Sparks Mining Company 1903 John Sparks Signature Piece

Very rare signature piece issued in 1903 and signed by Jno. (John)Sparks of Nevada. Sparks was elected governor of Nevada in 1902. Sparks for years had been a prominent factor in the development of agriculture and stock raising in Nevada. One of the things of which he was most proud was his big ranch along the railroad between Carson and Reno called "The Alamo". The ranch was situated on the old Virginia City Turnpike and took it's name from the fine grove of cottonwood trees standing near the home. The governor raised a herd of elk and buffalo at "The Alamo" and had done more than any other man in the west to keep the buffalo from becoming extinct (Bessie Beatty, Who's Who In Nevada, 1907). As a breeder of fancy stock, Sparks was known all over the west. He sent the first Herefords ever shipped to Honolulu and his Alamo cows were shipped throughout the U.S. The certificate has a great vignette of Spark's "Alamo Stock Bulls". Location of Mines, Reno, Nevada printed below the vignette. Very rare piece in excellent condition. Click on image for larger view.