Up for auction is a magnificent 2-piece lot of turn-of-the-century Pennsylvania industrial and railroad history: two original commercial billhead statements issued by the Kushequa Brick Company of Kushequa, McKean County, Pennsylvania, both dating to March 1905.

These historic documents were sent directly to the Mount Jewett, Kinzua, and Riterville Railroad Company, offering a fascinating window into the daily operational logistics, upkeep, and supply needs of a historic Pennsylvania short-line railroad.

Historical Significance & The Legendary Kane Family Civil War Heritage:

This archive perfectly showcases the integrated industrial empire of Elisha Kent Kane, whose name is prominently printed at the top left as President of the firm. Kane, a prominent Pennsylvania timber and oil magnate, founded the town of Kushequa and built the Mount Jewett, Kinzua, and Riterville Railroad as a specialized carrier to transport his company's vitrified paving blocks and wire-cut brick out to national rail grids. The center-right side of the letterhead proudly highlights these vital shipping connections, noting direct routes connecting with the Erie Railroad, the Buffalo, Rochester, and Pittsburgh Railway, and the legendary Pennsylvania Railroad.

While brick company president Elisha Kent Kane (1856–1935) was a child during the American Civil War, his family name carries immense military prestige. He was the eldest son of Major General Thomas Leiper Kane, one of Pennsylvania's most celebrated Union heroes.

General Kane famously organized, recruited, and commanded the legendary "Bucktails" regiment (the 42nd Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry), pulling hardy woodmen, lumbermen, and expert sharpshooters straight out of McKean County. Under his fierce leadership, the Bucktails became a highly feared elite skirmishing unit, fighting with distinction across major campaigns, including a desperate, vital defense on the second day of the Battle of Gettysburg. This 2-card lot directly ties back to the regional Pennsylvania timber country that birthed that legendary Civil War regiment.

The 2-Piece Archive Includes:

1. March 9, 1905 Invoice: Features a handwritten entry tracking a heavy industrial delivery of over 31 tons of coal ("31 2/20 tons Coal") delivered to the railroad line on February 22, totaling $65.20. Features the decorative miniature metal floral-pattern eyelet fastener securely intact in the upper left corner.

2. March 8, 1905 Invoice: Features a handwritten entry tracking an internal company purchase of "2 Sparkers" totaling $4.00 for machinery upkeep, alongside a distinct pencil office routing signature reading "Gaskin" on the lower half.

Condition Report:

Both documents feature beautiful, crisp corporate typography and clean, elegant period penmanship. Both pieces retain their original mid-document horizontal folding creases from historic office transit and display light, natural age-toning.

- Please note corner detail on the second invoice: Unlike the first document, the miniature metal eyelet fastener was historically removed from the upper left-hand corner of the March 8th "Sparkers" invoice, resulting in a small, clean tear/notch at the very top edge.

Both pieces remain structurally sound, clear, and look excellent displayed together side-by-side. They come housed flat inside archival protective sleeves.

Shipping & Handling:

Both documents will be shipped together securely in their protective sleeves, reinforced with rigid cardboard backing to prevent any bending or damage during transit. Tracked shipping is provided.