after paying tribute to the personal worth, official integrity, and unswerving patriotism of Mayor Fargo , moved that he be nominated by acclamation...which was carried with a storm of applause.

                "The huge Democratic rally held at St. James' Hall on October 26th, at which Governor Seymour spoke, followed his futile attempt to quell the draft riots in New York in which the 74th and 65th Regiments of Buffalo  took such a splendid part, after their trip to Gettysburg."

                Election day was held on November 3, 1863. Mayor Fargo  beat his opponent, Chandler J. Wells , 6,431 to 5,986, a smaller majority than his first election, but with him came the entire Democratic ticket, except for the Overseer of the Poor candidate.

                Rebel sympathizers proved to be a restless group during the winter of 1863. They set aflame the homes of many Union men, especially those that resided out of town. Most of these fires took place along the outskirts of town at North Street. Most of the rebels were finally dispelled when spring arrived.

                On January 4, 1864 the Common Council  convened for the last time. Mayor Fargo  was sworn in, and he in turn swore in the aldermen and city officials. The old Council was then dissolved, and the new one assembled.

                The Mayor was authorized $800 to employ a clerk, and a committee was appointed to wait upon Mayor Fargo

                At two o'clock the Council reconvened, and the clerk read the message from His Honor.

                "Called for the second term, by a majority of my fellow citizens, to act as the executive officer of the city of my adoption, and in whose prosperity and good government I feel a particular pride and a personal interest. My last message concluded with the expression of the hope that before the close of the year past, 'we might congratulate each other upon a restored Union...' This hope, then somewhat problematical, has not been realized. The revolted people of the Southern states still persist in the wicked and unjustifiable attempt to overthrow the best government the world has ever seen, and the Nation is still engaged in a war, which, however politicians may attempt to change issues or its purpose, has to the great American heart but one object, namely to restore our National unity and to preserve our democratic institutions. We have steadily repudiated the suggestion, whether from Foreign Powers or from citizens of questionable patriotism, that we ought to surrender our unity and submit to disintegration and the events of an uncontrollable and uncertain future. Notwithstanding the facts that the resistance of the insurgent people has been greater and more determined than had been anticipated; that had men have sought to make their country's necessity their opportunity to secure ill-gotten gain...yet the people...have continued to support the government as the only refuge in the hour of mingled doubt and determination.

                "The increase of the funded debt has been occasioned exclusively by bonds issued and appropriations made in consequence of the existing war. ...The purpose of providing substitutes for and aiding the families of drafted men who were  unable to enter the United States service without leaving their families dependent on the city for support. This fund was placed in charge of a committee known as the 'Conscript Relief Committee,' which, up to the 1st of January, afforded the contemplated relief to one hundred and fifty-five persons.

                "A very considerable item of annual expenditure is for the repair of plank sidewalks. I am satisfied that true economy would be consulted by replacing sidewalks in all paved streets with brick or stone. The original outlay is heavier; but at the end of five years the stone walk will be found to be the cheapest.

                "A much needed local improvement is the systematic numbering of the streets, and I am gratified to notice that at a recent meeting of the Council this subject was presented and appropriately referred. This work, when commenced, should be done thoroughly and the expense paid by a tax upon the whole city.

                "The growth of the city, the extent of the territory under police  surveillance, and the large number of strangers who frequent the city during the summer months, make an increase of the day force indispensable in the prevention of crime and the preservation of the police  powers. When the number of policemen was fixed as at present...they are not adequate to the demands of a population of one hundred thousand and more. ...I am confident that your honorable body will recognize the importance of the increase. At least fifteen more should be added to the force, commencing as early as the 1st of April next.

                "The steady increase in the attendance upon our Public schools is indicative alike of their good management, and the confidence reposed in them by the community at large. One new district has been formed, and a large building is in process of erection. It will soon become necessary to divide several districts, or to erect new and more commodious buildings, as nearly all the school houses are overcrowded, and many of them require large annual outlays for repairs.

                "During the last year the salaries of the teachers have been increased 12-1/2% and the  number of weeks of service reduced.

                "This communication would be incomplete should I fail to allude to the threatened invasion of rebel refugees and rebel sympathizers from Canada which created little excitement in November last. The first and almost the only information in regard to the alleged contemplated raid was contained in the telegraphic dispatch from the Secretary of War, dated November 11th. ...I dispatched policemen, with instructions to visit every harbor and the principal creeks and canals where vessels could take refuge. These agents, traveling in citizens dress...after an absence of four or five days...reported that they could discover no unusual number of people at any of the places visited.

                "I am satisfied that, if any such conspiracy was matured, the conspirators had their headquarters at Montreal, or at some point [removed] from the Lake frontier. At all events, Buffalo  was not burned...and we have every reason to believe that our Canadian neighbors desire to maintain the most amicable relations with us."

                On January 2, 1864 the Common Council  met to close out business. Mayor Fargo  swore in the newly elected officials and aldermen.

                That day he gave his final Annual Address to the Common Council

                "In transmitting to you my Fourth Annual Message, permit me to congratulate you, and the citizens of the city your represent, upon the comparative prosperity which has been enjoyed during the past year. Bearing steadily up under the pressure of the burdens of war...you have discharged your duties as patriotic men. The city of Buffalo  has never failed to respond to the call of the State and Federal Governments. ...Our citizens have contributed liberally to the charitable commissions that minister to the sick and wounded soldiers. However men may differ in regard to politics and measures, there will continue to be substantial unanimity upon the proposition that under no circumstances, is the dismemberment of the Union to be conceded. Prejudices can be yielded, honest differences of opinion can be reconciled, everything except National integrity can be sacrificed for peace. Upon this common ground of patriotism all free men will stand, each ready in his place to discharge the duty of citizenship. With this passing allusion to a subject which is uppermost in every mind, I beg leave to call your attention to the condition of our municipal affairs.

                "It will be observed that almost the whole increase of the debt has been...for the relief of the families of soldiers. The average allowances to families has been $5 per month in summer and $6.80 in winter. The amount expended...was $73,627. ...Seventy-three families...were added to the payroll, which now consists of over six hundred families.

                "You will readily perceive that it is a financial necessity that power be obtained to reimburse the fund, so that the bonds of the city may be redeemed at maturity, and that the present mode of collecting taxes  should be amended, either so as to secure more prompt payment, or so as to [allow] the city to secure such a title to property upon which it holds scrip, as will enable it to find purchasers.

                "Total length of streets - 196.56 miles; total length of paved streets - 52.71 miles; stone sidewalks - 63.47 miles; plank sidewalks - 214.45 miles; length of sewer - 55.15 miles.

                "The amount received from licenses is largely in excess of any previous year.

                "The mortality  in 1864, is one hundred and ninety-seven less than the average for the last eleven years...[it] is 1 in 53 of the inhabitants.

                "The necessity of selecting a more retired site for the Small Pox Hospital is more and more apparent. A new building must soon be erected...and the construction of a hospital.

                "During the past year the number of the police  force has been increased from sixty to seventy-five. Although the police  force has been poorly paid, not receiving on the average so much as ordinary laborers...they have, in the main, discharged their duties faithfully and in a manner which entitles them to more remunerative compensation.

                "The attendance of pupils would have been larger, had there been accommodations for them. The school building in District 34 has been completed, and will be opened at the commencement of the next term.

                "The officers and employees of our Municipal Government are paid less compensation, according to the amount of services required, than in any other city of its population and wealth. The salaries of Heads of Departments...are insufficient for the ordinary expenses of an economical family. The clerks in the city offices, the policemen, the teachers in the Public Schools  are paid less than in 1859, when currency was on a par with gold. I recommend this subject to your careful consideration...bear in mind that those who labor for the city are dependent upon the city for their support, and deserve, at least, as high remuneration's those who perform duties requiring equal ability, experience and fidelity for other corporations or for private individuals."

                Mayor Fargo  was in office long enough to see the end of the War of the Rebellion. The last important civic proclamation he made was on April 14, 1865, concerning the day of public thanksgiving on April 20, 1865 proclaimed by Governor Fenton.

                "Resting this day from our accustomed labor, let us unite in rejoicing that National integrity and National honor are, at least assured. That the flag of our Fathers is to be the flag of our children for many generations."

                The following day, Saturday, April 15, 1865, the news of the assassination of Abraham Lincoln  was announced. On April 27, 1865, the funeral cortege of Abraham Lincoln  was met in Batavia by Millard Fillmore , Hon. James Masten, and many other local dignitaries. The body of President Lincoln  was brought to Buffalo , where it rested in St. James Hall as a crowd was allowed to view the dead President.

                Fargo was nominated for a third term in October, 1865, running against Republican Chandler Wells again.

                On November 7, 1865, citizens placed Wells in office by small majority, 5,570 to 5,348.

PERSONAL LIFE

                William G. Fargo  married Anna Hurd in January, 1840. They had eight children, of which only three lived to maturity.

                The first house the Fargo's built was at 47 Niagara Street, at the corner of Franklin Street. In 1870 he completed construction of a home which was the "most elaborate and costly private mansion in the state," outside of New York City. The house took two city blocks, from Pennsylvania Avenue, West Avenue, Jersey Street, and Fargo Avenue. There was a central tower five stories high. At his request it contained wood from all the states of the Union. It was the first home in the city to contain an elevator in it, and it was said to have gold doorknobs.

                The house was surrounded by spacious lawns and gardens. One of the first private greenhouse's was on this property. Fargo produced the first hothouse grapes, and it was "virtually impossible to obtain any comparable to them" for many years.

                Fargo was well-known throughout the world. In his latter years he constantly gave to charitable and religious organizations. He was a master Mason  and warden of Christ Episcopal Church. "His generosity to those in need was widely recognized. After the [great] Chicago fire, his company, at his instigation, gave $10,000 for the relief of the homeless." He was a founder and vestryman of Christ Church.

                In 1868, Fargo was a Presidential elector, but that was his last activity connected with politics, as he concentrated on his business interests.

                That year the American Express  company was consolidated with the Merchants' Union Company and Fargo became the president, which he held until his death. At the time, this company was one of the largest in the country, with capital of $18,000,000, 4,000 offices, employing 10,000 men and operating 30,000 miles of railway.

                "For several years Mr. Fargo was not only the executive head of this concern, but its management was under his personal direction, and its success was largely due to his wise, prudent and sagacious administration."

                Fargo was a staunch Union man, and continued the salaries of all employees who joined the Union Army.

                He was instrumental in many early concerns, including the establishment of regular mail; reducing postal rates by charging less than the government; and passenger transportation through the west.

                Fargo was especially concerned in the railway enterprises, being a stockholder in New York Central Railroad , and was a director and vice-president of the company. Additionally, he was one of the projectors of the Northern Pacific Railroad, contributed largely to the enterprise, and was a director for several years. He was a director in the Buffalo , New York  & Philadelphia Railroad, and largely interested in the McKean & Buffalo  Narrow-Gauge Railroad.

                He was involved in many local concerns, including the Buffalo  Coal Company, owning stock in manufacturing establishments, and promoting local improvements and domestic industry.

                At one time Fargo owned a majority of the stock of the Buffalo  Courier Company and was a vice-president. In September 1876 when the Courier's president died, Fargo became president. His health failing, he resigned in 1882.

                In 1871 Fargo was a candidate for the state Senate, but was defeated.

                Fargo was a member of the first board of Buffalo  State Hospital when it opened in 1880.