JAMES GREENLEAF & ROBERT MORRIS

1795, Pennsylvania. North American Land Company stock certificate number 2101 for eight hundred and thirty-three shares issued to JAMES GREENLEAF, who organized the North American Land Company along with Robert Morris and John Nicholson in February 1795, the month this certificate was issued. The company was formed by the men in order to sell six million acres of land in Pennsylvania, Virginia, George, Kentucky and the Carolinas. The certificate is also signed as president by ROBERT MORRIS (1734-1806) Philadelphia merchant and businessman who served as a delegate to the Continental Congress and Signed the Declaration of Independence. In addition, Morris also founded the Bank of North America, the first private commercial bank in the nation. Unfortunately for Morris and his partners, the stock of the North American Land Company sold slowly and land values did not increase as they hoped. This, coupled with financial difficulties in England, led to the collapse of the company and Morris' imprisonment in Prune Street Debtor's Prison. Pen cancellation affects Morris' signature as president. Scalloped left edge and uneven right edge. Slight paper loss at lower edge, not affecting text. Overall a Very Good early American certificate with fine associations.