Featured in this lot is this scarce, Tombstone Mill & Mining Company issued stock certificate from 1881. The Tombstone Mill and Mining Company was instrumental in the early growth and prosperity of Tombstone, Arizona, a town based on silver mining. Ed Schieffelin founded the enterprise in January 1879, and it played an important role in the town's development and the extraction of precious ore. To treat the ore, the business built a stamp mill near the San Pedro River, about eight miles from Tombstone. Issues such as groundwater control, transportation expenses, and the demonetization of silver in 1893 all led to the region's mining collapse. In 1900, the Tombstone Consolidated Mines Company took over and worked to restart mining, including building modern pumps to control water levels. The mine remained operating until around 1918, when it gradually discontinued operations. This stock certificate was written out to William Heed for one-hundred shares at 25 dollars a share. It was signed by both presidents of the company as well as the treasurer. It shows good condition overall with little to no wear present despite its age and use over the years. It measures 7 1/8" L x 10 7/8" W and weighs under 6 ounces. Provenance: From the Tombstone Western Heritage Museum in Tombstone, Arizona. TTD164