Rick,
Thanks for the overview and time line of the various express companies. I wasn't aware that Adams came along so late, with the CB&Q acquisition.
As for the Wells Fargo relationship, here are a couple of cars lettered for Wells Fargo, prior to the 1906 passenger car renumbering:
Littleton Historical Museum, from Poole and Martin, in Grandt's
Narrow Gauge Pictorial VIIIOn the Morrison branch, 1903.
At Shawnee, prior to February, 1906.
I've seen photos of Combine #20 with the "Adams Express Company", though re-lettered in 1941 prior to being displayed at Central.
Anyone know of photos showing Adams lettering on cars in service, c1909-1918?
Jim
Jim Courtney
Poulsbo, WA