Killed in the battle of Sharpsburg, Maryland

North Carolina Railroad Company Stock Certificate Signed

(1820-62) Born in Enfield, N.C., he was a U.S. Congressman from 1855-61, and declined the positions of Secretary of the Treasury and Postmaster General which were offered to him by President James Buchanan. When North Carolina seceeded from the Union, Branch was appointed quartermaster and paymaster general of his state, a position he soon resigned to accept the colonelcy of the 33rd N.C. Infantry. He was promoted to brigadier general on Nov. 16, 1861, and commanded the troops which defended New Bern, N.C. against General Ambrose E. Burnside's expedition. Later ordered to Virginia and attached to Gen. A.P. Hill's division, Branch commanded a brigade with distinction from the Seven Days battles until Sharpsburg where he was killed by a Yankee sharpshooter.

Document Signed: 10 1/2 x 8, imprinted form, filled out in ink. Vignette of railroad train at top, and embossed seal at lower left. This is a Capital Stock Certificate made out to W.D. Jones for shares in the Raleigh and Gaston Railroad Company. Dated, May 1, 1853, and signed by L.O.B. Branch, as President of the company. Also bears the signature of the Treasurer. Light age toning and wear. Very fine. Desirable autograph of this Confederate General killed in action.