ZCMI Stock Certificate. Brigham Young & William Clayton signed.

Salt Lake City: 1871. Framed (20X25) with three photo reproductions: Brigham Young, seated; mounted Indians in front of ZCMI; ZCMI delivery wagons in front of ZCMI. Signed by Brigham Young and William Clayton issued ? April 1871 to J. B. Maiben. No. 7. Number of shares is not legible. Canceled stock certificate with usual markings and perforations
Owner is likely John Bray Maiben who served as a bishop in Manti and later in presidency of the Sanpete Stake and later as president of the Manti Temple.

With the impending arrival of the railroad in the 1860s, Brigham Young decided that his kingdom needed to be more cohesive. Exerting his influence, he slowly drew most merchants in Utah under the umbrella of a new organization to be known as Zion's Cooperative Mercantile Institution. In October 1868 the institution was officially incorporated—it would be organized under territorial statute two years later. Stock shares were issued immediately—a single share sold for $5 at the beginning. The institution was soon capitalized in an authorized fashion with 30,000 shares valued at $100/ea. The first dividend of 10% cash was issued in 1869 and another in 1870 of 16% cash and 25% stock.
As was usually the case through the David O. McKay years, Brigham Young—as church president—also acted as president of the company. William Clayton was the first secretary of ZCMI but would continue in this capacity only until October of the year this certificate was issued. ZCMI played such an important role in the history of not only the LDS Church but the state of Utah—this is a key piece of that history. Very good. Item #34026

Price: $6,500.00