Standard Oil Trust issued to Benjamin Brewster and signed by John D. Rockefeller, Benjamin Brewster, H. M. Flagler and W. H. Beardsley - 1887 Autograph Stock Certificate

Stock issued to Benjamin Brewster and signed on stub and on back. Also signature of W.H. Beardsley on back. Signed by J. D. Rockefeller and H.M. Flagler at front. Portraits and biographies included.

Benjamin Brewster (June 30, 1828 – August 23, 1897) was a prominent American industrialist and financier, recognized as one of the founding trustees of Standard Oil. In 1849, he ventured westward to participate in the California Gold Rush, quickly establishing a general mercantile store in San Francisco. His business partner in this venture was Oliver Burr Jennings, and together they accumulated significant wealth. Brewster returned to the East in 1874, permanently settling in New York City. Following his former partner Jennings, who had married the sister of William Rockefeller's wife, Brewster became involved with John D. Rockefeller in the formation of the Standard Oil Company. He served as a trustee when the Standard Oil Trust was established in 1882. Brewster played a key role in the construction of the Manhattan Elevated Railway and was a financial leader in numerous major railroad transactions, notably the reorganization of the Chicago, St. Paul, Minneapolis and Omaha Railway. He held the position of vice president at the Chicago, Rock Island and Pacific Railroad and was a director for both the Chicago and Eastern Illinois Railroad and the Delaware and Hudson Canal Company. Additionally, he served as a director of the International Navigation Company, which owned the American Line of steamers.

John Davison Rockefeller Sr. (July 8, 1839 - May 23, 1937) was a distinguished American business magnate and philanthropist. He ranks among the wealthiest individuals in American history and is considered one of the richest people of modern times. Born into a large family in Upstate New York, Rockefeller's family relocated several times before finally settling in Cleveland, Ohio. He began his career as an assistant bookkeeper at the age of 16 and entered into various business partnerships starting at 20, focusing primarily on oil refining. In 1870, he founded the Standard Oil Company, which he managed until 1897 while remaining its largest shareholder. Following his retirement, Rockefeller dedicated his efforts and resources to philanthropy, particularly in the fields of education, healthcare, higher education, and the modernization of the Southern United States.

Henry Morrison Flagler (January 2, 1830 – May 20, 1913) was a prominent American industrialist and a co-founder of Standard Oil, which initially operated in Ohio. He played a significant role in the development of Florida's Atlantic coast and established the Florida East Coast Railway, much of which was constructed through the practice of convict leasing. Flagler is often referred to as the father of Miami and Palm Beach, Florida.

William Henry Beardsley (April 7, 1852 - December 13, 1925) served as the private secretary to Henry Flagler, the Chairman of the Florida East Coast Railway Company. Born on April 7, 1852, in Cleveland, Ohio, he was the son of I. L. Beardsley, a journalist originally from New York who relocated to Cleveland in 1838. I. L. Beardsley was instrumental in founding the "Plain Dealer" and later ventured into the wholesale grocery business. William completed his education in Cleveland, graduating from Central High School in 1869. He initially worked alongside his father in the grocery sector before moving to New York, where he was employed by the Standard Oil Company from 1880 to 1890. In 1890, H. M. Flagler, a co-founder of Standard Oil, appointed Mr. Beardsley as his financial representative. He subsequently took on the role of treasurer for the Florida & East Coast Railroad, the Florida East Coast Steamship Company, and all properties under Mr. Flagler's control. On February 26, 1874, Mr. Beardsley married Miss Lillian, the daughter of Marcus S. Sterling from Bridgeport, Connecticut, whose grandfather had once served as the mayor of the city. The couple had three children: Sterling S., Lillian, and William Jr. Mr. Beardsley was an active member of the Field and Marine Club, the Midwood Club, and the Ohio Society of New York, enjoying a prominent position in social circles and a distinguished reputation in financial matters. Following Henry Flagler's passing, William ascended to the presidency of the Florida East Coast Railway, succeeding Flagler, and also became a trustee of the Flagler estate. He later retired from the presidency but continued to serve as Chairman of the Board until his death on December 13, 1925. Mr. Beardsley was cremated, and his ashes were interred in the Beardsley Family Mausoleum at Woodlawn Cemetery in the Bronx, New York, alongside his wife, her family, and their children.

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