1895, California. Stock certificate for 15 shares in the San Francisco & San Joaquin Valley Railway Co. Green/Black. Litho. Issued to and signed on verso by Henry L. Dodge. Attached adhesive revenue stamps on front.
Henry L. Dodge. An early pioneer who traveled from Vermont to California at the outset of the goldrush. Dodge served as secretary of the two town councils prior to the city’s incorporation. He was a principal in the firm of Dodge, Sweeney & Co., a wholesale provision and commission operation. From December, 1877 to June, 1881, Dodge served as Superintendent of the U.S. Mint.
The San Francisco and San Joaquin Railway was constructed by in order to circumvent the transportation monopoly of the Southern Pacific RR, thereby ensuring a low rate for the transportation of his sugar cane. Stamp cancellation not affecting Dodge’s signature. Extremely Fine.
