West-Virginia Coal and Lime Co. signed by Thomas A. Scott - 1868 dated Autographed Stock Certificate

Stock issued to Thomas A. Scott and signed on back by Thos A. Scott. 25 cents Washington revenue stamp on front.

Thomas A. Scott (1823-1881) Railroad executive. In August 1861, based on his previous railroad experience, Scott was appointed assistant secretary of war with responsibility for supervising all government railways and transportation lines, and brought with him in this position his personal secretary, Andrew Carnegie. In mid-1862, Scott left this position to begin an extended and brilliant career with the Pennsylvania Railroad, becoming president of that line in June 1874. Scott was president of numerous other railroads during his career as well, among them the Union Pacific 1871-72, and the Texas & Pacific (1872-80). Scott is well known for his attempt at monopolizing the transportation of the oil regions via the South Improvement Company. This was essentially a battle against John D. Rockefeller and the Standard Oil Company interests which sparked a bitter struggle resulting in victory for the vast oil empire. Failing to defeat Rockefeller at his own game, Scott liquidated the company in the spring of 1872.