Henry M. Flagler Twice-Signed Document

Partly-printed DS, signed twice, “H. M. Flagler,” one page, 10.75 x 7.75, December 7, 1896. Stock certificate for 250 shares in the Standard Oil Trust issued to H. M. Flagler, signed in ink by Wesley H. Tilford as attorney in fact and Henry M. Flagler as secretary. Also endorsed on the reverse by Flagler on January 4, 1897, and signed on the attached receipt by John D. Rockefeller's private secretary, William H. Beardsley. In fine condition.

Henry Flagler (1830-1913) was a real estate and railroad entrepreneur who also co-founded Standard Oil, remembered for his efforts to make Florida the 'Newport of the South' by providing extensive rail access and grand hotels to lure wealthy vacationers. Wesley Hunt Tilford (1850-1909) was a Standard Oil executive for over thirty years; his brother, Henry Morgan Tilford, founded Standard Oil of California (now known as Chevron) and is portrayed in the film There Will Be Blood.