Chicago Provision, Grain & Stock Board Certificate of Membership (1883) – John P. Truesdell | Including Letter

Own a rare piece of 19th-century American finance: an 1883 Chicago Provision, Grain & Stock Board Certificate of Membership issued to John P. Truesdell of Field, Lindley & Co., accompanied by a contemporaneous Field, Lindley & Co. letter on firm letterhead (dated 7/12/1883) acknowledging receipt and transfer of the certificate. He states he has left the firm and the membership should revert back to the firm. Low-number certificate #11, signed by J.P. Truesdell on the reverse and by president John R. Bensley on the front.

This is an extrememly rare membership certificate. The exchange only existed for a couple of years we can find no other example of this certificate coming to market (besides BullMarketGifts)

This pairing provides rich provenance and enhances the collectible and historical value for collectors of Chicago's rich commodity trading history.

Overview: Chicago Call Board Era

The Chicago Provision, Grain & Stock Board, commonly known as the Call Board, operated in the 1880s as a secondary market for provisions (meat products like pork and lard), grain, and stocks. It functioned alongside the Chicago Board of Trade (CBOT) and offered an alternative venue for speculative trading, with a distinct culture and trading practices that contributed to Chicago’s vibrant financial ecosystem.

Field, Lindley & Co.: History

Field, Lindley & Co. emerged in 1877 when Edward Morse Field partnered with his brother-in-law, Daniel Lindley, to form a commodity and stock brokerage. Backed by Cyrus West Field’s wealth and reputation, the firm grew as a prominent player on New York’s financial scene, engaging in aggressive market activity during a period of rapid speculation.

However, the early-1890s brought trouble. In 1891, the firm faced insolvency, severe litigation, and allegations of mismanagement tied to Edward Field’s trading gambits. The collapse had sweeping consequences for the partners and creditors, and it reshaped the New York and Chicago financial landscape.

Post-collapse, John P. Truesdell pursued new ventures and continued to influence the industry through the John P. Truesdell Company and ongoing civic and commercial involvement. The Field, Lindley & Co. story is a pivotal chapter in the history of American brokerage and mining finance.

John P. Truesdell: Biography & Role

John P. Truesdell was a prominent New York grain merchant and a key partner in Field, Lindley & Co. during the firm’s late-19th-century prominence. He served as Manager of the New York Produce Exchange and sat on its Finance Committee, signaling leadership within the exchange and the industry.

After the 1891 scandal and the firm’s collapse, Truesdell established the John P. Truesdell Company, a commission merchant firm operating from the Produce Exchange Building. He remained active in civic and commercial affairs, notably supporting canal development in New York and representing the New York Produce Exchange in broader commercial associations.

Certificate & Letter Details

• Issuer / Context: Chicago Provision, Grain & Stock Board (Call Board)
• Recipient: John P. Truesdell, Field, Lindley & Co.
• Date / Era: 1883
• Certificate Type: Membership certificate
• Certificate Number: #11
• Signatures: John P. Truesdell (reverse), John R. Bensley (front, President)
• Letter: Field, Lindley & Co. letterhead, dated 7/12/1883, from J.P. Truesdell, noting receipt of certificate, firm purchase, and transfer of control back to Field, Lindley & Co.
• Subject: Provisions, Grain, and Stock trading
• Dimensions: Approximately 8 1/2" x 3 1/4" (verify exact if available)

Historical Significance

This pair provides a rare glimpse into Chicago’s Call Board environment and the relationship between Field, Lindley & Co. and the broader New York–Chicago financial network. The letter adds documentary depth that enhances authenticity and scholarly value for collectors of brokerage history and exchange documentation.

Display & Collectibility

Ideal for 19th-century finance historians, antique brokerage document collectors, and mining memorabilia enthusiasts. The combination of the certificate and the accompanying letter makes it a compelling display piece for offices, libraries, or study rooms.

Specifications