Samuel T. Hauser

1884, Montana. 8 ½” x  6”.  Stock certificate for 1 share. Issued to and signed on verso and as president by Samuel T. Hauser (1833 1914). Pioneer miner, capitalist and territorial governor of Montana. Star punch cancellation effects Hauser's signature as president only. The Helena and Jefferson County Railroad gave Wickes Montana access to outside markets. Because of it, the mine, mill and camp enjoyed its peak years of prosperity through the rest of the 1880s. With Hauser's acquisition of the mine and mill and the arrival of the railroad, the community of Wickes flourished. It transformed from a sober alcohol-free community to a "rip-roaring" mining camp that extended 1 1/2 miles along the gulch. The camp had between 900 to 1500 residents and included five dance halls, 22 saloons, a general store, post office, two hotels, at least one meat market, a blacksmith shop and a Presbyterian church.