1868 TERRITORY OF MONTANA BOND AND COUPONS, SIGNED BY JAMES TUFTS, GOVERNOR OF MONTANA TERRITORY, AND BY OTHER TERRITORIAL OFFICIALS

[Virginia City, M.T.]: Montana Democrat Print, 1868. Original document. Fine. Decorative certificate, printed in blue and black, accomplished by hand, with two engraved vignettes. In part: "It is hereby certified that the Territory of Montana is indebted to Ira H. Ming in the sum of One Hundred Dollars, redeemable at the pleasure of the Territory after the 1st day of June, 1870, and payable on the 1st day of June, 1873, with interest...." Dated June 1, 1868. Signed by: James Tufts, Secretary of the Territory; W.H. Rodgers, Auditor; and W.G. Barkley, Treasurer. The embossed seal of Montana Territory is at the lower left of the bond. Attached to the bond are three coupons, printed in blue, each for the sum of $7.50 and each signed by Ming, Rodgers, and Barkley, Judge James Tufts (1829-1884) was born in Charlestown, New Hampshire, was graduated from Middlebury College in 1855, and was admitted to the bar in 1857. He moved west to Niobrara, Nebraska Territory, in 1859, where he became a probate judge. Tufts moved on to Dakota Territory in 1861, and served as secretary for the legislative council there. In 1862, he was appointed US Commissioner to adjust military claims. Tufts moved to Idaho Territory in 1862, served in the Idaho Territorial Legislature, and was first speaker of their House of Representatives. In 1867, he was appointed Secretary for Montana Territory, and served as Montana's acting governor in 1868-1869. He ran to be Montana's delegate to the US House of Representatives, lost the election, and moved back to Nebraska to farm and practice law.