One-of-a-kind certificate for Nevada and railroad collectors. Company incorporated November 11th, 1879. This certificate was issued on the same day! Certificate #18. Issued for 500 shares to James H. Gowan. Signed by H.M. Yerington as President and C.P. Mason as Secretary. Gowan served as the superintendent. Yerington's signature has been pen-cancelled. Written sideways through center of certificate: "Sold Out Sept. 17, 1881." No markings on back. Printed by Enterprise Steam Print in Virginia City. Left side: "Principal Place of Business, Carson City, Nevada." Top has a small, circular vignette of mine, mill, and railroad in a mountain scene with "All For Our Country" that closely resembles the Great Seal of the State of Nevada. Bottom of certificate has vignette of a dog with a key in its paws next to a safe. Black border and print on white paper. Company was listed at P.O. Box 55 in Carson, Nevada. Gowan filed a patent just four months earlier for "improvements in machines for grinding car-wheels." Yerington's importance to Nevada railroads is unquestioned. At one time, he was the president of sixteen different companies. He was integral in the development of the Virginia & Truckee Railroad, even driving in the first and last rail spikes. He served as supt. for many years, and his sons also worked for the company. Other companies he was involved with: Carson & Colorado Railroad, Inyo Development Company, and the Southern Development Company. Carson City, NV

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