Unissued partly-printed document, one page, 10.5 x 6.75, no date but circa 1858. A document pertaining to land on the Trinity River. In part: “This Certifies that…is entitled to One Share of Stock in 'The Texas Association' established for colonizing certain land in Texas under the Authority of the Republic. Said Share of Stock is transferable in person or by Attorney on the Books of the Association upon the surrender of this Certificate. This Certificate of Stock is not liable for any call, except it become necessary for charges of survey of lands, acquired by the Association.” In fine condition, with trivial foxing. The Texas Association, better known as the Mercer Colony, was established in 1844 by Charles Fenton Mercer. Sam Houston granted Mercer and the Association a large area of 8,000 square miles on the Trinity River, but his plans for colonization were impeded by speculators and squatters who denied the claims of settlers holding certificates to the land. In September 1858, Secretary Claudius Duval called in Mercer's certificates and issued new shares to sell for one hundred dollars each; the present certificate is from the 1858 issue.
