John D. Rockefeller and Henry M. Flagler Signed Stock

Partly-printed DS, signed “J. D. Rockefeller" and "H. M. Flagler,” one page, 12 x 7.75, May 10, 1880. Stock certificate for 100 shares in Rockefeller's Standard Oil Trust issued to W. C. Andrews, signed at the conclusion by John D. Rockefeller as president, Henry M. Flagler as secretary, and Joel Francis Freeman as treasurer. Endorsed on the reverse by Andrews to transfer the shares to Charles W. Harkness. The original receipt remains attached to the left edge. In fine condition.

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. Wallace Corodon Andrews (1833-1899) was one of the original directors of the Standard Oil Company, and brought steam heating to the streets of Manhattan as president of the New York Steam Company. The recipient of the shares, Charles W. Harkness (1860-1916), was a son of Stephen V. Harkness, one of the original investors in Standard Oil. The Harkness family had second largest holding in the company, surpassed only by that of the Rockefellers.