1895, California. Stock certificate for 50 shares in the San Francisco & San Joaquin Valley Railway Co. Green/Black. Litho. Issued to and signed on the stub and again on verso by James B. Stetson. Attached adhesive revenue stamps on front.
James B. Stetson (1832 – 1909). Originally answering the call of the early California gold rush, Stetson achieved success as a Merchant and operator and president of the California Street Cable Railroad Company in San Francisco. He wrote a narrative of his experiences during the San Francisco fire and earthquake titled San Francisco During the Eventful Days of April, 1906.
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 either of Stetson’s signature. Extremely Fine.
