John D. Rockefeller and Henry M. Flagler Document

Superb partly-printed DS, signed “John D. Rockefeller," "Henry M. Flagler," and "J. A. Bostwick,” one page, 11 x 6.5, April 8, 1875. Rare stock certificate for fifty shares of the Standard Oil Company of Ohio issued to founding partner Jabez A. Bostwick, signed on the front in ink by John Rockefeller as president and Henry M. Flagler as secretary. Bostwick signs twice: once on the attached receipt and once on the reverse to transfer the shares to Flagler. In fine condition, with red cancelation marks to the Flagler and Rockefeller signatures. A rare type, improved by the significant connections of the signatories.

John D. Rockefeller (1839-1937) was a business magnate and philanthropist whose Standard Oil empire made him the wealthiest man in the world. 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. Jabez Abel Bostwick (1830-1892) was a founding partner of Standard Oil, serving as the company's first treasurer.