Executive Records

The copies of articles of association and incorporation, 1851-1970, were maintained and certified by William G.H. Acheson (Secretary for Western Union) and are true and corrected copies together with all amendments. The majority of the documents deal with certificates of incorporation, but certificates of increase and capital stock and certificates of merger are also present. An index accompanies the Articles of Association and a second copy of the Articles of Association can be found in Series 7: Secretary's Files, 1844-1987. The Charter Books, A & B, 1848-circa 1881, contain acts, charters, and articles of incorporation for several telegraph companies. For additional information on the New York and Mississippi Valley Telegraph Printing Company see Series 2: Subsidiaries, 1844-1986. There is an alphabetical index of companies represented in the books. The Executive Orders, 1866-1873, consist of five volumes. These orders are arranged chronologically and the subject of the order (s) is provided. All orders are signed by then President of Western Union, William Orton. The Annual Reports have been divided into three separate subseries: Annual Reports of Presidents, 1873-1968; Annual Reports of Western Union Telegraph Company, 1970-1984; and Annual Reports of Western Union Corporation, 1969-1984. This distinction in annual reports is made because in 1969, the Western Union Corporation was formed and by January, 1970, the Corporation acquired all outstanding shares of the Western Union Telegraph Company. The Western Union Telegraph Company is the only subsidiary of the Western Union Corporation to date. See also Series 26: Audio Visual Materials, 1925-1994, for selected microfilm of Board of Directors Meetings, Executive Committee Meetings, and Subsidiaries.