May 17, 1799-Dated, Federal Period, Partially-Printed Vellum Document, The Upper Appomattox Canal Company Stock Share Certificate Signed, “John Archer” and “John Royall”, 1 Share, Fine or better.
A rare financial Stock Certificate printed on Vellum representing the early infrastructure development of Virginia. A clean certificate that is fully issued on May 1st, 1800 to John Morris. Both signatures are clearly readable, some written text lighter, folded for storage with a blank reverse. This certificate serves as proof of ownership in a venture chartered to improve navigation on the Appomattox River, facilitating the transport of agricultural goods from the Piedmont region to markets in Petersburg, Virginia. The company was created by the Virginia General Assembly in 1795. It was designed to bypass rapids at the "Fall Line" by building a canal with four stone locks, allowing batteaux (flat-bottomed boats) to carry tobacco and wheat downstream from Farmville. To support the project, the state of Virginia purchased 125 shares by 1801. The canal system was built primarily by Slaves owned by the company. Signed by John Pride or John Archer, who were empowered by the state assembly as Trustees.