"The Pearl" Gold & Silver Mining Co. Stock Certificate, Silver Mountain, 1863 #100987

"Silver Mountain" printed on the bottom of the stock. Inc. three months before in 1863. No. 51, issued for 10 shares to Frank Cooper on Sept. 28th, 1863. Signed by J.O. Eldrige, president, and James C. Dayley, secretary. Not cancelled. Vignette of young woman (top center) and man with fancy hat (top left). Printed by Waters Brothers & Co. One 25 cent adhesive revenue stamp at bottom left. Folds. Very fine. 5.25 x 9.5" The Silver Mountain camp was probably discovered in the late 1850's but no intense activity until 1863. (Ref. Holabird Americana Auction 11 Part I, May 2001, item # 207). James O. Eldridge is listed in Langley's San Francisco Directory for 1865 (p. 166 & 366) as working for the firm of H. M. Newhall & Co., auction and commission merchants. The firm was located on the SW corner of Sansome and Halleck Streets. He was also identified as President of the S. F. and San Jose R. R. Co. James C. Dayley is also listed in the same directory (p. 145) as a mining secretary at 338 Montgomery and residing in Oakland. Frank Cooper was a partner in Stroebel, Fleig & Co. a meat market and pork packer at 1129 Folsom. Cooper was one of the original Commissioners charged with designating the election precincts in newly-formed Alpine Co. [Thank you to Karen Dustman, local historian and author of the book "Silver Mountain City" (Clairitage Press) for background information on the mine and signatures.] State: California City: Silver Mountain Date: 1863