Rockefeller was an entrepreneur who entered the oil industry at the age of twenty-four and worked ruthlessly to unify it into the Standard Oil Trust. Flagler was called “the builder of the east coast Florida;” he set out to make Florida the “Newport of the South” by making it easier to get to—via rail—and building grand hotels to lure wealthy vacationers. DS, one page both sides, 16 x 8, Standard Oil Trust letterhead, August 4, 1886. Important and scarce brown certificate for one hundred shares of Standard Oil Trust for William V. Brokaw, signed at the bottom by Rockefeller and countersigned by Henry Flagler and the Treasurer. The Standard Oil Certificates customarily seen on the market are green and are for fewer shares. The Stock Certificates with the ornate brown border are scarce and the 100-share amount is elaborately engraved several times, rather than the share amount being entered in manuscript as on the green certificates. The stub is attached and the transfer has been completed on the reverse. In fine condition with detailed vignette of the Capitol Building at the top, a July 14, 1899, cancellation stamp to left corner, several folds and two revenue stamps affixed to reverse. COA John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and R&R COA.
