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Ask the Marshall

by | Oct 1, 2019 | Ask the Marshall, Departments

ask the marshall true west magazine

ask the marshall true west magazine

Did Wells Fargo have its own detective force?

Paul Gortarez,
Phoenix, Arizona

Wells Fargo hired undercover detectives like James Hume and Fred Dodge. In mining areas like Arizona, California and Nevada, the company hired shotgun messengers to guard the gold and silver shipments. The agents routinely handled telegrams and money transactions as well.

wells fargo true west magazine
Wells Fargo employed shotgun messenger to ride on its coaches to protect shipments. Hired detectives tracked the criminals and recovered stolen goods.
— True West Archives —

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