I bought a couple of shares of SP stock in the early eighties, primarily to get copies of their annual reports. As mentioned, when the Santa Fe merger was attempted the stock converted to Santa Fe Southern Pacific Corporation. This became Santa Fe Pacific Corporation and eventually Catellus Development Corporation. I believe that was who held the stocks when they were purchased back by the company.
There was at least one split and the stock did pay dividends for a number of years. You can find more information at:
[
www.bnsf.com]
Good luck!
cbk