William F. Cody 1846-1917 Buffalo Bill , American scout and showman, he started his career as a rider with the Pony Express, and in later years organized and promoted Buffalo Bill's Wild West Show . A.N. S. on a lightly lined slip of paper, Yours very truly W. F. Cody 'Buffalo Bill . With transmittal envelope from Cody, Wyoming, canceled Toluca & Cody .