[1841]. · Nauvoo, Il.
by [Mormons]
Nauvoo, Il.: E. Robinson's Print, [1841].. Two certificates, 2¼ x 7¾ inches each, printed dos-a-dos on a single 4¾ x 7¾-inch sheet of paper. Fine. A rare example of Mormon financial ephemera, documenting the Mormons' stay in Nauvoo and the attempt to build "Nauvoo House," a splendid hotel in the Illinois town. The present example of Nauvoo House stock certificates is one of only two mentioned by Rush, the other being printed in St. Louis, but probably never officially issued. The Mormon Church was headquartered in Nauvoo from 1839 until they moved westward in 1846. In January 1841, Joseph Smith had a revelation instructing him to build a hotel that would provide accommodations for "strangers and tourists" (see the Mormon Doctrines and Covenants, 124:60). Construction began in the spring of 1841, and stock in the building was sold in order to fund the efforts. It was estimated that construction would cost $100,000, and stock was issued in shares ranging from $50 to $1500. The total stock subscription was $150,000. "All who believed in the Book of Mormon or the revelations of God were permitted to hold stock" - Jenson. The stock certificates were transferable by endorsement, so they were used as a medium of exchange as well.
The present two certificates are each for one share of stock at $50, and are dated in manuscript Feb. 11, 1841. They are both signed by George Miller (who would later form a schismatic Mormon sect of his own) as president, and John Snyder as secretary. The certificate is decorated with an illustration showing the facade of Nauvoo House, and with an eagle within a decorative border on the left side. Nauvoo House was only partially completed when the Mormons left Nauvoo in 1846, and the house was eventually completed (though not to the original grand design) by Joseph Smith's widow and her second husband. It survives today as a hostel, owned and operated by the Reorganized Church.
Printing began in Nauvoo in 1839 under the direction of Ebenezer Robinson and Don Carlos Smith. Byrd lists several items printed by Robinson in Nauvoo, but not the present stock certificates. The only institution listing Nauvoo House Association stock certificates on OCLC is Yale, which apparently owns an example slightly larger in size than this certificate. The Eberstadts offered an example of this certificate in 1954, priced $75. Any such pieces of Mormon ephemera from the Saints' stay in Nauvoo are rare. Rust, MORMON AND UTAH COIN AND CURRENCY, pp.23-24. EBERSTADT 133:700. OCLC 54168121 (ref). Jenson, ENCYCLOPEDIC HISTORY OF THE CHURCH, p.562. (Inventory #: WRCAM35533)
The present two certificates are each for one share of stock at $50, and are dated in manuscript Feb. 11, 1841. They are both signed by George Miller (who would later form a schismatic Mormon sect of his own) as president, and John Snyder as secretary. The certificate is decorated with an illustration showing the facade of Nauvoo House, and with an eagle within a decorative border on the left side. Nauvoo House was only partially completed when the Mormons left Nauvoo in 1846, and the house was eventually completed (though not to the original grand design) by Joseph Smith's widow and her second husband. It survives today as a hostel, owned and operated by the Reorganized Church.
Printing began in Nauvoo in 1839 under the direction of Ebenezer Robinson and Don Carlos Smith. Byrd lists several items printed by Robinson in Nauvoo, but not the present stock certificates. The only institution listing Nauvoo House Association stock certificates on OCLC is Yale, which apparently owns an example slightly larger in size than this certificate. The Eberstadts offered an example of this certificate in 1954, priced $75. Any such pieces of Mormon ephemera from the Saints' stay in Nauvoo are rare. Rust, MORMON AND UTAH COIN AND CURRENCY, pp.23-24. EBERSTADT 133:700. OCLC 54168121 (ref). Jenson, ENCYCLOPEDIC HISTORY OF THE CHURCH, p.562. (Inventory #: WRCAM35533)