History of Wellesley, (Norfolk County) Massachusetts United States of America

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Biographies:

Benjamin Pierce Cheney - A Biography

Benjamin Pierce Cheney, expressman, was born in Hillsboro, N. H., Aug. 12, 1815; son of Jesse and Alice (Steele) Cheney. He was educated in the public schools, leaving his studies when ten years old to work in his father's blacksmith shop. In 1831 he became stage-driver, and in 1836 went to Boston as agent of the northern stage route. He went into business for himself in 1842 and organized, with Nathaniel White and William Walker, Cheney & Co.'s Express, running between Boston and Montreal. This venture was highly successful. Shortly after this another line was established, which was purchased by Mr. Cheney in 1852. He continued to buy out all competing lines until he formed the United States and Canada express company. This name was retained for more than thirty-five years, when it was merged into the American express company, of which he was made treasurer. He also held large interests in other express and railroad companies. At his death his property was estimated at nine million dollars, about seventy-five thousand dollars of which he bequeathed to various charities. He died in Wellesley, Mass., June 23, 1895.

From: Twentieth Century Biographical Dictionary of Notable Americans, Johnson, Rossiter, editor