Description:

Robert Morris
Philadelphia, PA, April 18, 1795
Robert Morris Signs Stock Certificate 3 Years Before Debtor's Prison
DS

A signed stock certificate by Robert Morris as President of the North American Land Company. 1p, measuring 12.5" x 9.75", Philadelphia, dated April 18, 1795. Signed, "Robt Morris" and countersigned "James Marshall" as Secretary. A North American Land Company stock certificate No. 1072 granting 10 shares (14,693-14,702) to William Temple Franklin. Mounted and framed with a lithograph of Morris to the overall size of 27" x 17.75". The document has uneven edges with small tears and chipping at the edges. Two small holes at the bottom center margin. Light toning and soiling throughout. Large, bold signature.

Founded on February 20, 1795 by Robert Morris (1734-1806), John Nicholson (1757-1800), and James Greenleaf (1765-1843), the North American Land Company sold real estate stock shares corresponding to six million acres in Pennsylvania, North Carolina, Virginia, South Carolina, and Georgia. Initially, shares cost $100 and represented 200 acres each. The investment seemed sound, as the company promised a dividend of $6 or more annually, but the company had financial problems from the start. There were questions about the validity of some of its land titles, and some areas of land were difficult to sell because they consisted of bare, sandy wilderness. It is unknown if the London merchants were able to recoup their investment when the company collapsed and all three business founders were imprisoned.

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

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  • Dimensions: Document: 12 1/2 x 9 3/4 in. (31.8 x 24.8 cm.), Frame: 27 x 17 3/4 in. (68.6 x 45.1 cm.)
  • Medium: DS

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August 27, 2025 10:00 AM EDT
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