On watermarked paper stock.

Showing minimal signs of age and handling. Expected fold creases from posting.

Boldly handwritten cancel. No cut cancels

Mostly very clean throughout w/ all text legible.

Overall, in good to very good condition.

You will receive the exact certificate seen in the photos. Please take a close look to inspect.

It measures approx. 7 1/4" x 8 1/2"

The Historical Significance Chartered in 1835, the Taunton Branch Rail Road was one of the earliest branch lines in Massachusetts. It served as a critical "missing link," connecting the industrial ironworks of Taunton to the Boston & Providence line. By 1840, this line was extended to New Bedford, creating the first direct rail connection between the world’s wealthiest whaling port and the capital of Boston.

This 1835 certificate is made out to N. H. Emmons, Esquire of Boston, which refers to Nathaniel Henry Emmons (1796–1878), a heavy hitter in Boston’s "Merchant Prince" era. Here is the profile for Nathaniel H. Emmons and his role in 1835:

Professional Prominence The Firm of T.B. Wales & Co.: Emmons was a principal partner in one of Boston’s most powerful merchant houses, Thomas B. Wales & Company. It’s no coincidence he is a major shareholder here; the President signing the bottom of this document (Thos. B. Wales) was his senior business partner and father-in-law. Maritime Fortune: Before moving into railroads, Emmons made his fortune in the shipping trade. His firm owned a fleet of celebrated merchant ships that traded globally, particularly in the Mediterranean and East Indies. Banking & Insurance: Like many elites of the time, he sat on the boards of several major institutions, including the Boston National Bank and the Atlantic Mutual Insurance Company.

The 1835 Investment:

Major Stakeholder: While many individuals bought 5 or 10 shares, Emmons took out twenty shares (numbered 241 to 260) on July 15, 1835. This was a significant vote of confidence in the Taunton Branch project by one of Boston's most astute financial minds.

Strategic Growth: By investing in the Taunton Branch, Emmons and his partners were essentially building the "last mile" infrastructure needed to move their imported goods from Boston's docks into the industrial heart of Massachusetts more efficiently.

Document Details:

Date: July 15, 1835. Signatures: This piece is a "partnership" document of sorts, signed by his partner Thomas B. Wales as President and William Augustus Otis as Treasurer.\

Condition Note: This specific certificate bears a unique large ink "X" cancellation mark, which historically indicates that these shares were later traded, redeemed, or transferred as the railroad grew and eventually merged into larger lines.

The Taunton Branch eventually merged with the New Bedford and Taunton Railroad and the Middleborough and Taunton Railroad in 1873 to form the New Bedford Railroad Company

**Shipped securely in a poly sleeve inside a rigid mailer via USPS Ground Advantage service w/ tracking**

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