Early Baltimore and Ohio Railroad Stock Issued to Prominent Baltimore Merchant, Quaker and Social Reformer who co-founded the Sheppard and Enoch Pratt Hospital

Baltimore, December 8, 1841. Stock certificate issued to though not signed by “Moses Sheppard of Balt.” for 20 shares of the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad Company. Early engraved vignette of the “Tom Thumb” locomotive. Moses Sheppard (771 – 1857) was a prominent Baltimore Quaker and Businessman who utilized his fortune for many philanthropic causes. He, along with Enoch Pratt founded the Sheppard Pratt Hospital, which remains in operation today and is one of the oldest private psychiatric hospitals in the United States.  Active in numerous social causes, he supported abolition and was involved in the Protective Society of Maryland to Protect Free Negroes, the American Anti-Slavery Society and the Socitey of Friends Indian Affairs Committee. He actively lobbied against legislation that would have removed free African-Americans from the state of Maryland. Stocks issued to Sheppard have been rare to date. As such, a fine opportunity to acquire a stock issued to this highly important and influential social reformer. Some scattered age spots. Cut hole cancellation through McLane’s signature.