Partly-printed document, one page, 10.5 x 8.25, no date [circa 1831]. Unissued early stock certificate from “The American Society for Encouraging the Settlement of Oregon Territory,” signed at the conclusion by J. McNeil as president and R. P. Williams as secretary. The certificate reads, in part: “Be it known that…is the proprietor of shares No. 40…in the capital stock of the American Society for Encouraging a Settlement of the Oregon Territory, incorporated A.D. 1831: said shares are subject to no assessment, but are entitled to one hundred and sixty acres of good farming land, agreeable to provisions made by the Society, or one hundred dollars, together with six per cent interest per ann. from the first day of May, A.D. 1832, at the option of the proprietor, the same being secured to be paid by the special covenants of the emigrants to the Society from the common property and revenue of the settlement. One half of this capital stock is made payable in five years; the other half in ten years…The proprietor is to make choice in which of the two ways, and at what place, he will receive payment, and give notice thereof in writing to the treasurer one year at least before the said times of payment. If the proprietor neglects to give such notice, the choice shall be optional with the Society.” The lower right bears an affixed "Society Oregon Territory, 1831" seal. In fine condition.
