1879, New York. Stock certificate for one hundred shares issued to and signed on verso by WILLIAM THAW (1818-1889) American businessman. Thaw made his fortune in transportation and banking. Thaw was a large shareholder in the Pennsylvania Railroad and helped to establish the first international steamship line, the Red Star Line. Orange / Black. Vignette of a train at top center. Vignette of Frederick Billings at bottom center. Punch and stamp cancellations do not affect Thaw’s signature. Some light toning at upper right. Overall Very Fine.

1876, New York. Stock certificate for thirty eight shares issued to and signed on attached stock power by WILLIAM WINDOM (1827-1891) American politician. Windom served in the House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate and also served as United States Secretary of the Treasury. Blue / Black. Vignette of a locomotive at top center. Vignette of Frederick Billings at bottom center. Punch cancellation does not affect Windom’s signature. Extremely Fine.

1879, New York. Stock certificate for two hundred and ninety shares issued to and signed on attached transfer by WILLIAM G. FARGO (1818 - 1881). Expressman. Fargo got his start in the express business at age 13 through a 30 mile mail route. Sometime later, William Fargo served as a messenger with Wells & Company, the first express company to venture west of Buffalo. Fargo became a partner in Wells & Company and, in 1850, they joined with two other express companies to form the American Express Company which covered the eastern sector of the United States. Brown / Black. Vignette of a locomotive at top center. Vignette of Frederick Billings at bottom center. Stamp and punch cancellations do not affect Fargo’s signature. Minor toning at edges. Else Extremely Fine.

1881, New York. Stock certificate for one hundred shares issued to and signed on verso by OLIVER AMES (1831-1895) U.S. political figure, governor of Massachusetts. Oliver Ames was the some of Oakes Ames, a congressman who was impeached in the Credit Mobilier scandal. Orange / Black. Vignette of locomotive at top center. Vignette of Frederick Billings at bottom center. Punch and stamp cancellations do not affect Ames’ signature. Extremely Fine.

1876, New York. Stock certificate for six hundred sixteen shares issued to and signed on verso by ROBERT C. SCHENCK (1809-1890) Union Army General during the American Civil War and a American diplomat. Schenck was at both Bull Run battles, took part in the Shenandoah Valley Campaign and the Battle of Cross Keys. Blue/Black. Vignette of locomotive at top center. Vignette of Frederick Billings at bottom center. Punch and stamp cancellation do not affect Schenck’s signature. Light toning at edges. Overall Extremely Fine.

1881, New York. Stock certificate for six hundred and eight shares issued to and signed on verso by SAMUEL M. FELTON President of the Philadelphia, Wilmington and Baltimore Railroad. During the Civil War, Felton ensured that the line was able to run despite Confederate attacks. Felton also played a key part in foiling an attempt to assassinate President Lincoln by hiring Allan Pinkerton to infiltrate the Maryland Secessionists. Learning that the men planned to kill Lincoln during a stop in Baltimore, Felton and others devised a plan to provide secret transportation for Lincoln directly from Philadelphia to Washington. Blue/Black. Vignette of locomotive at top center. Vignette of Frederick Billings at bottom center. Punch and stamp cancellations do not affect Felton’s signature. Very Fine.

1884, New York. Stock certificate for 100 shares. Green. Vignette of a locomotive at top center. Issued to and signed on verso by August Belmont. Some light pinholes. Punch and stamp cancelled.

1884, New York. Northern Pacific Railway Stock certificate for 100 shares issued to and signed on verso by Caroline Belmont. Blue/Black. Attractive certificate with ornate border, vignette of a train passing by telegraph lines in the countryside and a lower vignette of Fredrick Billings. Star punch and stamp cancelled. Very fine.

1880, New York. Northern Pacific Railway Stock certificate for 100 shares issued to and signed on verso by Edward D. Adams. Orange/Black. Attractive certificate with ornate border, vignette of a train passing by telegraph lines in the countryside and a lower vignette of Fredrick Billings. Star punch and stamp cancelled. Very fine.