Signed Stock Certificate as President of the North American Land Company
Philadelphia: 1795. Framed item. 16" x 25 3/8" overall. Document approximately 9 5/8" x 12 1/2"
Robert Morris, the influential financier of the American Revolution and signer of the United States' three most important documents--the Articles of Confederation, the Declaration of Independence, and the Constitution--here signs a stock certificate as President of The North American Land Company. This certificate is made out to one John Baker Church for ten shares.
This certificate is also signed by Morris's son-inlaw, James Marshall, as Secretary of the company. Marshall's older brother, John Marshall, was the fourth Chief Justice of the Supreme Court.
Robert Morris was financially ruined by the venture. The North American Land Company controlled millions of acres in the new nation, but when demand failed to meet expectations the scheme collapsed in 1798, landing Morris in debtors' prison. This sad situation of an important Founding Father imprisoned for debt spurred the genesis of United States bankruptcy law.
Both signatures bold and legible, as is the rest of the document. Tastefully matted and framed with a portrait of Mr. Morris.
Fine. Not examined out of frame.
Item #1349
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