Nevada territorial signed by Leland Stanford's brother. Emmet Lode, Esmeralda (printed upper left). "Claim 600 Feet" (printed under title). Inc. March 1863. No. 40, issued for 10 shares to F.O. Spring on April 14th, 1863 in San Francisco. Signed by president Josiah Stanford and secretary Gilbert Palache. Not cancelled. Black border and print. Vignette of patriotic eagle (upper right). Printed by Valentine & Co., SF. Folds, some separation, toning, some staining, portion missing along top border, other wear. Please inspect. Not listed on Stretch's 1865 list of 400 Esmeralda Mines. Probably named after George Benson, an elected official in Aurora and investor in many mines. Josiah Stanford was the older brother of Leland Stanford. Leland had interests in Bodie and Esmeralda mines, being president of the Bodie Bluff Consolidated. He was elected California governor during his tenure as president, and likely had his brother look over his Bodie/Aurora interests (like the Benson). Josiah was a California pioneer who came to California in 1849 and became a merchant at Mormon Island before running a hardware company in Sacramento. He died in 1890. (Includes Josiah biography. [Ref: Filer 3, pg. 44 where Josiah is misidentified as Leland's father; Daily Alta California, May 15th, 1890]Date: 1863Country (if not USA): State: NevadaCity: Aurora, EsmeraldaProvenance: Joe Elcano Nevada Mining Stock Collection