John D. Rockefeller (1839–1937) entered the oil industry at the age of twenty-four and worked ruthlessly to unify it into the powerful Standard Oil Trust. Henry Flagler (1830–1913), a real estate and railroad entrepreneur, set out to make Florida the “Newport of the South” by providing extensive rail access and grand hotels to lure wealthy vacationers. Engraved DS, one page both sides, 16 x 7.75, May 14, 1888. A brown stock certificate, featuring a vignette of the U.S. Capitol, for one hundred shares of the Standard Oil Trust, issued to William V. Brokaw, signed “J. D. Rockefeller” as president and “H. M. Flagler” as secretary. The transfer stub remains affixed at left. In fine, attractive condition overall, with light machine-embossed cancellations to signatures, treasurer’s signature lightly overlapping Rockefeller’s, a few pinholes, and a hint of mild soiling and handling wear. Auction LOA John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and R&R COA.
