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Organ & Tibbett’s Express – Jul 8, 1865 to Oct 2, 1865
William J. Organ and Roswell G. Tibbetts established their pony express “carrying letters, papers and packages” running from Nevada City to the Excelsior Mining District and the camps in the vicinity of Meadow Lake, per the Nevada Daily Transcript of Jul 8, 1865. They connected with Langton’s Pioneer Express and Wells, Fargo & Co. at Dutch Flat. Tibbetts bought out Organ upon the latter’s retirement, as reported in the Nevada Daily Gazette of Oct 2, 1865.
By Organ & Tibbits Excelsior Express. PAID. to Dutch Flat, California. One of only about four examples from this express, and one of two of this Type 2 printed frank.
By Organ & Tibbits Excelsior Express. PAID. to Dutch Flat; exchanged with Wells Fargo & Co. Nov 4 Dutch Flat to Nevada City. Docketing at left Nov 4, 1865. One of only four examples from this express, and one of only two of this Type 1 printed frank.
Western Expresses
Oroville & Quincy Express – Jun, 1872 to Oct, 1874
The proprietor of this express was very likely Charles Sherman, who was running a stage line between Oroville and Quincy as early as Jun 1, 1872 (Oroville Weekly Butte Record). His earliest ad is from the Aug 9, 1872 Marysville Daily Appeal (run through Dec 6, 1872), noting that he connected at Quincy with stages for other more remote destinations. The May 25, 1873 San Francisco Chronicle contained his first ad noting his own service to Greenville (see cover and ad below), among many other destinations on his “Mail Line.” None of the ads make any mention of carrying express material. We can only deduce this was the case by surviving covers. The Oct 31, 1874 issue of the Oroville Weekly Butte Record carried an article noting Sherman had purchased the Oroville to Greenville mail route, via Quincy. This possibly marked the end of any letter express he may have had.
May 25, 1873 San Francisco Chronicle first ad
Oct 2, 1873 Marysville Daily Appeal ad (dated as early as Sep 13)
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