OLD Business shares?

Question

Hey I have 100 shares from an old railroad company that dates back to 1887. Its in the form of a certificate. How do I find out more information about it and what its worth if anything.

Answer 1

The company is not gone at all, and you probably have a decent chunk of change coming. The Missouri Kansas Texas Railway was formed in 1870 and grew significantly until it was acquired in 1988 by Union Pacific's Missouri Pacific unit. I don't remember if it was a stock or cash buyout, but, either way, the certificate is worth something. Contact any brokerage firm for the details.

Answer 2

There's a book, I believe published by Standard & Poors, which is used in every brokerage firm's back office titled, "Obsolete Securities".  This book may be in the reference section of your library.

On the face of the certificate will be the state of Corporation, you could contact the Secretary of that state and have them check for the status or history of disolution of the company,

On the face of the certificate there is also a Registrar, you could contact them, if they're still in business for a status

In all probability, the compay has been long gone, it may be more valuable if placed in a picture frame and hung on you office wall.

Good luckl

Answer 3

I would contact a brokerage firm and ask them for help.  It could be something that has split many times and been bought out and doubled and tripled many times... Warren Buffett has invested in railroad stocks... you might be rich!

Good luck.