BLODGET CANAL CO. STOCK CERTIFICATE

AutographsExtremely Rare and Early Blodget Canal Company Stock Certificate

SAMUEL BLODGET, Merchant, Manufacturer and Canal Builder.
c. 1798, Partially Printed Stock Certificate, Signed "Saml Blodget," as president of the Blodget Canal Company, New Hampshire, undated and unissued, on fine-laid paper measuring 6" x 7.25", Very Fine. This early stock certificate, Share number 598, retains its original wax and paper seal, and is also signed by Samuel P. Kidsler as clerk. The canal was the product of a long effort by Blodget, who lost five years of work and $20,000 of his own money following a disasterous flood. Blodget began again in 1798, obtained a new Charter from the state of New Hampshire, which authorized him to raise $9,000 by lottery. After several other problems, the canal was completed in 1807. A rare and early Canal stock signed by this important early canal pioneer. Uncancelled and very fine.

SAMUEL BLODGET (1724-1807), was the father of SAMUEL BLODGET, JR. (1757-1814), American entrepreneur, architect and economist. After 1798 Blodget found himself short of funds again, and returned to the legislature, receiving another lottery grant of $12,000 which proved to be a legal nightmare. Without additional lottery funding from Massachusetts, the project would probably not have been completed. Finally, in 1807 the canal with its nine, 45-foot-tall locks was completed at a total cost of $50,000.