Standard Oil Trust signed by John D. Archbold and J.D. Rockefeller - 1886 dated Autographed Stock Certificate

Stock signed by Jon. D. Archbold as secretary and J.D. Rockefeller as president on front. Transferred to JDR on back. Also signed by Benj. Brewster as treasurer.

John Dustin Archbold (born July 26, 1848, in Leesburg, Ohio; died December 6, 1916, in Tarrytown, New York) was a prominent American capitalist and one of the pioneering oil refiners in the United States. His modest oil enterprise was acquired by John D. Rockefeller's Standard Oil Company. Archbold quickly advanced within Standard Oil, managing numerous intricate and confidential negotiations throughout the years. By 1882, he had become Rockefeller's closest confidant and frequently served as the company's principal spokesperson. Following 1896, Rockefeller delegated business responsibilities to Archbold as he focused on his philanthropic endeavors; as vice president, Archbold effectively oversaw the operations of Standard Oil until his passing in 1916. Influenced by Rockefeller's strategies, Archbold prioritized stabilization, efficiency, and the reduction of waste in the refining and distribution of petroleum products. In 1911, the Supreme Court mandated the dissolution of the company into approximately thirty-six smaller entities, after which Archbold assumed the presidency of the largest, Standard Oil of New Jersey.

John Davison Rockefeller Sr. (July 8, 1839 – May 23, 1937) was an American business magnate and philanthropist, widely regarded as the wealthiest American of all time and the richest person in modern history. Born into a large family in upstate New York, Rockefeller's family moved several times before settling in Cleveland, Ohio. At the age of 16, he began working as an assistant bookkeeper and entered various business partnerships starting at age 20, focusing on oil refining. In 1870, Rockefeller founded the Standard Oil Company, which he managed until 1897 while remaining its largest shareholder.

Benjamin Brewster (June 30, 1828 – August 23, 1897) was an American industrialist, financier, and one of the original trustees of Standard Oil. 

Brewster was born in 1828 in Norwich, Connecticut, to Patrick Brewster (fourth great-grandson of Mayflower Pilgrim William Brewster) and Catharine Fanny Roath. He attended public schools in Norwich and went to work as a clerk in New York City. In 1849 he headed West to join the California Gold Rush, establishing a general mercantile store in San Francisco soon after his arrival. His partner in this enterprise was Oliver Burr Jennings, and together they amassed a considerable fortune.

Brewster returned East in 1874 and settled permanently in New York City. Following his former partner Oliver Burr Jennings, who had married the sister of William Rockefeller's wife, he became involved with John D. Rockefeller in organizing the Standard Oil Company. When the Standard Oil Trust was formed in 1882 he served as a trustee.

Brewster was prominently associated with the building of the Manhattan Elevated Railway and was also a financial leader in many large railroad transactions, particularly the reorganization of the Chicago, St. Paul, Minneapolis and Omaha Railway. He served as vice president of the Chicago, Rock Island and Pacific Railroad and was a director of the Chicago and Eastern Illinois Railroad and the Delaware and Hudson Canal Company. He was also a director of the International Navigation Company, owner of the American Line of steamers.

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