RUSSELL, William Hepburn [1812-1872] -- American freight line operator, Pony Express

Active in the development and operation of Western stage lines, including the Central Overland California and Pike's Peak Express Company, of which he was president. He was the major figure in the establishment (1860) of the Pony Express along the Sacremento, CA - St Joseph, MO, line, a trip made by his riders in 10 days. NCCN

The riders received a Bible, a pair of Colt revolvers and $125 a month to ride at high speed through some of the roughest and most dangerous terrain known to man.