2084

Sierra Nevada Lake Water & Mining Co. Stock issued to James W. Denver [155353]

Currency:USD Category:Coins & Paper Money / Stock & Bond - Mining Start Price:200.00 USD Estimated At:400.00 - 800.00 USD
Sierra Nevada Lake Water & Mining Co. Stock issued to James W. Denver [155353]
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This is a fantastic Gold Rush era stock issued to an important historical figure. Certificate No. 1412, issued to James W. Denver on August 3rd, 1857 in Downieville. Not signed by Denver on reverse. James W. Denver was an American politician and lawyer. He served in the California State Government (as Secretary of State from 1853-55), was an officer in the United States Army, and was Governor of the Kansas Territory during the struggle over whether or not Kansas would be open to slavery. The town of Denver, Colorado is named for him. This stock is signed by two trustees, Joseph Bates and RH Waller, and secretary F. Vidal. Not cancelled. Inc. April 14th, 1853. Black border and print. 8.25 x 9" Folds, creases. _x000D_
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A July 22, 1854 Sierra Citizen article says the company has formed to "convey the waters of a lake on the summit of the Sierra Nevada to Camptonville, by way of Minnesota and Forest City." What lake? An 1854 prospectus for the company (available online) answers that question: "to convert by canalling and fluming, the waters of Truckey [sic] Lake and all tributaries ... into the different mining localities laying between the North and Middle branches of the Yuba River, the water so converted to be used for mining, agricultural, and manufacturing purposes." So where is Truckey [sic.] Lake? It's the older name for Donner Lake! The prospectus lists Denver as a director, along with John Bigler (original namesake for Lake Bigler/Tahoe). DB Scott is the engineer who surveys for the company. An Oct. 11th, 1858 articles mention water arriving in Sierra County from the company's ditch. However, numerous 1860s articles mention legal action against the company.

Date: 1857
Country (if not USA):
State: California
City: Downieville
Provenance: