Beautifully engraved certificate from the Bedford and Stoystown Turnpike Road Company issued in 1854. This historic document has an ornate border around it. This item is hand signed by the Company's President ( Jonathan Stallen ) and its Treasurer ( Peter Schell )and is over 149 years old. The Governor of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania incorporated the Bedford and Stoystown Turnpike Road Company for making a Turnpike from Bedford to Stoystown in 1815. The development of the Turnpikes played an important step in the history of Bedford County. This Company had an initial capitalization of $170,000. The road was opened to travel in 1817. The first toll gate on the road was located five miles east of Stoystown.